Seven times. Seven times he asked his question in seven different ways. 

Last week I was at a private executive event where Babs Rangaiah, Executive Partner at IBM, was in deep conversation on stage with another executive. 

The first time he asked his question, it was part of another question so it could have been missed. 

The second time he asked his question, the other executive used it as an opportunity to tell a related story. 

The third time he asked his question he gave two options “was it this or that?”

(He was getting closer)

The interview continued. So did Babs. Each time he referred back to his original question he asked it in a slightly different way, increasing the vagueness providing the other executive freedom to share what he was willing to. 

On the seventh attempt we all got to hear what we wanted. It was impressive. 

I can’t share the subject as it is confidential, but it doesn’t dilute the lesson.  

Babs told me afterwards:

“As long as your persistence is greater than their resistance you’ll win”

Are you giving up too soon asking for what you want?

Did you hear my BBC interview? Link and details here. 

Dedicated to growing your business,

Val

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