Whether it's an offer to join a new company, a promotion, or a raise, embracing negotiation should be a proud moment, not a fearful one. When the offer falls short or you feel stagnant in your current position, remember that you have a third option: negotiate. Though it may feel daunting, nervewracking and just plain paralyzing, mastering the art of negotiation brings freedom, confidence, control, a sense of achievement, and the potential for remarkable outcomes that surpass your expectations.

Don’t Make Assumptions

When an offer or raise falls short of your expectations, avoid assuming the company undervalues you. Seek clarification instead. Understand the factors behind the offer: budget constraints, perceived skill gaps, or miscommunication. Whatever the scenario, calmly gather information about how they reached the offer they reached, this will empower you to create your counteroffer.

A Little Cheat Sheet:

• I am so appreciative of your confidence in me to perform this role, however, I was hoping you could please provide me with a bit more information about how the offer was determined, as I was hoping for X amount on the salary.
• While I am very grateful for this offer, it is a bit short of the expectations that I shared. Could you please provide me with some insight into how the offer was reached and if there is room to match my expectations?
• Thank you for the offer. I appreciate your efforts to meet my expectations. Could you please provide some insights on the factors that led to the offer falling slightly short? This will help me clarify any areas or address any concerns, and enable us to negotiate more effectively.
• I want to discuss my performance as I have met and exceeded expectations, completed this project successfully which helped the company launch the product faster. I believe this work warrants a salary increase. Based on my research of the market, I am requesting X amount. Let me know your thoughts, would love to discuss how we can work this out.

Start the negotiation conversation early

Let’s be honest, a job search gets quite emotional and we all know once you are emotionally invested, it’s natural to get clouded. Before you begin interviewing entirely, do your research on the market, use Crunchbase, Glassdoor and other tools to help guide you. And then take your time. Review all the information and create a gameplan, including identifying mandatory and nice-to-have portions of your job search.

Pay transparency is becoming more common, don’t be afraid to talk about it in the beginning. Try to treat it as a conversation, not a confrontation. It is important to place a high value on your time, just as the company values theirs. This mindset not only instills confidence within yourself, but also radiates a sense of self-assuredness to the company. By demonstrating your self-worth and assertiveness, you can establish a strong presence during the negotiation process.

You are worth it

As women, we have a tendency to not fully understand the value of our work. “Women report salary expectations between 3 and 32 percent lower than those of men for the same jobs; men expect to earn 13 percent more than women during their first year of full-time work and 32 percent more at their career peaks”.

Your thoughts, feelings, and needs matter, and it’s important to advocate for yourself. Embrace your worth, trust in your abilities, and keep a positive attitude and mindset. This isn’t easy to do but you can start by working on affirmations.

Examples:

• I am worth negotiating for
• The work I do brings in massive amounts of impact
• I am great at what I do
• Companies are lucky to have me
• I am enough, I have unique skills and strengths
• I deserve success and abundance

Remember, negotiation is not about being confrontational or aggressive, but rather about finding common ground and reaching agreements that consider the interests of all parties involved.

Create a Framework for your Negotiation

When advocating for yourself, be thoughtful. Express gratitude for the offer and their belief in you. Clearly explain where the offer falls short, without blame. Take control of the conversation, striking a balance between assertiveness and respect. Provide a structured outline of requested changes, backed by facts and evidence, not just emotions or self-interest. Position your request as mutually beneficial, highlighting the justification. Lead with grace and demonstrate your readiness to create a win-win outcome.

Negotiation can be intimidating, but women have the power to master it. It brings pride, freedom, and confidence. You might even achieve outcomes beyond your expectations. Embrace your inner lady boss, negotiate with clarity and data, and avoid regrets. Seize the opportunity to turn your dream company offer into your dream offer. What is the worst thing that can happen?! Remember, you don’t get what you don’t ask for!