Editing Building Relationships (section)

== Hard Asks ==
When you ask someone to make a commitment – for instance, attend an event or take on a new role – it’s important to make an effective ask, or what we call a “hard ask.” A hard ask is a question that results in a commitment to a specific action.

The 4C’s are one way of thinking about the contents of a hard ask. Including the 4C’s in each ask can help make them as effective as possible.

=== Connection ===
Before jumping into your ask, make a connection. Note what you both have in common, or ask why they care about the campaign. Ask them a couple further questions to find out more, and if they say something you relate to, share that with them!

=== Context ===
Lay the groundwork for the commitment you are going to ask for. Explain your campaign, strategy and the reasons why the commitment you are about to ask for is important. This part of your ask is an opportunity to convey urgency! Describe an urgent problem and how the person you are asking is the solution to the problem:<blockquote>''We need to get an extra 115 petition signatures this week to meet our targets, and need another 5 canvassers to get there.''</blockquote>Don’t ask them to commit to something general; instead, have a specific event or role in mind. If it’s an event (e.g. a canvassing event or training), include the date, time, and location in your ask.<blockquote>''Thursday at 6pm outside the Emily Carr Library Branch.''</blockquote>Be specific - make sure they understand what it is you are asking them. Provide time and space for them to ask questions until they’re clear.

=== Commitment ===
This is the actual sentence where you ask for commitment to action. Ask in concise, plain, and specific language. Try to use a direct question such as, “Can you come?”.

Tip: The best hard asks have commitment sentences that have a) the fewest words as possible in them and, b) end in an actual question mark if you were to write it down.

* Example of an ineffective ask: ''“Would you be interested in coming to a meeting at some point to meet the team and talk about how you might want to get involved?”''
* Example of an effective hard ask: ''“Our next team meeting is next Wednesday at 6pm at Noor’s house. Can you come?”''

=== Catapult ===
Once they say yes, take that commitment and ‘catapult’ it into a second ask. This might mean asking for them to bring another person to the event, asking them to help with set-up or a planning task, or some other additional action your campaign needs.<blockquote>''Great! I’m excited you’re coming. Do you have a friend you could bring?''</blockquote>

=== Three Types of No ===
When securing commitment, it’s inevitable that our hard asks will sometimes be met with “no.” In organizing, there are three types of no that you will encounter – “not now,” “not that,” and “not ever.” Being attuned to the difference will dictate how you proceed with the person you’re asking.

If someone says “no” they might mean “not that time,” so try offering another

time or date. For example:<blockquote>''“Can you come to our next team meeting on Monday at 5PM?”''

''“No, I have to work then.”''

''“No problem, we have another meeting next Sunday at 1PM, can you come to that?”''</blockquote>If someone says “No, I don’t want to do that,” it could mean “not that.” Try asking them to commit to something else. For example:<blockquote>''“Can you come door-to-door canvassing with us on Tuesday at 5PM?”''

''“I don’t know if I feel comfortable going door-to-door. I’ve tried it before and found it really intimidating.”''

''“That’s okay! We are also planning an event to recruit new volunteers for the end of the month. Will you come to the planning meeting for that on Sunday at 1PM?”''</blockquote>If someone says definitively “No, I’m not interested in doing more” or “No, I don’t want to join the team,” then don’t worry about it! Thank them and move on. For example:<blockquote>''“Can you come door-to-door canvassing with us on Tuesday at 5pm?”''

''“No, I am too busy right now to take on anything else, I’m sorry!”''

''“That’s okay, thanks for taking some time to talk with me. Have a great day!”''</blockquote>