4/25/25 Newsletter
Master the Art of Asking: 4 Proven Strategies to Get a ‘Yes’ Every Time
Remember when you were a kid, plotting how to get your parents to say “Yes” to that big request—like a sleepover at a new friend’s house or your first cell phone? It wasn’t just about asking—it was about strategy: picking the right moment, anticipating objections, and framing it in a way that made sense to them. Little did you know, you were mastering skills that would serve you well in life and even in your career.
In today’s note, we break down The Art of the Ask into four critical elements that will help you get more “Yeses” from anyone—whether it’s your boss, a client, a friend, or partner.
First, I dive into why it’s essential to focus on what’s in it for the other person. Framing your request around their needs or pain points makes it harder for them to say no. Next, I talk about making your request crystal clear. I also cover how to anticipate objections before they arise, allowing you to respond confidently and avoid getting caught off guard. Finally, I help you think about the importance of timing—because even the best-crafted ask can fall flat if the moment isn’t right.
Whether you’re negotiating a raise, asking for help on a project, or pitching an idea, these proven strategies will boost your success rate. Stop fearing the “No” and start crafting your ask with intention and clarity.
The Ultimate Seafood Dip
You probably know this already, because I write about her all the time, but Kasia is one of my dearest friends. She’s smart, thoughtful, interesting, curious, a phenomenal writer, and a really wonderful friend. One of the things that I admire most about Kasia is how intentional she is about how she builds everything — whether it’s her relationships, her business venture, her home, or how she approaches her writing, Kasia has a goal, a plan, an operating system, and a retrospection process. She and James Clear are my two favorite writers in the world. You can subscribe to her newsletter, here.
Since it’s Kasia’s birthday week, I wanted to share a recipe that is super special to her — The Ultimate Seafood Dip! This recipe is her dad’s go-to for the holidays with his girls (Kasia, her two sisters, and her mom). So I think it goes best with family! Alright, let’s get to the recipe!