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Sam Altman, a well-known entrepreneur and investor, shares a crucial piece of advice that many budding entrepreneurs often overlook: ask for what you want. This simple yet powerful strategy can make a significant difference in your career and business ventures.
Photo: Clara Mokri for The Wall Street Journal
The Lesson Learned
Altman reflects on his early career and wishes he had received this advice sooner. The idea is straightforward: if you want something, ask for it. While you will face rejections, the times when the answer is "yes" can be game-changing.
Overcoming Fear of Rejection
Many entrepreneurs hesitate to ask for what they want because they fear rejection. They don't want to hear "no," and they certainly don't want to face failure. However, Altman emphasizes that this fear can hold you back more than the actual rejections. By not asking, you eliminate any chance of a positive outcome.
Examples of Asking for What You Want
Altman points out that entrepreneurs often miss opportunities because they don't ask. They might not invite a talented individual to leave their current job and join their startup. They might avoid proposing a partnership with a larger company, assuming it won't happen. This lack of initiative can limit their growth and potential.
Steve Jobs and John Sculley: One famous example is Steve Jobs convincing John Sculley, then PepsiCo president, to join Apple. Jobs asked Sculley, "Do you want to sell sugared water for the rest of your life, or do you want to come with me and change the world?" This bold question led to Sculley's decision to join Apple, which significantly impacted the company's growth.
Sara Blakely: Another inspiring example is Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. She faced numerous rejections when pitching her idea to potential manufacturers and investors. However, her persistence paid off when she finally convinced a manufacturer to produce her product. Blakely’s boldness and refusal to accept "no" led to Spanx becoming a billion-dollar company.
Elon Musk: Elon Musk is renowned for his audacity in asking for what he wants. When starting SpaceX, he approached NASA for partnerships and funding, despite the high risk and his company’s early struggles. His persistence eventually led to significant contracts with NASA, propelling SpaceX to the forefront of the space industry.
The Importance of Being Aggressive
Being somewhat aggressive in pursuing your goals is an essential trait for entrepreneurs. This doesn't mean being pushy or rude; it means having the confidence and determination to go after what you want, even if it seems unlikely.
Real-World Impact
There are countless examples of successful entrepreneurs who asked for what they wanted and received it. Take Elon Musk, for instance. He famously convinced top engineers to join SpaceX by sharing his ambitious vision for space travel. These engineers might not have joined if Musk hadn't asked boldly and directly.
Howard Schultz and Starbucks: Howard Schultz, the man behind Starbucks' global expansion, initially faced rejection when he proposed his idea to transform the company from a coffee bean retailer to a coffeehouse chain. Undeterred, Schultz continued to seek investors who believed in his vision, eventually raising the capital needed to buy Starbucks and turn it into the iconic brand it is today.
Conclusion
Sam Altman's advice is a reminder to all entrepreneurs: don't be afraid to ask for what you want. You will face rejections, but those few "yes" answers can make all the difference. By being proactive and slightly aggressive, you can unlock opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. So, next time you hesitate, remember Altman's words and just ask. You never know what doors might open.
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