We all need something. As an entrepreneur you might need a consultant, new service provider, a particular out-of-print book, conference space, etc. As a person you might need a babysitter, restaurant or who knows what.

Years ago, I discovered a powerful secret for getting whatever you need. I’ve used it over and over with great success. Today, I want to share it with you.

You see… When I was just 19 years old, I moved from Georgia to Colorado on my own—ostensibly to finish college. Since I needed to pay in-state tuition rates, I had to live there for a year before starting to school.

Having already been a whitewater raft guide on the Ocoee River in Tennessee, it made sense to get a raft guiding job for the summer. Then, in the winter, I figured I could wait tables in a resort town and learn to ski (it’s a rough life…).

There was one small problem though…

I had a dog.

You see, finding housing in a mountain town can be really difficult. And finding housing with a dog can be close to impossible.

So I camped in my tent while I searched for a room for rent.

Lucky for me, my Mom came out to visit after about a month and decided it was high time I found a place. Then she promptly embarrassed the heck out of me by asking each and every person we ran into if they knew of any place for rent.

I’m not just talking about asking acquaintances or coworkers. I’m talking about bank tellers, check out girls, random people on the street, the postman…You name it.

Needless to say, I was totally mortified each and every time I heard her utter the words “Let me ask you a question…” to some total stranger.

I kept begging her to stop until finally she explained her strategy…Something she called the “Three Foot Rule”.

Basically, anytime she needed something, she asked everyone who came within three feet of her if they could help. Or if they knew someone else who might. Until eventually she found what she needed.

Once I realized she wasn’t totally insane I let her keep asking.

And you know what? An amazing thing happened…

Someone (I think it was the bank teller) did know of a cute little studio apartment that had just become vacant. And best of all, it was dog friendly.

I was blown away!

This became one of my most valuable life lessons. I promptly began putting the power of the Three Foot Rule to work for me.

When I moved to Breckinridge that winter, I accomplished the unheard of feat of finding an apartment with my dog by literally knocking on doors…At a time when people were paying rent for couch or floor space.

Later, I discovered I could use the Three Foot Rule to find almost anything—business or personal. I’ve used it to find quality printers, graphic designers, event locations, hotels, referral partners, real estate agents, even clients.

I’ve seen networking groups use the concept by having attendees introduce themselves, then ask for whatever they need most in the next 30 days.

Here’s a good example of how this rule can be used to grow your business…

A skilled copywriter I know has been struggling for a while to build his business. One day he mentioned he was now focusing solely on writing Web and print sales letters.

A few weeks later at a seminar, I found a flyer from someone looking for a freelance copywriter to write sales letters. I remembered my copywriter friend’s comment, passed it along, and he followed up.

His first project started shortly thereafter. Here’s the email he sent me …

“Ever since I made a conscious decision to go after that kind of work (sales letters), I’ve gotten leads for that kind of work. And it pays to tell people what you’re looking for, too.”

Ahhhhhh…The mighty power of the Three Foot Rule at work.

Here’s how to put it to work for you…

 First, decide what you need. And be as specific as possible.

 Second, ask everyone you come in contact with (make no exceptions)if they know where you can find or get it.

I know this might seem a little weird or uncomfortable at first, but just give it a shot. Most people love helping, and are happy to offer advice, recommendations or referrals.

Once you see the amazing results, using the Three Foot Rule gets easier and more effective. So don’t be shy. Get out there and start asking for what you need.

Because, we all need a little help now and then. And as my Mom says, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get”.

Have you ever used a version of the 3-foot rule to get what you needed? How did it work? Do you have any other suggestions? Please do share by leaving a comment below…