"Fortune favors the audacious." - Desiderius Erasmus
Asking for a favor from someone can be pretty scary, as in a majority of cases you know the chances of rejection remain higher. When someone just cannot help you out in any way, there isn't much that you can do about it. However, you can definitely improve your chances of getting a yes by displaying genuine emotions.
You don't have to seem annoying, but act and make the move pretty smartly. And this is also one of the reasons why we maintain relationships. So we are there for each other when facing tough times. However, even then asking for favors becomes difficult. But do not fret; we will guide you through a few important steps so that you can easily ask for favors without sounding selfish and with utmost grace along with tacts to get what you want.
This is how you can ask for a favor from someone when in need without looking desirous.
#1. Approach At An Appropriate Time
This is a golden rule that you should always keep in mind before asking someone for a favor. If you approach the other person at an inappropriate time, you will never get a positive response. Your wrong timing might embarrass or frustrate the other person. So, in general, try and not interrupt their significant routine activities. Approach the other person when you think they might be ready to listen to you as you are the one who needs help and not them. Therefore, depending upon the favor that you need, you may like to choose a location too. If it is something personal, you should talk with them at a more private place rather than opening up in public.
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#2. Get Straight To the Point
Just imagine this particular instance, someone wanted a favor from you, and they started off with all sorts of pleasantries. It was pretty vague when they came to the point, and you realized there was something that they wanted as a favor from you. Such instances keep happening with you throughout the time. This example can be a silly one yet not too far from what the reality is. People tend to drag the conversation endlessly before getting to the actual question. So, this is something you don't have to do! Everyone's time is precious, and you don't have to make them wonder what you are going to talk about. Therefore, figure out the way you are going to start much in advance and without wasting any time, let out what you need.
#3. Give Them A Solid Reason To Help You
When someone is reluctant to help you with something, their mindset can be swayed by letting them know about your situation. You just have to let them know about the worst case scenario, and that's what will work in your favor. Tell them how you can be in a mess if they do not help you with it. Of course, you don't have to be tearfully sentimental when putting across your point, but you should appear genuine. The other person must clearly know your intentions and the reason behind your request.
#4. Offer Sincere Gratitude To The One Who Helps You
Let this person know that you value them, and they are truly the one who can help you through the tough time. Let them know that they are the one who is good enough for the job. Compliment, but do not get over the board. Use sentences that show your kindness and not make you appear desperate. Choose the compliments for things they are genuinely good at. And just don't forget to offer your sincere gratitude when they agree to help you. Remember that the other person is under no obligation at all to accommodate your favors. But if they do, your thankfulness becomes necessary. This advice sounds kinky, but it also is necessary to be followed!
#5. Refusals Too Should Be Accepted Politely
Every favor gets accompanied with the possibilities of rejection. Therefore, it is important for you to also be prepared to accept even the refusals with absolute compassion. Do not get upset when someone refuses to help you. Instead, be happy that they were upfront with their answer. What if they would have agreed to help you but withdrew at a later stage? Nothing could be more mortifying! Just move away from the situation and tell them that you have no grudge against them. You can also ask them if they know of someone else who can be of help. Do not take the situation personally if they are not able to help you at all. Do not ignore the person to give an impression that you cared only in the times of need. That shouldn't be a part of your personality. Consider the refusal in this way - It is only because they have declined to help you that you are now going to look out for other options without wasting any time.
#6. Be Prepared With A Backup Plan
As mentioned above, you always cannot be fortunate enough to succeed in getting help from the one you ask. They might be busy with something else, or they actually might have no clue, so you should not be too emotionally invested in your initial choices. Be prepared with alternative options and have a backup plan if you are unable to convince anyone for favors. Either you have to open up more ways, or you will have to help your self or simply face the consequences whatever they might be.
#7. Make Them Feel Good And Not Overthink
Appear pleasant and charming to the other person as that's how you are going to make them feel good about the present situation. However, you also need to very carefully apply that allure when seeking help from someone. You don't have to appear untrustworthy in the process of complimenting the other person right before you have to ask for a favor. It is a pretty common phenomenon for the other person to feel wanted only when you are seeking help from them. Under such circumstances, all the compliments fall flat, and it irritates even more.
It is perfectly fine if you complement afterward, but if it is the first thing before asking for a favor, it ruins the entire situation. And you give them the time to think and over analyze the circumstances. But, if you can make the other person smile even while asking something for yourself, you have actually got them in your favor. You can be witty, unpretentious, and kind, all at the same time. Feelings are what actually everyone remembers at the end. Hence, focus more on this aspect. So, for instance, you can try talking to someone in this manner: "I hope you could vote for my sister in this particular online competition to help her win a grand recognition for her work. And I hope you have been doing good in your life. Congratulations for all your achievements. And let's catch up over a cup of coffee someday. It will be great meeting you." Isn't this such a polite as well as entertaining way? So, this is one way you can go about the entire thing!
#8. Avoid Lying
Several people assume that white lies can be thrown just to get things done. No, this isn't right at all. You don't have to lie when it comes to asking for favors. Give them a reason to help you, yes definitely do that. But, do not give them phony reasons that lower your credibility. The sense of honesty that you instill in a situation where you are asking for favors, it feels more secure as the other person knows what exactly you are looking for. Being direct when asking for favors is something almost everyone appreciates.
#9. Hold Onto Your Power
Accept the fact that no one likes to interact with a needy person. Yes, you have to be honest, give a reason to the other person, but you also don't have to be considered as a desperate person. So, this is where you need to hold on to your power and find tactful ways to get things done in your own way.
#10. Be Prepared To Help Others When They Are Need
If you ask and accept someone else's help, you are expected and even should try to help them in difficult times. And it is not necessary to help them out only when they ask for. Be a good human being and observe by yourself if they might need someone to get them through. You are not only getting them relieved but are also earning your share of respect in their eyes. Don't be hesitant if they, in turn, ask for favors more than once. But if you genuinely cannot help, be polite enough to say a no. And not just this particular helper, but try to help anyone and everyone you can. It not only makes them feel good but you too have the same feeling!
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