How to Get What You Want
Last month, I discovered the ALA Volunteer Girls State Conference. After combing through the website for information to apply, I realized that I would need a school sponsorship to go. So I emailed the contact listed on the website to ask for more information. Now, a month later, I will be attending VGS on a full sponsorship from my local ALA unit. I’m not sharing this to brag; I am sharing this to show the power of simply asking, of simply going after what you want.
The Myth That Opportunities “Happen”
Successful people are commonly thought to have gotten lucky or to have been superhuman to achieve their success. Furthermore, many assume that opportunities come from talent, connections, or luck. Those things are helpful, but they are not crucial. In reality, most opportunities begin with someone asking.
As the saying goes, closed mouths do not get fed. If you do not voice your passions and search out opportunities for yourself, they will not come. The difference between people who achieve their goals and those who don’t is often surprisingly simple.
The Power of Simply Asking
A friend of mine served as an intern for a congressional office a few years back, a common practice for those interested in going into politics. The interesting thing? There were no intern positions. Because she reached out to the office, pitched herself (her skills and her passions), and asked for a position, she received one. They created an entire position for her. The power of simply asking may hold the key to your goals.
Moreover, most people never ask, which means competition is lower than you think. By showing initiative in pursuing what you want, you have already become a strong candidate. People are also often more willing to help than we assume. And worst-case scenario? They say no. This rejection is temporary, but never asking guarantees nothing changes.
How to Start Asking for What You Want
Here are a few simple strategies for reaching out to someone for what you want:
Start small. Ask for advice, opportunities, or information. If you immediately go into a large ask, the answer will most likely be no. (Tip: use the “foot-in-the-door” strategy. Start small, receive a yes, ask for more later on.)
Be direct and respectful. Short, cold emails work best. People do not have enough time to listen to your backstory and list of accomplishments. Check out the cold email outline below.
Don’t overthink it. The message doesn’t need to be perfect. You do not need a resume packed with things to impress them. Just do it!
Get comfortable with rejection. Every “no” gets you closer to a “yes.” Again, the worst thing they could say is no. And if opportunities do eventually open up, the person could remember you and reach back out. Rejection = Redirection.
Cold Email Outline
Good morning/afternoon/night,
I hope you are doing well. [Introduce yourself: Name, Grade if relevant, School if relevant, etc.]
I [how you found out about the position or opportunity]. [Why you are interested]. [Ask for more information or to set up a time to chat].
Thank you so much for your time and assistance! I truly appreciate [describe the work they/the organization is/are doing in that field].
Best,
[Your Name]
If you want something, ask for it because no one will advocate for you if you do not advocate for yourself. The opportunities you want might not be as far away as they seem. Sometimes they are just one email, one conversation, or one bold question away.
RISE. LEAD. SUCCEED.
Love,
Juliet & Study Strong