Have you ever tried to negotiate your salary? For most people, it’s uncomfortable and intimidating. But asking for more should build confidence. Alexandra Carter, a professor at Columbia Law School and author of Ask for More, is an expert negotiator. And she believes that not enough people negotiate because they don’t understand their value. People, especially women, may have been taught that it’s not nice to negotiate. But Carter believes that asking for more creates more seats at the table for other women. She chats with Bold TV about the art of asking for more and how it can change your life.
A negotiator asks for more
There are two main reasons negotiation is vital. First, when you ask for more, you show your company what kind of negotiator you will be on their behalf. Negotiating shows leadership skills, confidence and initiative. You teach your superiors how to value you and your expertise. A second reason to negotiate is to get ahead with money. If you don’t negotiate your first salary, you might have to work eight years longer to retire at the same amount. Asking for more at the beginning of your career makes a big difference at the end.
How do you ask for more?
Negotiation is all about knowing what you need. If you hesitate to speak what you need, it seems like you are caught up in what other people think you need. There are two ways to eliminate the noise in your head and get focused. First, be prepared. Ask yourself questions and know the answers. Write down your emotions. If you’re feeling anxious, deal with those emotions before you enter the negotiation. Second, know your worth and value. When you stand up for what you need, your boss will have a satisfied and engaged employee. Your boss wants someone who knows their worth because they’re happier. And these tactics not only work at the office. They work with family and friends. Try it out sometime!
