How do I effectively ask for assistance?

1. Tell them what you DO KNOW
2. Tell them what you DON'T KNOW
3. Tell them WHY you want to know

1. Here's what I know. I know that we have extensive operations in Japan. And that last years sales figures were well over quota, ____ .
2. What I don't know is what the sales figures were for the year before, ___ .
3. This is important because, _____ .