I received an email in my in box the other day. Shocking huh? It was one of those forwarded emails that have been around the world something like 70 times. I’m not sure if you get these kind of emails or not, but I liked the story behind it and knew you would to…so here it is.
ALWAYS ASK, NEVER ASSUME !!
His request approved, the CNN News photographer
quickly used a cell phone to call the local airport
to charter a flight.
He was told a twin-engine plane would be waiting
for him at the airport.
Arriving at the airfield, he spotted a plane warming
up outside a hanger.
He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door
shut, and shouted, ‘Let’s go’.
The pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind
and took off.
Once in the air, the photographer instructed the
pilot, ‘Fly over the valley and make low
passes so I can take pictures of the fires
on the hillsides.’
‘Why?’ asked the pilot.
‘Because I’m a photographer for CNN’ ,
he responded, ‘and I need to get
some close up shots.’
The pilot was strangely silent for a moment.
Finally he stammered, ‘So, what you’re telling me,
is . . . You’re NOT my flight instructor?’
Now I’m going to tell you how I see this relating to online marketing. ‘Why’ you may ask… because that’s how I roll. As soon as I realized my passion for helping other people get massive exposure online by creating tribes, I started see a whole lot of potential in connecting stories from real life situations to online marketing. Call it a gift!
So I’m sure you can see the moral of this story is to always ask. Now you’re probably wondering how this relates to online marketing or building your brand. It has more to do with getting out there and making things happen and building relationships than it does building your brand or funnel. Or does it?
Most people have a great idea and never do anything with it. Or they join a network marketing company and become the closet evangelist. I’m still wondering how that’s working out for them. But for those who ask…they get results.
In building your funnel and auto responder ask questions in the title. The brain hates un ended situations. The open rate is a lot higher in most cases. I’ll let you ponder that one for a bit. What titles peak your curiosity?
On social media sites like Twitter and Facebook ask engaging questions. I know it’s a novel idea, but asking for information about someone before you jump all over them can really go a long way in forming a powerful relationship. Have you tried it?
When building a multimillion-dollar network marketing business ask for the sale. How’s your mindset on this one? Are you building a $100 a month organization or a $100,000 a month organization? The right mindset will win over your ego in asking for the sale every time! A little posture and networking etiquette will also help.
When looking to form a joint venture, ask when is a good time to connect. Just because the other person may appear a little out of your league doesn’t mean that they are. No risk no reward right?
While looking for prospects or suspects online ask if they keep their options open. Here’s a tip though…it helps to ask them questions about themselves first. I know this seems redundant, but I’m adding it twice just to get the point across.
At the end of your blog posts ask for comments. This is in the form of a demand, as in a call to action. Every blog post should have one. This one is without exception.
Now’s your chance to go ask questions, build relations, form tribes, and get your message out there. The marketplace needs more leaders, and leaders lead. They’re no afraid to ask and they’re not afraid to listen for the results.
Ken Pickard
The Network Dad
P.S. Here’s a great little tip if you don’t know what to ask someone. This works offline and online. F.O.R.M. Family, Occupation, Recreation, Message. Ask for information, qualify people, and then send them your message.
P.S.S. Here’s the “NOT SO HIDDEN” call to action and yep you guessed it…with another question. What questions do you ask when starting to build relationships? Leave a comment below for the community. Next time we’ll talk about hearing vs listening. I’m digging through my emails for another story!
Super value added special tip…Get a freakin GRAVATAR!
Fun pop quiz…how many questions did I ask? No the email story does not count.
Love the blog Ken. You are an amazing gentleman and now you have the platform where you can share your amazingness (I think that’s a word) with the world. Lookin forward to reading your future posts.
Your friend,
Hameed
.-= Hameed Hemmat´s last blog ..The Future Of Internet Marketing Is Here And How Easy It Is To Create A Celebrity Like Following! =-.
Hameed,
Thanks for the great comments my friend! It’s been a pleasure getting to know you. So when is the next event?
Ken
Aloha Ken,
Funny story and wonderful points! Thank you for giving some tips on the funnel. You made me go back and look!
Also, you are so right about asking questions. I asked a ton of questions when I started my business and still do.
Much aloha,
Kellie
.-= Kellie Hosaka´s last blog ..Do You Ever Feel Stuck In Your Personal Growth =-.
Kellie,
Building relationship, forming alliances and building a team all require getting out there and asking questions. I know you’re an awesome connector and i value our relationship.
I love asking for your input on our mastermind calls, you have so much to offer.
Ken
Thank you Ken! I really appreciate you and your kind words. I look forward to our calls and I believe we all don’t realize how synchronistic relationships are currently being formed for future endeavors. The LOA & the Universe at it’s best!!
Aloha
.-= Kellie Hosaka´s last blog ..How To Use The Pareto Principle 80-20 Rule To Increase Your Success =-.
Hello! I just wanted to thank you for your really attention grabbing post. Postings like this are a very brilliant method to assist me in English, but I think I got the meaning ok
Thanks again!
Lucia,
Thanks for the comment and I’m glad you liked the post. you should get a Gravatar so we can see your picture.
Ken
Hey Ken,
Thanks for sharing these valuable tips. I’ll be sure to share this post. Take care!
J
Make Money Fast
.-= Carstarphen´s last blog ..Are Your Weaknesses Defeating You =-.
Carstarphen,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving the comment. Always looking to trade ideas with Go Givers like you man.
Ken
Ken,
Love your story! Really hits home about asking the question. I like how you brought mindset and perceived worth into this post. I think that’s a key element where many hold back. Giving ourselves permission to be our best is an empowering step.
Thanks for the great thoughts about looking up to move forward.
Val
.-= Val Wilcox´s last blog ..Opening Doors Within =-.
Val,
Thanks for the comments. Yes mindset and giving first is important to making true connections.
Ken
Great message today Ken!
Questions are so wonderful in so many ways. Not only to start conversation on the social networks but for everything. Questions are super important when you are considering joining a network marketing company. Gotta have the facts and know that you will be well supported!
Thanks for sharing!
In success,
Amanda
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..The Top 3 Reasons You Should Create Your OWN Products =-.
Amanda,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject. It’s still amazing how people make it so difficult to connect with other people. It’s also very easy to attract those who you want to work with.
Ken
Hi Ken, I love the story is also has a great message to it. In business it is always good to ask questions. Questions is a great icebreaker to starting a conversation and building a relationship with new people. In order to build a business and team you must ask questions.
I agree,those who ask questions… they get results. They’re not afarid to ask and they’re not afraid to listen for the results.
Thanks for a great post, Ken
~ Corneal
Comeal,
Great points my friend. Asking and listening! It’s about being present in the conversation. Weather online or offline. We can and should be engaging with others to build the relationship, not just leave it up to the other person.
Ken
Great insights Ken!
Want to become my next content syndication partner?
Shaylee
.-= Shaylee´s last blog ..Google’s May Day Update – Why You “May” Have Lost 5-15 Of Your Long Tail Traffic =-.
Shaylee,
Lets do it! You have great value added content.
Ken
Alright Ken,
You’ve been added to my content syndication partners list! http://www.shayleegregg.com/partners/content-syndication-partners
Looking forward to sharing more of your content
Shaylee
.-= Shaylee´s last blog ..Google’s May Day Update – Why You “May” Have Lost 5-15 Of Your Long Tail Traffic =-.
Ken. Loved the CNN reporter story. I have gotten very good at asking the right questions over the years and it has helped me open an amazing number of doors and create many opportunities that I never dreamed of before. You have some great content on your blog and I look forward to reading more.
Would like to become a syndication partner with you and your tribe.
.-= Scott Pollov´s last blog ..Why Write A Business Plan – Eight Great Reasons! =-.
I love the story! Great post because it gathers up in TWO WORDS the HOW in attraction marketing. Attraction marketing can be hard to explain. I know, I have written pages and pages in an eBook and on my website. But this is perfect. Now… I am trying to become a better networker, and have not always been good about meeting people. But one thing I have tried while attending several live events is this very innocuous question: “So what brings you to this conference/event?” I learn a lot about the person from that one question. Plus, the answer usually helps me with additional questions.
.-= Richard Goutal´s last blog ..My Big NICHE Mistake =-.
Ken, this should be the “Golden Rule” of network marketing.
People love to talk about themselves that’s why I ask the question like “How’s your business going?” Or “Great Job!” etc.
I find that I get more responses and better communication when I do that. And…it’s not a sales pitch. The question really comes from a place of empathy for that person. I feel that we have to really care and share first, and then all will follow.
Great Post Ken, I appreciate you sharing this.
Regards,
Donna Merrill
Hi Ken,
You have highlighted a very common trap. Some people seem to be afraid to ask first. What are they afraid of? Perhaps they have their own answers in their head so they just what to disregard what others have to say. We do need to become skilful at asking powerful questions – first of all it shows we actually care (as Donna has pointed out), and secondly we can find out so much about people and what they really want.
Listening is the second skill we need to have in place – otherwise – why ask a question?
Thanks,
Helen
Excellent info Ken. Asking questions is so important. I am learning to ask great questions and thanks to your tips here I see how many more places I can use them. Sometimes I get a little over zealous and it sounds like “interrogation”. But I am learning! Thanks. Great story.
.-= Holly´s last blog ..Exercise is Easy! Not! =-.
Great post!! Totally interesting, fully engging AND I think it was 8 questions asked, is that correct?
Hey Ken,
Great stuff! Questions are powerful…especially if they are the right questions. I like Holly’s comment also which reminds us that it is also important to ask the right questions at the right times. Thanks for this post.
J
The Cartoon Coach
.-= Carstarphen´s last blog ..Which Online MLM System is really the best =-.
I almost missed your comment box down here Ken, but I am persistent.
That little story got a burst of laughter out of me. Do not assume. I will remember that…
Virgil Cook
.-= Virgil Cook´s last blog ..Copywriting Rates =-.
Hi there ken! This is such a great info! It is indeed very important to ask the right questions.. This is truly a good lesson for everyone.
Hey Ken
I have never read that email before, my god its funny
I have to say that I have noticed when masterminding or networking with people I love to be the one to start asking questions to find out all I can about someone before going any further.
I have had a really bad experience in the past where I got myself into a JVing situation with a friend that I then had to back out of because I started to find out what this person was like to be in business with… was not a good situation and since then I have been all about the questions and lots of them
This was a great post
cheers
Nat
.-= Nat´s last blog ..How to Blast Your Way To More Twitter Followers… Literally! =-.
Ken,
Really enjoyed your post. Asking questions is the key to opening up the right door and learning more about the person you’re talking to. It allows you to discover what they’re excited about…what they’re involved in…and what their “hot buttons” are.
I’ve found that the best way to get to know someone is to ask interesting questions that allows the other person to really explain their thoughts. The other half of this equation is to then shut up and listen.
Thanks Ken for sharing this with us.
.-= Don Enck´s last blog ..How To Opt Out of Facebook Places =-.
Hi Ken,
That story not only illustrates perfectly the importance of asking the question but also the dangers of not asking!
I have to admit that subject lines that ask me a question definitely grab my attention.
And seeing all of the great engaging questions you’ve been posting on FB of late, it’s obvious by the responses you’ve been getting just how well this works.
Thanks for the great reminder to get back on the engagement track!
Michaelé
.-= Michaelé Harrington´s last blog ..2 Simple Tools To Skyrocket Your Credibility Within Minutes =-.
Hi Ken! Great information, and it’s always a good idea to repeat important keys especially about building relationships.
I also like your reminder about asking questions a lot especially at the beginning of a post or auto-responder follow up. It really does get people thinking, and I think they want to read more.
Good stuff!
Erika
.-= Erika Olson´s last blog ..Online Marketing Beginners- How Do I Provide Value =-.
You only get answers when you ask questions. I especially like to ask people to let me know WHY they want to join me in business before I waste a lot of time assuming it’s for the right reasons.
The answers are important, but only if the questions are the right ones.
Thanks for the powerful tips (and engaging story) here, Ken!
.-= David Merrill´s last blog ..Tribe Mentoring Blogging Basics – Part 3 =-.
David,
That’s a great idea on asking people why they want to join you in business. I’m really of the mind to start interviewing people for my business. it’s not about the sale or getting them in. it’s about what they are going to do with it. How are they going to impact the lives of others?
Ken
Man, asking the right questions is so key to building a successful business. Thanks for this great reminder Ken. You posts have such great info in them!
.-= Michael Feil´s last blog ..Blogging for Beginners – The Tribe Tab =-.
Michael,
Thanks my friend. Always appreciate you stopping by and sharing your knowledge as well.
Ken
Ken,
Thanks man for the heads up! Great piece of work on Asking for the sell, I do sell and I must stay I kind of forgot about the close on my blog post, something as simple as asking for the comment on the post is key in closing it out, thanks man for getting back on point about the close. Ha Ken, have you every thought about selling shoes to shoes sales man. I bet you’a he would buy….LOL! Thanks Man!
.-= Charles Wharry´s last blog ..Blogging For Beginners- “What is the best way to get people to comment and interact with me on my blog” The Empowered Theme KaryRogneycom =-.
Charles,
Thanks for stopping by. you never know what you can do or accomplish until you ask for. Someone just might say yes or give you that missing piece that you’ve been searching for.
Ken
Ken,
I had a great comment all lined up as I was reading through your post. Then at the end when you threw out the whole “get a freaking gravatar” comment…I lost it all. I am still laughing at that…and yes I agree. Nothing worse that scrolling through comments and seeing the “Mystery Man” icon next to someone’s comment. Step 1 in personal branding and on-line marketing should always be to get the gravatar.
Oh…and the rest of the post was freaking awesome too!
Love ya man!
Krista
.-= Krista Abbott´s last blog ..How To Define Success For “Your” Life =-.
Krista,
Sometimes we need to shake things up by slapping peeps upside the head with the proverbial 2×4. There was a Sonic commercial I saw where a girl scout was selling cookies door to door. The man who answered the door was about to say no thanks. But his alter ego yelled “GET THE THIN MINTS!” My son and I were on the floor howling. The switch in tone made the whole commercial.
Ken
Ken,
You’re not kidding on the power of engagement and asking questions!
As you know, I took a leaf out of your book recently and tagged a few people on Facebook who were experts on the topic I wanted to know about. It worked like a dream in terms of the responses, engagement and friendships I was able to build.
Questions are such a powerful way to build relationships, yet so many new marketers continue to alienate people with self promotional methods that do little to ‘win over’ the very person they are tying to impress!
Ask people about themselves and the love will follow
.-= Michaelé Harrington´s last blog ..Next Generation Technology Reveals Potential To Double Online Conversions =-.
Michaele,
You are right on the money with that! “…yet so many new marketers continue to alienate people with self promotional methods…” Even if i know the answer or know what to do next there’s always someone who knows more than I. And even then there’s always a chance of connecting more!
Ken
Ken , I counted seven questions.
What question do I ask when starting to build a relationship?
A discovery type of question, such as How did you get started doing what ever they are doing?
A relationship is born from a desire to understand someone. It does not matter how great my product or service is, if I don’t understand what they are wanting to accomplish, or if they are willing to change. Thanks for the story that you began this post with.
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City USA
.-= Perry A Davis Jr´s last blog ..5 thoughts as to why not call your friends- family and people you know as – your “Warm Market =-.