How to Ask For What You Are Worth
Back in November, I attended a leadership conference for Women in Energy. The first seminar was on negotiating for higher salaries and how most women shy away from it. Statistics say that women are less likely to negotiate for what they feel they are worth than men. While there is most definitely a wage gap between genders, most men start out making more because they are willing to ask for more.
Most women are uncomfortable negotiating deals. Think about it. We are leaving money on the table because we are afraid to ask for what we are worth.
It's time for us all to get out of the fear of asking for what we are worth or what we deserve. Sara Laschever, the co-author of Women Don't Ask: The High Cost of Avoiding Negotiation Don't Ask: The High Cost of Avoiding Negotiation, suggests using these four steps when negotiating:
- Assess the situation: Are you in a situation where you can negotiate?
- Plan: How can you influence the situation? Plan out your case on why the negotiations show go in your favor.
- Ask: Ask for what you feel you need.
- Package the proposal: Take the information you have and what your counterpart has presented and figure out the best solution.
Set your bar (salary or prices) high. Give yourself room to negotiate to a rate you can live with.
The same can be said in your business. Ask for the price your services or products deserve. If someone is not willing to pay what you are asking, they are not the right customer for you.
Business owners should take a look at what they are charging for their products and services and increase your prices to what they should be and not what you someone may be willing to pay.
Asking for what you want is not being greedy. There’s nothing wrong with asking for what you feel you deserve. Being brave enough to ask and negotiate is a great leadership skill. Let’s start 2017 off on the right foot and get out of that comfort zone. You can’t move forward into that new path of greatness if you are afraid to move. Make the leap. It may just pay off in spades.
Be sure to check out Women Don't Ask for more tips on how you can step up your negotiating skills.
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