The Power of Asking: How a Simple Question Can Unlock Your Next Best Lead

By Jenny Holly Hansen | WBN News | May 23, 2025

When it comes to generating leads, we often focus on complex strategies: email funnels, content marketing, paid ads, social media optimization. All of these can be incredibly effective — but one of the most powerful methods is also the simplest: just ask.

Specifically, ask this question:
"Do you know anyone facing [insert the challenge you solve]?"

It sounds basic, but this small nudge can spark some of your warmest, highest-converting leads.

Why This Approach Works

People are naturally wired to help — especially when it’s framed around solving a problem. When you ask if someone knows anyone struggling with a specific challenge, you’re:

• Tapping into their memory: Instead of asking, “Do you know someone who needs insurance?” — which is vague — you might say, “Do you know a business owner who’s expanding and worried about coverage gaps?” That specificity helps them recall someone.
• Framing yourself as a helper: You’re not pushing a product. You’re offering a solution to a problem. That feels good to refer.
• Making it easy to refer you: Clear, simple asks are easier to act on than generic pitches.

How to Use This in Your Daily Conversations

Whether you're at a networking event, having coffee with a colleague, or reconnecting with a former client, you can naturally weave this approach into your conversations:

• With colleagues or peers:
  “I’ve been working a lot lately with tech startups navigating liability coverage for investors. If you come across anyone building in that space, I’d love to help them avoid the common pitfalls.”
• With happy clients:
  “I’m so glad we got this sorted for your business. If you hear of anyone else dealing with [specific pain point], would you feel comfortable introducing us?”
• With personal contacts:
  “I know this might be out of the blue, but I’ve been helping a lot of contractors dealing with changing insurance requirements lately. Let me know if any of your friends or family are in that boat — I’d be happy to chat with them.”

Tailor It to What You Solve

The more specific and relatable your problem statement is, the more it will trigger connections in the other person’s mind.

Instead of saying:

“Do you know someone who needs a broker?”

Try something like:

“Do you know any local business owners who are frustrated trying to figure out what’s actually covered in their policy?”

Or:

“Have you met anyone growing their team or operations who’s unsure about whether their current insurance can scale with them?”

Final Thought

Leads aren’t always hiding behind a paywall or in the latest marketing trend. Sometimes, they’re just one good conversation away. The people you already know can become your best connectors — if you make it clear who you help and what problem you solve.

So don’t hesitate. Ask.
That one small question might be the spark that opens your next big door.

Let’s Keep Talking:

Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance. With 19 years experience, she will well versed in the technical aspects of business coverages.

She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jholly-hansen@wbnn.news. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/.  Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social

Let’s Meet Up:

Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4

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