If somebody says “no,” ask again for something smaller

Don’t tell my kids this, but there is research that suggests that people who have just refused you something are reasonably likely to say yes to a different request, especially if it is for something smaller.  The point of this article is that if someone refuses to help you in some way, you are likely to be way too reluctant to approach that person with a subsequent request.  Go for it!  But remember, don’t tell my kids!

Source: Newark, D.A.  Need someone’s help? Ask the person who just turned you down.  Harvard Business Review;91(12):34-35, Dec. 2013.  Click here to access the publisher’s website: http://hbr.org/2013/12/need-someones-help-ask-the-person-who-just-turned-you-down/ar/1  Posted by AHA Resource Center (312) 422-2050, rc@aha.org