Sometimes there’s fear around negotiating for the salary you want because you don’t want to be rejected or to make the employer or potential employer thing you’re ungrateful.

Sometimes, we don’t ask for what we want simply because it feels extremely uncomfortable to do so.

Here are a few highly effective tools to help you get over the hump and make the ask for the salary you deserve.

One easy way to set yourself up for success with your salary negotiations is to make sure that YOU believe you deserve what you are asking for. And that you have the proof that you deserve it.

Specific to your current job and career goals, keep a record of your accomplishments that enhances the organization’s bottom line and shows your loyalty and commitment to the organization.

I call this the “Me Memo,” and it is just for you. This could just be an email you keep in your email drafts folder. It will help you to acknowledge and reflect on the big and small ways in which you support your organization, which is valuable whether the salary negotiation is occurring at your current job or as part of a job transition.

Companies care about their bottom lines and what you can do for it (not necessarily what they can do for you). So come armed with evidence of how you do (or will) add value, save money, make money, etc.

Before approaching the employer, first ensure that you have thoroughly convinced yourself that you deserve what you are asking for.

Showing up insecure, nervous, and fidgety is a sure way to project to your employer that you are not worth what you are asking for.

And however you show up will set the tone for the meeting.

If you are negotiating for a higher salary at your current job, then spend 2-3 months ‘seeding’ the negotiation meeting by sending your boss periodic updates on your accomplishments, such as tasks completed, project wins, crises averted, etc.

You are probably one of many of his or her direct reports and, unfortunately, all that you are doing in your job may not be evident to your boss–especially if you are good at making things happen seamlessly.

When the time comes, make your request then stop talking.

Silence is powerful (if a bit uncomfortable if you are out of practice in using this tool). Force your boss or new employer to fill the space with an answer or an explanation.

Finally, always be prepared with other forms of alternate compensation you can request in addition to salary, including extra vacation days, an early salary review, performance bonuses, and a flexible work schedule.

If you are a woman looking for ways to ask for what you want and achieve greater success in your current career, come join me at my upcoming FREE LIVE WEBINAR “4 Keys to Finally Get the Salary, Promotion, and Work Fulfillment You Deserve” here: https://toniapatterson.com/4Keys-2