Here is another valuable Management Tip of the Day from Harvard Business Review. To sign up for a free subscription to any/all HBR newsletters, please click here.

Entrepreneurs or executives often hesitate to ask for help because they worry about being intrusive or appearing needy.

The truth is that it’s innately satisfying to assist others, and most people want to help.

• Next time you want to make a connection with someone, ask them for a favor.

• Request that they serve as a reference or provide a testimonial of your work.

• Hit them up for new client referrals or job leads. Don’t be shy about it.

Asking for favors can be a powerful way to get people to like you better, because they become invested in your success.

Today’s Management Tip was adapted from “The Fear That’s Holding Back Your Business” by Dorie Clark.

To read that article and join the discussion, please click here.

Also, check out the new book Management Tips from Harvard Business Review, based on HBR’s Management Tip of the Day.