But just how do you go about getting started asking? Here are the primary action steps to take: 

Act as if you expect to get it. It is of primary importance that your state of thinking contain a solid level of certainty and expectation when you ask. This state of mind will affect everything else – your body posture, eye contact, tone of voice, and choice of words. Think for a moment – you've been in situations when you've asked and had every certainty that you would receive exactly what you were asking for. Remember how you felt then? Keep that in your mind with every request you make. 

Ask someone who can give it to you. Before you ask someone for something, make an assessment of whether or not they will be able to give it to you. Some people are very qualified and motivated to help. Others just aren't capable of delivering – watch people and review that capacity. Have you ever seen them capable of delivering what you're about to ask them, or are you just hoping the potential is there? 

Get the other person's full attention. Your request deserves that respect! If the person cannot give you his or her full attention, set up an appointment, ask to talk during the commercial break, or ask them to schedule time for you in the very near future.

Be clear and specific. Be as concise as you possibly can in your requests. Ask for what you want, not for what you don't want. At the same time, be careful what you ask for – more often than not, you get exactly what you've requested!

Ask from the heart. You can have anything you want if you want it desperately enough! Keep that unbridle passion for your purpose, project or goal stirring in your soul as you begin to ask, and maintain eye contact throughout the entire ask process. This further establishes your integrity, trustworthiness and passion on the subject. 

Ask with humor and creativity. Humor captures our attention and breaks down our defenses. Creativity disarms our resistance and opens our minds to new possibilities. 

Give something to get something. As Zig Ziglar says, "You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."  When you're asking, always be sure to explain what's in it for them, how they benefit and win because they've acted positively on your request. 

Ask repeatedly. If someone says, "No!" you say "Next!" Expect no's – even on a repeated basis from the same people you're asking. Your tenaciousness and perseverance will undoubtedly pay off. 

So You've Asked and They Still Say "No." Now what?

Don't lose your cool when you're faced with resistance! A powerful request can only be powerful if you're also willing to be declined. Ask with authority, prepare yourself for a "no," be gracious in receiving that "no," then make one of two choices: