You miss every sale you don’t ask for… it’s a simple truth that separates top performers from the rest. It’s about turning possibility into reality through a single, decisive action.
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Meaning
At its core, this quote means that inaction is a guaranteed failure. The “sale” is any desired outcome, and the “ask” is the proactive step required to achieve it.
Explanation
Look, I’ve seen this play out a thousand times. The biggest leak in any pipeline, whether you’re in sales, marketing, or just trying to get a project approved internally, isn’t a bad pitch. It’s the pitch that never happens. It’s the hesitation, the overthinking, the fear of a “no” that stops you from even making the attempt. And here’s the brutal part: a “no” is a data point. It’s feedback. Silence? Silence is nothing. It’s a zero. It’s a void. By not asking, you’ve preemptively given yourself the worst possible answer. You have to shift your mindset from “What if they say no?” to “What if I never ask?” That’s the real cost.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3669) |
| Category | Business (233) |
| Topics | action (112), initiative (20), risk (54) |
| Literary Style | assertive (142), short (36) |
| Emotion / Mood | bold (60), motivating (311) |
| Overall Quote Score | 79 (243) |
Origin & Factcheck
This one is correctly attributed to Brian Tracy, the legendary sales trainer and author. It comes straight from his classic, The Psychology of Selling, which was first published in the late 1980s. You’ll sometimes see it misattributed to other motivational figures, but Tracy is the definitive source. His entire career has been built on this kind of practical, no-nonsense principle.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Brian Tracy (375) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The Psychology of Selling (65) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | English (3669) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Brian Tracy, a prolific author gained global reputation because of his best seller book list such as Eat That Frog!, Goals!, and The Psychology of Selling, and created influential audio programs like The Psychology of Achievement. He is sought after guru for personal development and business performance. Brian Tracy International, coaches millions of professionals and corporates on sales, goal setting, leadership, and productivity.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | You miss every sale you don’t ask for |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 1988; ISBN: 978-0785288060; Last Edition: HarperCollins, Revised Edition 2006; Number of Pages: 240 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 39: Asking and Closing, Page 214 / 240 |