“For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” – Matthew 7:8

Recently, in a crowded supermarket checkout lane, I viewed the trolley in front of me with dismay. It was loaded with groceries for someone’s month-end shopping trip. I didn’t look forward to being stuck for a long time in the supermarket; I was tired and ready to go home.

Although I had more than a handful of items in my own cart, I decided that I had nothing to lose by politely asking the lady in front if she would allow me to cash my goods ahead of her. I don’t normally like to inconvenience someone else who might be in a hurry to leave as well, but it was worth a try.

Happily, the lady was quite gracious in giving me her space. She even offered another person who was behind me the opportunity to exit faster as well. As I gratefully completed my transaction, I thought how often we miss opportunities to get ahead in life, simply because we fail to ask for what we need.

Ask, seek and knock

Over the past two weeks, I have been looking at the importance of asking and seeking when you are pursuing your goals. Some of the obstacles that could be hindering your success are a reluctance to ask for assistance with your problems, and a hesitation to relentlessly seek out solutions.

Another key ingredient in your recipe for achievement is your ability to get other people to lend their support to supply you with resources, or partner with you in order to accomplish your objectives. You have to be willing to knock on doors to locate these persons who can open up new horizons for you.

It may be hard to realise your dreams without help from people who are interested in your success. Whether it’s a dedicated teacher who encourages you to gain higher education, or an experienced mentor who guides you in business; these backstage supporters can make your progress easier.

Knock with a definite purpose

To find persons who can provide assistance with your goals, you need to be clear about what you hope to gain from their collaboration. Don’t waste their valuable time by being unprepared with your pitch; ensure that you can swiftly communicate your ideas and have a realistic action plan to share.

You also need to be strategic when choosing the doors that you decide to knock on. Once you know what you want to achieve and the areas in which you need assistance, then you need to think carefully about the most appropriate sources of support that can help you to fill in the missing links.

For example, you may have written a book that you want to get published. You could participate in a network of other writers who could help to critique your work, and also subscribe to an online training programme which would teach you how to self-publish and market your book on the internet.

Knock with confidence

If you’re going to knock on doors in the hope of finding persons to support your goals, then you need to bang loudly so that they can hear you. Don’t be afraid or feel embarrassed that you are disturbing them; people who are inclined to help you will be open to receiving your ideas when you present them.

Let’s say that you want to learn more about investing to create wealth, but most of the resources you read are confusing as they are written in technical jargon. You are scared to invest as you don’t understand the basic concepts. Where can you knock to open the doors to the world of investing?

In Jamaica, there are several licensed institutions that offer investment advice, free of cost. Explain to the representative that you would like to invest, but you need someone to explain how the process works. Keep pursuing this knowledge until you get persons who will spend the time to educate you.

Knock until you get a response

To find people who can help you to achieve your objectives, you may have to knock repeatedly over time. Some doors may reveal dead ends, while others may offer only a part of the answer you need. Keep knocking with the firm belief that another door will eventually supply everything you want.

Persistent knocking is particularly essential if you want to earn extra money part-time or if you are operating a business. Generating independent income requires that you become proficient in the skill of knocking on doors to make sales, without getting disheartened by several negative responses.

It has been said that KFC founder, Colonel Sanders, had his business idea rejected numerous times until one restaurant agreed to his chicken franchise concept. Before you give up on your quest, remember that the very next door you knock upon may open up and help you to fulfil your dreams.

Copyright © 2014 Cherryl Hanson Simpson. No reproduction without written consent.

Originally published in The Daily Observer, December 4, 2014

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Cherryl is a money coach and business mentor, and founder of Financially S.M.A.R.T. Services. See more of her work at www.entrepreneursinjamaica.com and www.financiallysmart.org. Contact Cherryl