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Every sales person is drilled on “asking for the order.” Even if the answer is “no” you will get something valuable: the reason for the “no.”

This answer will tell you what your audience really thinks about your idea. Your audience does not understand you, or they do not agree with you, or they are not willing to invest in you. Maybe they are busy and the answer is “not now.” This information is solid gold, and will be given if you are open and will not use it against them.

So go ahead, ask for that favor, request the approval, or whatever it is you need. Over time, you will improve how you ask, you will prepare better, research better. Don’t wait till you have all your ducks lined up, unless you can tell with certainty that you know how many ducks are left to be lined up and how long it will take.

If you commit random acts of violence without a demand, you will be a psychopath. If you commit an act of violence and have a ransom demand, you will be a criminal. If you have a business purpose and present your case properly, you will be admired as a leader and professional. Even if the answer is “no.”