In both business and life, there’s one simple truth I’ve come to appreciate: you don’t get what you don’t ask for.

This morning, a small but powerful experience reminded me of this principle. I’ve been working hard to improve my Airbnb listings and ensure my guests leave positive, honest reviews. One issue I face is the confusion guests often have with the star rating system—many think that a five-star rating on Airbnb is the same as it would be in a hotel. A perfect five stars in a hotel means luxury; on Airbnb, it means something different.

To make sure my guests understand the rating system, I began to think of ways to communicate this better. I considered putting a small magnet on the refrigerator in each of my properties to remind guests of what a five-star review truly means. So, I went on Etsy to find a design that would fit. Although I found several options, none of them captured exactly what I needed. So, I asked. I reached out to the seller, explained my needs, and asked if they could customize it. Within minutes, I got a response: “Of course! Let me know the changes you want, and I’ll make it happen.” If I hadn’t asked, the answer would have been no.

This got me thinking: What in my business or personal life have I been accepting as the status quo, when all it takes is asking for something better? Whether it’s with my Airbnb guests, my clients, or my own personal growth, asking the right questions can unlock new opportunities. So, if you want something different, don’t hesitate—ask. You might just be surprised by the answer.

Check out The Appraiser Coach Podcast for more info on this topic:

(Podcast # Name Here)    AUDIO    VIDEO

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