I think I'll start this post with one of my favorite quotes, and one I use fairly often in the real world. "You never get what you don't ask for." I don't know if he picked that up somewhere else, but I got that from Jake, and it really resonates the message for this chapter.

"The choice isn't between success and failure; it's between choosing risk and striving for greatness, or risking nothing and being certain of failure." (Never Eat Alone, Ch. 5, page 51.)

Both in building your network and in utilising it, you have to put yourself out there. I think (and so does the author) people too often can't see how willing others in general are to help because they are too scared of being rejected. If you have a problem and know someone with the solution, say something! The worst anyone can say is no, in which case you move on, safe in the knowledge that you at least tried.

I think it should be pointed out that there is a big difference and a fine line between being bold and being annoying. sometimes you have to push, haggle and deal to get what you want or need. It takes a feel for people to know when you've crossed the line and are now simply getting on a person's nerves, or worse. Just be careful.

There's a great section at the end of the chapter about how one should go about asking for what they want. Here's a quick rundown:

1. State the situation
2. Communicate your feelings
3. Deliver the bottom line
4. Use an open-ended question

There's more detail in the book, but that's pretty self explanatory, and it's a solid strategy. The real challenge is in getting over your fear and being prepared to deal with rejection enough to go for what you want.

Note: This post was written by Jeff Wilcox. Great post, Jeff!