Field Notes · 013 · Asking
How do I ask for business without sounding salesy?
Short answer
Tell the truth about what you do, say who it's for, and ask plainly. Salesy comes from pretending, and clear comes from being honest about what you need.
Most people don't have a sales problem. They have an asking problem. They're afraid to ask for business, donations or support, so they hint and hope.
A simple way to ask
- Say what you do. One sentence. "I photograph construction crews."
- Say who it's for. "If you run a crew and your website still has stock photos..."
- Say what you want. "...I'd love to photograph your team. Text me."
That's not salesy, it's clear, and people respect clear.
Why it's hard
Asking feels like admitting you need something, and you do. Everybody does. You were created on purpose, with gifts meant to serve people, and asking is how those gifts get to the people who need them.
Practice it
Write your ask down, say it out loud and post it, then do it again next week. It gets easier every time, and I help every client with theirs.