#InspiralizedBoss, Episode 2: Don't be Afraid to Ask For Anything

#InspiralizedBoss, Episode 2: Don’t be Afraid to Ask For Anything

Follow Inspiralized on LinkedIn to receive updates on a new #InspiralizedBoss post. Every Friday, we’ll...

#InspiralizedBoss, Episode 2: Don't be Afraid to Ask For Anything
Follow Inspiralized on LinkedIn to receive updates on a new #InspiralizedBoss post.

Every Friday, we’ll be posting short and quick business stories, tips and resources that have helped us grow Inspiralized. The series will be called #InspiralizedBoss and we hope they inspire others!

FROM THE DESK OF ALI MAFFUCCI, FOUNDER, INSPIRALIZED:

Asking is easier said than done.

I used to have a hard time asking for things. I hated inconveniencing people and putting them on the spot. I’d also feel anxious whenever I knew the time came to do the asking.

It could be anything from asking a friend, “Hey, can I borrow your cute sweater?” to closing a business deal.

My grandfather was an entrepreneur (he started an injection molding company back in the day) and my father is an entrepreneur (he started a landscape and design company from scratch in his hometown, where I grew up.) Also, Lu (my husband) is an entrepreneur – he started an outdoor advertising company with a few business partners about 5 years ago – and he heads up Sales.

So, you’d think it’d be in my blood and my nature to be sales-y, but in fact, I don’t have that natural gift. Thus, I’ve had to do a lot of “growing up” with Inspiralized, because if something doesn’t get asked for, it won’t happen.

[bctt tweet=”If something doesn’t get asked for, it won’t happen. #inspiralizedboss via @inspiralized”]

How did I overcome my fear of asking? Honestly, once I started Inspiralized I immediately came over that fear, because my livelihood and the success of my business depended on it. When you have absolutely no one to lean on or do anything for you and it’s all dependent on your actions, you become empowered. It’s like a fever that takes over your system and you become a confident, powerful person! I think most entrepreneurs feel this way – it’s exciting to see your hard work turn into success stories.

If anyone’s hesitant to “take that leap” into entrepreneurship because of their lack of confidence, shyness or inexperience, I’m here to tell you that you will be surprised at your “business instinct” (like a maternal instinct) that snaps into action when you need it most.

My most notable example: When Williams Sonoma first starting selling a spiralizer in their stores (about December 2013/January 2014), I immediately took notice (because I set up Google Alerts for every possible term relating to Inspiralized/spiralizing.) I knew I wanted to work with them (who wouldn’t?!), so I looked up the Chief Marketing Officer online, guessed the e-mail cadence and sent the e-mail.

This was my original e-mail, on January 8, 2014:

Dear Ms. Sellman,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Ali Maffucci and I am the blogger behind Inspiralized, the food blog dedicated to cooking healthy and creative meals with the spiralizer, a new product that you carry online and in stores.

Inspiralized is the only resource out there dedicated to the spiralizer exclusively.

I started my blog on June 26, 2013 and have already grown a sizeable readership. I have attached my media kit for your review, but I am currently receiving around 7,500 average daily page views. I have over 6,300 Instagram followers and 2,930 Facebook fans.

I was elated to learn that Williams Sonoma is now selling the spiralizer, and I even have a link on my blog to direct readers towards your store.

I would love the opportunity to work with Williams Sonoma and do cooking demonstrations at your locations. I would love to give exclusive content for Williams Sonoma blog (Taste) and hope we can discuss other possible opportunities.

I look forward to hearing from you. I am based in Jersey City, NJ.

Thank you,

Ali Maffucci

From this simple e-mail, a lot has changed in my journey with Inspiralized. I have been featured on Williams Sonoma’s blog, I’ve had their support in-stores (their sales people tell almost everyone about the blog!), I’ve written a cookbook (see story below,) I’ve done an Instagram takeover with their marketing team, I’ve visited their offices multiple time sand now, the Inspiralizer is sold online at Williams-Sonoma.com.

All from ONE single e-mail with a simple ask to collaborate!

In November 2013, I decided to self-publish a cookbook to offer my readers something to gift along with the spiralizers they were buying for friends and family. I published this and after being connected with Williams Sonoma for a few months (via that e-mail!), they took notice and offered me a cookbook deal. I’ll never forget the moment – I was sitting outside on a patio at my parents’ place in Singer Island, Florida and I got a random call from a San Francisco number. I didn’t take it, it went to voicemail. When I opened the voicemail, it was Williams Sonoma offering me a cookbook deal!

Long story short, this accelerated my quest to be an author, I got a literary agent the next day and the rest is history. Well, still history in the making!

Furthermore, from this original connection made, it eventually led to me asking the head cookware Buyer at Williams Sonoma, “Can you carry the Inspiralizer at Williams Sonoma?” THAT was the biggest ask I’ve ever had to do. That full story is for another #inspiralizedboss post.

Now, if I had just thought, “Who am I? Why would Williams Sonoma want to work with a nobody?” and hadn’t sent the e-mail and had the courage to ASK, where would I be today? There’s a great chance I wouldn’t have a cookbook or it wouldn’t have come at as quickly as it did after starting the blog. I probably wouldn’t have my product sold online at Williams Sonoma, either. Now, Williams Sonoma is one of my strongest partners and I’m so honored to be a brand they support.

Thank you for tuning in, and I hope you learned something new from this week’s #InspiralizedBoss post.

#InspiralizedBoss - Business success and failure stories from the founder of Inspiralized

with love, Ali

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comments

  • Great story, with equally important messages.
  • Ali, Love your story!! Love everything about Inspiralized!!!! (I tell your story to everyone i send your way :) I happened upon your blog early on, after purchasing my first spiralizer. It's been fun watching you grow and watching how the Inspiralizer is changing the lives of so many in a healthy way! So proud of you, keep up the GREAT work!! Merry Christmas to you & Lu! Hope it's the best ever!! Becky
  • I love the message! I was so afraid to ask questions when I first started my career- the best advice I ever received is- 'if you don't understand why your doing what your doing- you shouldn't be doing it'. It's the best way to think of out of the box solutions but also really making sure what your doing makes sense. Never be afraid to ask or ask why.
    • That's great advice, Melissa! Thanks for sharing!
  • I just love you, inspiralizer, your story and your snapchat.. Thank you for this I truely needed to hear this.. I am growing my small business myself.. Helping and supporting people getting fit from home and eating cleaner.. So thank you for your inspiration!!
  • Ali - Thank you SOOO much for writing this post. It rang so true for me. A couple of months ago I set a goal to really focus on and grow my blog, CaliGirl Cooking, so that I can make it my primary source of income by summer of next year. As a self-proclaimed "perfectionist," I've really found myself having to go out of my comfort zone to put myself out there and ask for things. As you said, how do you know if it can happen or not if you never ask? I'm very inspired by your story and look forward to continuing to follow your growth! XO
    • Thanks Robin - and good luck with CaliGirl, all you need is passion and it seems like you have that!
  • Fantastic story, I can hardly wait to read more. You inspire(lize) all of us! Fantastic story, I can hardly wait to read more. You inspire(lize) all of us! Since we are in the "ask" mode, I would like to ask if you have someone on your team that enjoys proofreading? If you do not, I would like to submit my name for consideration. I have proofread any number of newsletters, training books, and marketing materials for a variety of professionals. This allows them time to create their message and move on to the next challenge...think FREEDOM! Your freedom to create nonstop is just the beginning of how my joining your team will benefit you. Give it some thought and lets talk soon. Remember: Your team is there to make your star shine and I want to be a part of the journey. Sincerely, Marcia L. Moreno [email protected]
    • Ali, I am so embarrassed that the first line of my message appeared twice. I tried to correct it, but just succeeded in posting the message a second time. It sure speaks well for someone who has a love for proofreading doesn't it. I hope you can see beyond this and give some thought to my request. Thank you.
  • So inspirational! Ideally, I'd love to work for myself when I get out of college, because I know I have that driven, entrepreneurial mindset. I love seeing other strong badass women following their dreams!