Non-fiction Self-Help
Sales professional, business owner, health consultant, writer, sales trainer and coach are only a few areas of expertise Janet F. Williams brings together in the award-winning book, "You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get."
Janet helps businesses and individuals with their personal and professional development by providing presentations, workshops and coaching, on sales training, goal setting, business communications, writing, stress management, and lifestyle concerns. Her work has appeared in numerous print formats and on the web.
To book Janet as a speaker, workshop presenter, coach, or to request a guest blog post, contact her at: info@GoodDayMedia.com
Join Janet on social media and visit her website where you'll find consultation services, bio, blog, and more.
Website: www.JanetFWilliams.com
Blog: www.JanetFWilliams.com/blog
Facebook: You Don't Ask, You Don't Get
Twitter: JanetFWilliams
TV Interview
Author Interview
"You Don't Ask, You Don't Get:
Proven Techniques to Get More Out of Life"
By Alice Peyton
AP: What inspired you to write “You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get?”
JFW: My friends would hear me talk about things I asked for and got, and they’d say, “Wow! You asked for that? Next time I’m going to ask for that.” I realized I have a way of communicating that works, a way other people wish they had. They want to know how to do what I do. And since I’m a writer, I decided to put it all down in a book.
AP: Is there something special about the way you ask?
JFW: Certain ways of asking are more effective than others. I’ve learned how to key into other people’s motivations and work with that. When we ask for what we want, we’re thinking about our needs. To get the best results, it’s important to consider the request from the other person’s point of view. Why is this person going to give you what you want? To find out, I’ll ask open-ended questions.
AP: What do you mean by that?
JFW: A yes/no question could get you a “No” that could cut off further discussion. Asking a question that begins with who, what, where, when, or why makes it more likely you'll hear information you can use to your advantage. Later you can nail down your request with a “Yes” or “No” question.
AP: The title, “You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get” implies that people don’t ask.
JFW: That’s right. They’re concerned about conflict, appearing foolish, or they’re unaware of what’s possible. Some were taught not to ask and others are naturally shy or quiet. This book helps readers find their voice in a way that opens doors. You could be asking for yourself or for someone else. Either way, the book helps you increase your chances of getting what you want.
AP: When you ask for things, do you typically get them?
JFW: More than when I didn’t ask. People aren’t mind readers. You have to ask.
AP: What makes you an expert asker?
JFW: I have a degree in psychology and a background in sales. Most folks don’t think about their day-to-day requests as selling, but if you want something you have to sell your idea. The right psychological approach helps. The book includes dozens of examples on how to ask. There are practice suggestions so readers can use the information quickly.
AP: You have a chapter devoted to volunteerism. Why include that?
JFW: Volunteering is very important to me and is reflected in the tone of the book. “You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get” is about giving and receiving. One of the true stories in the Volunteer chapter illustrates how giving allows you to receive more than you could ever imagine.
AP: How do you plan to promote your book?
JFW: I’d love a viral campaign, so of course I’m using the Internet. I plan to speak at professional development business meetings, book clubs, and other social organizations, as well as participate in special events, book signings, author talks, and the like. I have a web site and blog at: www.JanetFWilliams.com. People can contact me at my personal site or through the publisher at: www.GoodDayMedia.com.
AP: Where can people buy the book?
JFW: The book is available on-line, directly from www.GoodDayMedia.com. There’s also a link from my personal site: www.JanetFWilliams.com.
Permission has been granted to print all or part of this interview.
