What is your question?

Many smart folks in business think and act very quickly. If you have a question to ask them, for work, guidance, or advice, you need to ask your question quickly and clearly. Most often this type of person will not want to wait for you to think your question through while your talking with them.

In situations where you will not get much seat time with these people it is worth your time to identify before hand, what is your question. Practicing outloud before hand will help clarify your thinking and delivery.

Not only will your results be better, you will be viewed as someone who can think clearly and quickly. The natural ability to do this on the fly will grow over time.

Asking for help

Asking for help is a form of flattery. The process of asking will open doors, and you will be surprised by the willingness of people to help you.

A good skill to have in life is knowing what you know, and knowing what you don't know. Asking for help doesn't show a lack of intelligence, it shows you know yourself and aren't afraid to ask a question so you can learn and move on.

Asking for Advice

I got some advice on how to ask for advice yesterday.

"Give the person something to chew on, something that leads to a conversation."

Many people (myself included) instead of using this technique will just state where they are going and how they plan to get there, and then ask for the other persons thoughts. This method doesn't leave an easy open for a discussion to begin if you don't know the person your talking to very well.

By giving the person something to chew on, three potential routes for example, you give the person an easier avenue to participate and help (which most people want to do).