Salary Negotiation: More Than Just the Money (But Also the Money)

You’re leaving money on the table—here’s how to stop.

🚨 Here’s the hard truth: If you’re not negotiating your salary, you’re losing money. Every. Single. Year.

Most people:
❌ Feel awkward asking for more.
❌ Don’t know how to counter a lowball offer.
❌ Think they’ll "look greedy" if they negotiate.

📌 Reality check: Companies expect you to negotiate. If you don’t, you’re not being “nice”—you’re just making their job easier at your own expense.

So let’s fix that. Here’s how to negotiate like a pro and maximize not just your salary, but your total compensation (hint this last part, total compensation, is your ace in the hand!).

🔥 Step 1: Shift Your Mindset (You’re Not Asking for a Favor)

• Companies budget for negotiations—you’re not taking from them, you’re just getting your share.

• Your first offer is almost never their best.

• If they really can’t move on salary? That’s fine—because compensation is about way more than just the paycheck.

🔥 Step 2: Negotiate Beyond Just Base Pay

💰 Base Salary → Always negotiate this first.
📈 Performance Bonus → Ask how often it’s paid out, and if it’s negotiable.
📊 Stock Options / Equity → For startups & public companies—can be worth more than salary long-term.
🚀 Signing Bonus → If they won’t budge on salary, ask for an upfront cash bonus.
📅 Vacation Time → More PTO = higher quality of life (especially in companies with rigid structures).
🏠 Remote / Hybrid Work → If they say no to more pay, negotiate where and how you work.
🎓 Professional Development → Ask for a stipend for courses, certifications, or coaching.
📌 Title & Promotion Timeline → Lock in a written agreement for a title upgrade in 6-12 months.

🔥 Step 3: Use This Counteroffer Strategy

🗣 Step 1: Express Excitement → “I’m really excited about this role and working with your team.”
💡 Step 2: Justify Your Ask → “Based on my experience and market rates for this role, I’d like to discuss adjusting the offer.”
📈 Step 3: Anchor Higher → “Would you be open to $XX,000, which aligns with my skills and the value I’ll bring?”

🚀 Key Tip: Always let them respond first. Silence is your best friend in negotiations. Let me repeat this : SILENCE is your BEST FRIEND in negotiations.

🎯 Take Action This Week

💡 Look up salary benchmarks for your role (Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, LinkedIn Salaries).
💡 Pick 2-3 additional benefits you’d negotiate beyond base salary.
💡 Practice your counteroffer script—because the first time you say it shouldn’t be in the actual negotiation.

📩 Reply and tell me: What’s the worst (or best) negotiation experience you’ve had?

See you next week,
Karen

📌 PS: Want more real-world career & leadership tactics? Subscribe to this newsletter if you haven’t already!

Also, share with a friend? You’ll have my undying gratitude and they’ll thank you for it too!