It’s been a while since I’ve hosted a discussion board (sorry about that!), and I started missing hearing from you. So from now on, look for them every Friday.
The topic at hand today is something I’ve been getting better at in my freelancing career: negotiating for more money. Let’s discuss. How do you ask for more money when the rate just isn’t quite right? How do you word your email? What’s your best negotiating tactic?
It is still the most uncomfortable part of any job. I definitely feel like with experience and better knowledge of how much time things might take me, I've gained the confidence to at least ask (or say no altogether). As the saying goes, the worst they can say is no and Hunter made a valid point that they already want you. Yet, I often let others do the negotiating for me. I work with Justin, my husband, on quite a few projects, and he definitely has no qualms about asking. I also started a project at the beginning of the year with a colleague, and he asked me to build the quote. I did, and he said, "that's way too low." So there's that. I get by with others' help!
I'm with Alex on a number of these points. Like anything, practice helps and negotiating is a skill that gets better with practice! I spent many years in sales and it helped me get comfortable talking about money and asking for what I want/need (I recommend everyone spend time in sales for this reason).
It's important that whoever you are negotiating with knows how much you want the job, how much you like the publication or are excited about the story, working with them, etc. but that you're prepared to make a business decision and walk away if it's not feasible. Then reinforce how great of a job you are going to do and why you're the right person (continue selling yourself). And then ask for the number that is going to make it work. Depending on the situation you can pad it a little if you think there's going to be more negotiation or just make it your bottom line. Keep in mind they already want you which is why you are having this conversation and will likely be able to do more to get you.
If it doesn't work out be courteous and keep the relationship. They will respect you for holding your ground, asking for more and if it's right there will be more opportunities in the future. AND you'll be more comfortable having these conversations in the future.
I'll go! The other day, an editor I work with regularly asked if I had the bandwidth to take on a new project. He said the rate was $2,000 for four stories. I was nervous to ask for more, but I typed up a simple email and hit send. Here's what I wrote: "These stories sound super informative and helpful for readers. Would you be willing to afford $2,500 for me to take on this project?"
My editor responded 10 minutes later with, "Sure, $2,500 works."
BOOM. It's always worth asking because you're worth it. And if they don't have the budget for your rate, say no. Something else will come along.
As an athlete a lot of times it comes down to getting paid period. If there is no budget, I simply say I am not taking unpaid work at this time. If the budget is low, I'm upfront and say this is what I need for this to be successful. I go into these conversations prepared to say no, if they can't meet my needs. This I have found to be empowering language, as it's not asking for more (which can feel like a favor), it's simply stating what you need to make the partnership a success (which is the end goal of both parties).
I have found that generally the budget exists when you ask for it! It becomes easier the more I do it as well. The first time was scary!!!
It is still the most uncomfortable part of any job. I definitely feel like with experience and better knowledge of how much time things might take me, I've gained the confidence to at least ask (or say no altogether). As the saying goes, the worst they can say is no and Hunter made a valid point that they already want you. Yet, I often let others do the negotiating for me. I work with Justin, my husband, on quite a few projects, and he definitely has no qualms about asking. I also started a project at the beginning of the year with a colleague, and he asked me to build the quote. I did, and he said, "that's way too low." So there's that. I get by with others' help!
Advice is also help from others! Thanks for chiming in, Patrice :)
I'm with Alex on a number of these points. Like anything, practice helps and negotiating is a skill that gets better with practice! I spent many years in sales and it helped me get comfortable talking about money and asking for what I want/need (I recommend everyone spend time in sales for this reason).
It's important that whoever you are negotiating with knows how much you want the job, how much you like the publication or are excited about the story, working with them, etc. but that you're prepared to make a business decision and walk away if it's not feasible. Then reinforce how great of a job you are going to do and why you're the right person (continue selling yourself). And then ask for the number that is going to make it work. Depending on the situation you can pad it a little if you think there's going to be more negotiation or just make it your bottom line. Keep in mind they already want you which is why you are having this conversation and will likely be able to do more to get you.
If it doesn't work out be courteous and keep the relationship. They will respect you for holding your ground, asking for more and if it's right there will be more opportunities in the future. AND you'll be more comfortable having these conversations in the future.
Go get it!
I love what you said here: "Keep in mind they already want you." Such a good point to remember when you're feeling iffy about the leverage you have.
I'll go! The other day, an editor I work with regularly asked if I had the bandwidth to take on a new project. He said the rate was $2,000 for four stories. I was nervous to ask for more, but I typed up a simple email and hit send. Here's what I wrote: "These stories sound super informative and helpful for readers. Would you be willing to afford $2,500 for me to take on this project?"
My editor responded 10 minutes later with, "Sure, $2,500 works."
BOOM. It's always worth asking because you're worth it. And if they don't have the budget for your rate, say no. Something else will come along.
As an athlete a lot of times it comes down to getting paid period. If there is no budget, I simply say I am not taking unpaid work at this time. If the budget is low, I'm upfront and say this is what I need for this to be successful. I go into these conversations prepared to say no, if they can't meet my needs. This I have found to be empowering language, as it's not asking for more (which can feel like a favor), it's simply stating what you need to make the partnership a success (which is the end goal of both parties).
I have found that generally the budget exists when you ask for it! It becomes easier the more I do it as well. The first time was scary!!!
Yes! Ask ask ask! Thank you so much for chiming in, Alex. Such valuable insight.