Navigating Negotiations for Better Pricing
Hello, fellow badass ladies out there! Today, we're going to talk about the power of negotiation when it comes to buying from big name service providers.
As women, we often face societal pressure to be polite, to not make a fuss, to accept whatever deal is offered to us. But why should we settle for less when we know our worth and the value of our hard-earned money?
Recently, I had the opportunity to negotiate with a major Marketing and CRM platform. They initially asked for $900 a month, but I knew that was more than I could afford. Instead of caving in and accepting their offer, I stood in my power and asked the salesperson what the bottom line was. When he asked me what number I had in mind, I didn't shy away. Instead, I confidently told him that I wanted to hear his first. To my surprise, he smiled and laughed - probably because he didn't expect such a direct retort from a woman.
But that's the thing - we should never apologize for knowing our worth and standing up for ourselves. It's time for us to break free from the confines of society's expectations and start demanding what we deserve. So how do we prepare for these talks?
1. Do Your Research
Before entering into any negotiation, it’s important to do your research and know what you want to get out of the deal. Research the market rate for the services you’re looking for, and be prepared to explain why you deserve a better price than what is offered. Knowing your worth will give you the confidence to negotiate effectively.
2. Know Your Options
When negotiating with service providers, it’s important to know your options and be prepared to walk away if necessary. Have a list of alternative service providers that can provide similar services at a better price or with more favorable terms. This will ensure that you don’t settle for an unfavorable deal just because it’s the only one available.
3. Make Sure You're Heard
Make sure that you are heard during negotiations by speaking up clearly and confidently about your needs and concerns. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make requests – this shows that you are knowledgeable about the services being provided and that you are taking the negotiation seriously. It also helps to establish trust between you and your service provider.
4. Be Open To Compromise
Negotiations often involve compromise, so it is important to be open-minded when discussing potential deals with service providers. Consider different scenarios where both parties can benefit from the agreement, such as offering additional services in exchange for discounts on certain products or services. Being flexible in negotiations will help ensure that everyone gets something out of the deal in the end.
5. Follow Up After Negotiations
Once negotiations are complete, follow up with your service provider to make sure they understand all of the terms of the agreement and that they have taken all necessary steps towards fulfilling their obligations under it. Following up after negotiations also serves as a reminder of how serious you were about getting a fair deal, which may encourage them to work hard on delivering quality results for a reasonable price going forward.
Negotiating with big name service providers can be intimidating, but it's not impossible. Start by doing your research - know the market value of the service you're looking for and the terms that are usually negotiated. Be clear about what you want and don't be afraid to walk away if you're not getting a fair deal. It's also important to remember that negotiation isn't about being aggressive or hostile. It's about finding common ground and reaching a win-win situation. Stay respectful and professional throughout the negotiation process, and you'll find that you can still get what you want without burning bridges.
To my fellow women out there - don't be afraid to negotiate. Be as resilient as a mediocre white man and stand up for yourself. You have the power to change the game and get closer to where you want to go. Let's make our voices heard and demand the respect and value that we deserve!
