"Hi Ma'am, I'm Josh and selling popcorn to raise money for my troop. Will you support us?"

I did not want popcorn. I had already ordered cookie dough to support a softball team.

However, Josh said golden words, "Will you support us?"

He asked. Who can turn down a Boy Scout - or Girl Scout for that matter - asking for support?

Remember this when you are selling. Ask for the commitment from your prospects. Ask them to buy from you. Ask them to set up a trial run with your services. Ask them to buy outright.

The more you ask, the more you can reach the top levels of your sales organization or grow your business.

It seems really simple and innocent for Josh to ask, yet the words are so effective.

Try this on the next time you want to close some business:

-         Will you support us? (Great for non-profits)

-         Will you attend my seminar?

-         Will you advertise in our paper?

-         Will you think of me when you run across people who need < what you offer>?

-         Will you let us set up a trial program with your team?