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3. Make the ask answerable

Learning objective: Reduce a bundle of requests to one primary next step.

Why this matters

A first message should not ask for advice, a meeting, an introduction, and feedback all at once.

One primary request makes yes, no, or a short alternative easier.

Hard to answer

Could we have a call, and could you introduce me to investors, and could you look at my deck?

Clearer

Are you the right person to ask about early-stage climate-tech investor communities, or is there someone else I should contact?

Choose the best single primary ask.

Would you be open to telling me whether the problem statement on slide two is clear to someone outside our field?

The recipient can answer one focused question; introductions and broader feedback can wait.

Reusable pattern

The one thing I’m asking is: [single question or action].

Why this advice?

This activity applies the principle “One primary request.” See the reasoning and source.

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