More on asking:

“You create your opportunities by asking for them.”
— Shakti Gawain

“If there is something to gain and nothing to lose by asking, by all means ask!”
— W. Clement Stone

“Anything that’s worth having is worth asking for. Some say yes and some say no.”
— Melba Colgrove

…

I also like what my friend J had to say: “Asking for help is actually giving a gift. You are giving someone the opportunity to give … or to practice saying no.”