Yesterday, I got an email from the author of a book I bought several years ago, asking me for a review. “I’m looking to attract more readers, and your star rating [and review] will help tremendously… I’m asking for your help.”
Have you ever asked your clients or business contacts for help? You should.
Whether it’s asking for a review of your services (or your book), asking for a testimonial or an endorsement (from a colleague), or asking for referrals, the people who know you can help you, and they are often willing to do that—all you have to do is ask.
Ask website visitors to sign up for your newsletter or follow your blog. Ask people on your email list to attend your event. Ask business contacts to introduce you to a client or recommend you as a speaker at their club meeting.
You have a relationship with these people and are entitled to ask.
But many attorneys don’t.
Often, they don’t ask simply because they don’t think of it or don’t know what to say. Sometimes, they don’t ask because they “don’t want to bother people” or think that asking makes them appear “weak”.
It’s not. Asking is actually a sign of strength.
You ask because you know you provide value. You ask because it’s what people in business do with clients and contacts.
The people you know—your list—is a valuable business asset, second only to your reputation. Why not leverage this asset to grow your practice?
If asking makes you uncomfortable, ask in a form letter or email sent to everyone, or have an assistant ask for you.
There’s no harm in asking for help. So ask.
They got a free consultation? Ask them if they’re “ready to get started?” They read and liked your article? Ask them to share it with friends. You got an excellent result for your client? Ask them to give your card to their neighbors.
Start small. Put a questionnaire in your new client kit or a P.S. at the end of your “Welcome to the firm” letter. Put brochures in your waiting room with a sign that says “take one”. Ask your email list to call your office if they have questions about the law or their case.
Start small but start. Get in the habit of asking for help. You’ll be glad you did.
