Why don't we ask these things? Here are some reasons: assumption (we think we already know answer), fear of appearing foolish or stupid, fear of rejection, and we just don't think of it!

What can we do about this? First we have to adopt a new way of thinking, and then we have to get into habit of thinking that way.

Let me introduce you to "Dave's Rule of Wrong". Simple yet powerful, you can use this tool to determine whether asking is a good idea. Ironically, "Rule of Wrong" involves asking yourself a question! "Which would be better? To 'ask' and be wrong or to 'not ask' and be wrong?"

Which would have been better? For my friend to ask for help for her friend and been wrong (not gotten any help), or to not ask for help and been wrong (in this case, someone DID know someone that could help; had she not asked, she would have been wrong because of missed opportunity)?

It's pretty clear that there is no harm in asking and getting no results, but harm in not asking and missing an opportunity.

Which would be better, to ask for sale and be wrong (get a 'no') or to not ask for sale and be wrong (they would've said 'yes' and you missed a sale)?

Got idea?

Sorry, I had to ask!

In going back over this article, it reads sort of negative, doesn't it? (SORT OF???) I don't mean to put you on a downer, I just want to make sure that you keep balance and perspective in your life. I want my reminder to serve as your reminder. It's amazing how quickly 'important' things can become unimportant.

It's easy to work a lot when you own a small business (I'll bet you didn't know that…) which makes it hard to achieve that balance and perspective without some conscious effort. Are your priorities in order? Don't wait for that giant reminder to come and slap you in face. The next time you get angry with a loved one, ask yourself if it really matters that much.

One of my favorite movie quotes is from "Mr. Mom", one of Michael Keaton's first movies. In it, he loses his corporate job, can't find another, and his wife (played by Terri Garr) ends up going back to work for an advertising firm leaving him at home to take care of kids. She ends up working too much, so he says these eight words to her.

Now I'm saying them to you:

"It's easy to forget what's important. So don't."