What's the worst that can happen when making an ask? No?

One of the hardest perceived aspects of fund-raising and planning fundraisers is "making the ask." This applies to cash donations and in-kind support. The worst thing that can happen when I make an ask is that I am told 'no'. I've realized that 'no' puts me in the same place I was before I made the ask. I didn't have a commitment before and I may not have a commitment now, but I am no worse off than before I asked. No harm has been done by simply asking a question. NOTE: most people have a hard time saying "no", so just go ahead and simply ask a question.