I got my first big break in my career because I asked.
I discovered a magazine that lined up with my interests, so I reached out to the editor and volunteered to write something. I was a fresh-faced, idealistic kid in my first month of college.
Professionally, I had no idea what I was doing. But I had big dreams.
It all started with a simple ask. The worst they can do is say no, right?
In my case, that first ask turned into a writing assignment. Then two more. Then a summer internship. Then another internship running a website. Then a steady freelance job. Then launching a blog that ran for more than 15 years, defined an industry, and became my calling card.
I got lucky, for sure. Simply asking doesn’t always work out that well. But you never know until you ask.
Whether you’re trying to get started in your career, considering a new project, or trying to figure out where to take your company—it never hurts to ask.