1 thought, 1 quote, 1 tip
‘Seeking to spark the most potential within you per word of any online newsletter’
1 thought
During my first meeting with Alan Stevens, my speech coach, he asked me, ‘John, how much would you charge for your first keynote speech? (you can see how bad it was here ;)’
‘Um… £20?’ I was uncomfortable. How could I expect anyone
to pay me for opening my mouth?
‘Nope, John. £2000. That’s what you will charge for your
first keynote.’ My jaw dropped. Then he said something that still sticks with me.
‘John, if you don’t value yourself, no one will value you.’
When I applied for my first job, they asked me for my expected salary. Having seen the average, I went ahead to ask for 20% more than the average.
Why? Because I valued myself and the work I did. Later, a colleague shared her salary with me. She had asked for the average. She had more relevant experience than I had. We were in
the same job.
Yet we had two different outcomes.
Today, you might be afraid of asking for more. But ask yourself: what’s the worst that could happen? They could say ‘no.’ Okay, you can move on then. If employers cannot value you
fairly for the work you do, and the value you leave behind, you should refuse their offer. My personal experience is that in the long run, those are horrible places to work in.
Remember, if you don’t value yourself, no one will value you. So, go ahead and add 20% to what you ask for.
1 quote
If you don’t value yourself, no one will value you.
- Brené Brown, Rising Strong
1 tip
Salary negotiations are difficult to navigate. When you are negotiating a salary, always focus on the value you can bring to the company. Lay out a list of contributions you have
made. Show the skills you have. Display your achievements over the years.
Always, always, guide the employer towards the higher end of the salary range you have in mind. The worst thing for you is to ask for something low, have it accepted, and think to
yourself: Gosh, I should probably have asked for more!
I’ve made that mistake.
Don’t cheapen your own value.
John
Founder | liveyoungandwell.com - Do work you love