How do you get what you want in life? Ask for it? That may be too easy an answer. How about being specific when asking…and giving what you hope to get in return. This post is for Global Entrepreneurship Week and I believe…in our hearts…we are all budding entrepreneurs.

Here are three experiences I’ve had with budding entrepreneurs. The first is a hairdresser, the second a glasses salesperson, the third, a diamond salesguy. The thread that binds them? An entrepreneurial spirit, a desire to reach beyond the ordinary. I think it should provide some inspiration on how you can get what you want, too.

Can You Cut My Hair so it Looks Like It’s Moving Even When it Isn’t?

My friend Meredith in Chapel Hill, NC is an incredible hairdresser. Top of the pops good. I already knew that from word of mouth. She sits me down in the chair, before even getting out her scissors says, “Alright, be straight with me, what are you really wanting out of a hair cut?” I say, “What I really want is an anime haircut. I want it to look like I’m moving even when I’m sitting still. I want it to have a life of its own.” She laughs her usual throaty laugh and shakes her head, “We can totally do that.”

Meredith? She gets it. If she had said there was no way she would be able to accomplish the unaccomplishable I probably would have settled. Once. And then found another hairdresser. This isn’t because I’m harsh. I love to interact with service types because I am a service person. And people are people are people. Nobody goes to work in the morning and says, ‘how can I be mediocre today?” Everyone loves a challenge.

Will These Glasses Make Me Look Like a Sexy Librarian?

Last week I went into a glasses store asking that question. There are so many plastic frames in the world but not all of them will make you look like a sexy librarian. Why didn’t I say, “What frames do you think will look good on me?” Because I think if I limit the scope I’m more likely to get what I want. Plus, I don’t like turning my power over to other people. If I am explicit about my desires, radical as they may be, you are more likely to help me get my needs met.

Now, Larry, he’s a good man. We narrow my options down to three very nice frames. I pick a pair that he says is his “number two pick,” but he understands my decision. All three are good, he says, but number one and two really are both hot on you.” If he had been neutral at that point, I probably would have left the store. He told me straight what his preference was, and how I could rock either pair. He earned my trust and a repeat customer.

How Honest Are You When You Network?

Part of getting what you want out of an experience is about consistently giving what you want as a salesperson. Are you like Larry and Meredith? Do you say, “yes, I can make that happen,” and “those are my number two, but you look hot in both”? People prefer honesty in transactions, so don’t sugar coat. I don’t think this means you should lay the smack down on people. Be honest, firm, but willing to move with the situation.

DeBeers? Easy, You’re an Ethics-less, Child-Slave Labor, Blood-Thirsty Cartel

I recently popped into a De Beers in San Francisco. I was interested in looking at the different types of settings for diamonds and went in armored up. The sales guy (turns out he is like one of the top guys in De Beers, US corporate, but whatevs, he looked like a sales guy to me) asked me why I wouldn’t consider De Beers for a diamond. I said, “simply because De Beers is an ethics-less, child-slave labor, blood-thirsty cartel and your company has a monopoly on the diamonds industry.” He smiled. Not a smirk, not a snarky smile. A genuine smile. And he told me he completely understood why I thought that was the case.

Then, he gave me the best education I’ve gotten from a salesperson in a long time. He told me about

-the Kimberly Process
-free healthcare to miners and their families, even those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS
-the Forevermark

I didn’t walk out of the store wanting a De Beers diamond, but I did have an education that changed my perspective on the brand. That’s a success to me.

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We all have the seeds of entrepreneurship within us. When I see a kid selling lemonade, or better yet, having an art sale like Greeblemonkey’s kiddo, I slow down to hear about his business model…I buy something to support the budding entrepreneur within him. When I talk with a salesperson who seems miserable and see her eyes light up about her Etsy store, I tell her I believe in her. I ask for the url to her site.

Here’s what I believe. I believe whether you have a desk job, live out of a suitcase or in a cubicle, you know your passion. Listen and respond to the call…there has never been a better time to get out there and give it a go. Job security is a mythical baby unicorn. You are surrounded by people who will help you. You are loved, give it a go!

Need a dollop of inspiration?

Try:

Remabulous
Jen Lemen
Hope Revo
Chookooloonks
Unleashing Ideas

Who else do you read to get inspired to keep on trucking as an entrepreneur or entrepreneur-to-be? Let us know in the comments! Get out there and hug an entrepreneur today!

Now you know how to get what you want: go out there and get it!