How to make the hard ask

Hard asks are the way we get volunteers to commit in helping. They are concrete questions with a specific ask with a time and task, needed to continue the action and signal commitment.

1. Build urgency by explaining why immediate action is crucial.

   1. The time for this shift is now, this is the reason why crypto exists in the first place, the tides are changing rapidly, Logos technology is on the horizon and we need to be ready so the community that will govern it is strong, with ties IRL.

2. Use strong, direct language, be precise and persuasive, avoiding yes/no questions.

   1. Yes or no answers can easily be negated or will not elicit a strong emotional response . Example of a strong ask: “Can we count on you to be a Logos Admin and organise in your community?”

3. Know your audience and tailor your request based on what you know about them.

   1. Figure out as much as possible what moves them in particular, and tailor asks and language for that. In this case, given they are Operators, link back to the Exit.

4. Make a specific ask.

   1. As mentioned above, be precise and persuasive. e.g. “Can we count on you to be responsible for the next Logos Amsterdam Circle in November?

5. Ask and then wait for a response, even up to 20 seconds.

6. Be persistent with multiple follow-up asks if necessary: a. Initial ask: Repeat with a different formulation. b. Adjust timing: Can you do it after this date? When would it work best for you? c. Offer alternatives: Could we count on you if we supported with X? Can you do the first and then hand over the second? d. Find a suitable variation: In what conditions would you be able to take on the responsibility?

7. Take notes and reflect on each ask to improve future efforts.

End the event with a few specific, easy-to-act-on opportunities, with clearly defined information and targets such as:

• Can we count on you to lead the upcoming meetup on the Xth?

• Will you join us in our campaign by volunteering with us on X?

• Will you help build the UI for the QAKU app by contributing on the Waku GitHub?