When networking among professionals, the way you make your request can greatly influence what kind of response you get and whether you actually get what you're asking for. Here are some criteria for making powerful requests of your network:

• Be clear about what you want and need. Don't hint, hope, or suggest — ask!
• Let people know why they're someone who can help you. You must respect, admire, or appreciate something about the person if you're making a request of them — tell them.
• Be specific and succinct. Give people just enough information so that they know how to respond. If they need more, they'll ask, and then you're in a conversation rather than a situation in which you do all the talking.
• Ask expecting to get what you want. Honor other people by having a positive attitude about their ability to help and your ability to get what you want and need in life. Be open to the possibility that even if you don't get exactly what you want, you may be pointed to other resources that can help.
• Ask in a way that people see the opportunity for you and the value of responding. Tell people the difference that it will make for you if they help you. Share your dream, vision, or goal.