Update: "Will there be food," I asked the event organizer. Silence. I was invited to a no-cost How to Survive and Thrive in Turbulent Times event in Pacific Beach. It's promoted as a two-hour info-meeting given by a panel of six speakers on living in today's economic turmoil. I recognize four of the six.

A few days later I heard through the grapevine that there will now be refreshments. Hooray. You never know what might happen just by asking.

Feature Article: All Shook Up

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It's Simply a Question...

Asking begins the receiving process. If you don't ask, you don't get. Just as children swarm at your doorstep on Halloween night asking for treats, if they don't ring the doorbell or knock on your door, they won't receive.

It's the same in daily life...

It was time to ask Ann vonGal for some speech feedback. She helped me one previous time and the audience response was amazing. I couldn't have done it without her coaching and direction. She brought out my inner-potential by making suggestions on editing, tightening and expanding on my stories. And then tying it all together with something that hit close to the heart.

I recently saw her at a meeting where she gave a brilliant speech evaluation. She really brings out the best in her speakers. She could coach professionally if she wanted to.

Here was my challenge: How was I going to ask her without sounding pushy? I was grateful for her help last time but I didn't want her to think I was now dependent on her. I didn't want her to think she was obligated to help me.

It was easy the first time... she asked me if I wanted some feedback. This time I had to do the asking. The pressure was now on me.

It was simple. It usually is. I make too much fuss over something that should be easy.

I didn't ask her the day I saw her. Instead I waited a few days and sent her an email complimenting her on her excellent evaluation. Then I transitioned with something she did that made me feel good. Then I asked her to help me with my next project building on the last. She agreed. I got what I wanted. Yippee!

All Shook Up

Dear Associate,

It was one of the most scintillating kick-starts to a church service I'd ever seen. Five bad Elvis impersonators who couldn't sing, dance or even make the ladies scream tried shaking their hips to the King's hit tune All Shook Up. They tried creating the same electricity that Elvis generated but the crowd wasn't falling for these five fake Kings of Rock 'n Roll.

What they were lacking in talent, they also lacked much more in raw energy, intensity and spirit. The Donald would have yelled, "You're all fired!" And then he would have laughed vigorously because it was done in good fun.

As the Elvises were exiting, Pastor Harry took the stage. Speaking in the moment, in his usual positive demeanor, he pointed out, "That one in blue. He's an elder in this church. I think he's going to get written up." And then he commented, "If the Presbyterians down the street get wind of this -- there goes our credibility."

While the Elvis act wouldn't qualify for American Idol, Harry shook us up with his message. In my opinion it was one of the best, thought-provoking presentations he's ever given. He rocked the house with his comparison of King David and the King of Rock 'n Roll. He took this crowd of a thousand regulars on a magical journey filled with stories and lessons.

He closed with a story about Terry, a boyhood friend turned extremely criminal, and nearing the end of his life, fighting brain cancer and mounting debts, wanted desperately to see his daughter graduate from high school one year away, as his last wish. Terry got his wish on June 7th, 2008... and passed away ten days later. The audience was gripped in silence, captivated and traveled with Harry word-for-word.

Afterwards people lined up to speak with Harry. Me included. Harry's kind, caring and concerned disposition carried over from the platform to the floor. I watched and listened as he treated everyone with high regard.

I had something to ask him. A favor. It was totally selfish. I didn't know if he'd go for it. I had to ask because I sensed this was the right time.

I didn't know how — and I didn't know why. I just knew if I didn't ask him that moment, that exact moment, I'd chicken out. While waiting in line I gathered my intestinal fortitude and held it.

It was finally my turn...

"Thank you for your patience," Harry remarked.

"Thanks for that moving message. Harry, you are one of my favorite communicators. I'm working on a short speech and I'd love to get your feedback," I requested.

"I'd enjoy doing that. Call Julie. She takes care of my appointments," he answered.

It was short and sweet. I got what I wanted not only by asking, but also by coming from a place of courage. I resisted the urge to get all shook up.

Some of the best things in life come to those who ask. If you don't ask, you may never get. Let's go ask for something we really want today.

Warm regards,