TIL most people at my local startup meetup ask for help the wrong way

I went to a networking event in Charlotte last Tuesday and heard at least five people just say 'I need more clients' or 'I need funding'. That's way too broad. I started telling them to ask for one specific introduction instead, like 'Do you know anyone who runs a small gym?'. It changed the whole conversation. How do you get people to ask for the right kind of help?

3 comments

3 Comments

elizabeth2201mo ago

Getting specific about the ask forces people to think through what they actually need versus just broadcasting a wish. Even telling them to pick one person they'd love to meet makes the whole thing feel way more doable.

logan6322mo ago

Used to think being vague was fine but you changed my mind.

olivia_wilson2mo ago

What made you realize it wasn't working? I used to be the same way, figuring people would just get what I meant. But then you see how much time gets wasted when someone has to guess, or worse, they guess wrong and you have to fix it all later. It's like giving someone half a map and being surprised when they get lost. Being clear just saves everyone the headache.