The Power of Asking Again (Even When It Feels Awkward)
Not too long ago, I found myself in a little coffee shop off a dusty road in Cebu. The barista — probably no older than 22 — handed me my drink, smiled nervously, and asked, “Sir, would you like to try our new cinnamon roll?”
I shook my head. “Nah, I’m good.” Just wasn’t in the mood, honestly. She nodded, still smiling, and walked away.
But here’s the interesting part. A minute later, she came back. Same smile. Same question.
And this time, for no good reason at all… I said yes.
Why? I don’t even know. It wasn’t logic. It wasn’t hunger. It definitely wasn’t guilt. Maybe… maybe it was the way she didn’t push too hard. Just asked again — soft, confident, without apology.
This, oddly enough, reminded me of something Dr. Donald Hendon once talked about in one of his older trainings: the underestimated power of persistence with grace.
The Irrational Nature of “Yes”
People don’t say yes just because the offer is perfect. They say yes because the timing is a little better. Because they feel a little warmer toward you. Because their guard dropped for a second. Sometimes, they say yes because they’re tired of saying no.
Persuasion isn’t always about dazzling facts or masterful delivery. Sometimes, it’s just about asking again. Calmly. Confidently. Without shame.
Donald called this one of the “Hidden Triggers of Influence” — things you don’t see in textbooks but feel in real life. And he was right.
Real-World Example: Fundraising with Reluctant Donors
Back when I worked in fundraising, I had a donor say no to our scholarship campaign three years in a row. I gave up after the second. But my colleague — who had thicker skin than me — called him again the fourth year. And guess what?
He donated $10,000.
I asked him why. He laughed and said, “You just caught me in a good mood this time.”
This isn’t a fluke. This is human behavior. This is the magic that persuasion masters like Donald Hendon have been teaching for decades — the power of timing, emotional rhythm, and, yep, asking more than once.
Final Thought: Rejection Isn’t Final
So, here’s my message: If someone says no, that’s not a wall. It’s just a door — temporarily closed.
Try again. Not right away, not pushy. But try again. And the next time you feel silly for asking twice, remember the cinnamon roll in Cebu.
Sometimes the second ask is where the yes lives.
Want to explore more about influence and the subtle art of persuasion? Check out this classic breakdown of why persuasion works.