J. Prosek of Prosec Partners, a marketing and communications firm, outlines her "rules for asking” in FAST COMPANY.  The rules are:

> Determine any downside – Humiliation?  A bruised ego?  So what!  Ask!

> Ask for humanity and authenticity – Make it a human connection.  Make it person-to-person, not "my people will contact your people.”  Just you and me.

> Watch your timing – If people are under pressure or overwhelmed, wait for a better time.

> Don’t qualify your ask – Don’t apologize.  Ask directly and confidently.

> Quid pro quo – What’s in it for them?  What do you have to offer in return?

The Persuading lesson provides details.