Ask for help, but don't ask for too much

That is how this article - Ask For Help: Why People Are Twice as Likely to Assist as You Think - concludes.

Agree wholeheartedly, though I must append a modifier or perhaps a clarifier - As long as people know your agenda, they're more than happy to help you. If you're walking down the streets of San Francisco, and someone walks up to you and says "Hi! My name is Joe, and I want to be your friend.", you're probably thinking "What does he want?  What's he going to try and push on me?"  On the other hand, if someone says "Hey, where's the closest Starbuck's?", even if you have to think a little, you'll spend the time giving directions or suggesting alternatives. Why? Because you know the person's agenda.

So make your agenda clear when you're asking for help. You will immediately disarm the other person.  Then ask for help, but ask for help in bits (like this article says). If you're asking for too much all at once, people will immediately have a reaction to it.

Let's say that you meet someone who can probably teach you a lot about something you want to learn. Don't ask for too much right away. Let the first few meetings be kinda loosey-goosey. You're seeing if you can work with each other. The other person is evaluating you. Just leave it at that.

Just like water finds its level, you will find the help you need. Don't be in a hurry. Play it slow and easy.