This is a third hand anecdote, but the idea is brilliant.

There is a doctor's office at Johns Hopkins that is very difficult to get an appointment at, but if you call to schedule one you're offered one the same day.

I don't know the exact wording, but the gist of the communication isn't "we're booked up for 3 months, but how does your calendar look on this day you can't possibly have thought about yet." The experience is "we can see you now."

Think about how different those two feel to the customer.

One makes them feel like an inconvenience. Like they're bothering you by trying to schedule an appointment.

The other makes them feel important. Like they know people. Like they have connections and are getting special treatment.

How can Johns Hopkins do this?

They have data. Only 4% of people take the same day appointment.

Sometimes asking a question where you know the answer is "no" is worth it.