Let’s get real for a minute.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve thought about negotiating your salary… your rate… your raise… but maybe you’ve hesitated. You’re not alone. Whether you’re navigating corporate life or running your own business, talking about money can still feel awkward, uncomfortable—even taboo.
But here’s the truth: not talking about money is costing you money.
It’s time we normalize these conversations and treat compensation as the career tool it is—not a dirty word. In fact, the women who are growing fastest in their careers and businesses today aren’t necessarily the smartest or most experienced—they’re the ones who advocate for their worth.
Let’s break down the conversations you need to be having right now—and how to have them with confidence.
Conversation #1: “Am I Being Paid What I’m Worth?”
This is a conversation you start with yourself.
Before you walk into a negotiation or set your fee or your salary, you need clarity on your value. That means understanding the market, your industry, your role, what you bring to the table, and your results.
Action Steps:
- Research salary benchmarks using tools like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, or Payscale. If you’re a consultant or entrepreneur, check out tools like Fiverr’s rate calculator or freelance pricing surveys.
- Talk to trusted peers in your field. Normalize asking: “What range are people in our field typically getting for this level of responsibility or for this type of engagement?”
- List your achievements. What have you delivered in the past 12–18 months? Think revenue growth, cost savings, efficiency, visibility—anything measurable.
Keep in Mind: Always quantify your wins. “Led a team” is nice. “Led a team that improved client retention by 22%” is next-level.
Conversation #2: “Let’s Talk About My Compensation…”
This is the conversation you have with your manager, client, or employer. And yes, it’s the one many of us dread. But avoiding it doesn’t make it go away—it just delays your growth.
It’s important to be strategic.
Prep Before the Ask:
- Timing matters. Don’t wait until performance review season if you’ve just delivered a big win. Schedule a conversation when your impact is fresh.
- Lead with value. Start by recapping your contributions. Anchor the conversation in business outcomes.
- Practice your ask. Try this formula:
“Given the impact I’ve had on [X project or goal], and based on current market rates, I’d like to revisit my compensation.”
If you’re a business owner, the conversation might sound like: “Based on the scope of work and the results we’ve delivered, here’s my updated rate structure moving forward.” Remember to include your preparation time for any presentations you offer. It’s easy to forget all the time you invest for every hour you’re in front of the client or for the amount of time invested in designing and conducting the research to elaborate the report you present to them.
Dealing with Common Pushback:
- “We don’t have budget right now.”
“I understand—can we agree on a timeline to revisit this? In the meantime, are there other forms of recognition we can explore?” - “You should be grateful to have this job/client.”
This is a red flag because although gratitude is important, it’s not a substitute for fair pay. So, if this is the answer you get, consider starting looking for another opportunity.
Conversation #3: “I’d Like to Renegotiate Our Terms.”
If you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or consultant, this one’s vital. Many women underprice themselves at the start of a client relationship and then get stuck there for years.
When to renegotiate:
- You’ve taken on more work than originally scoped
- The market rates have changed
- You’ve leveled up your expertise
- You’ve proven consistent results
Try saying:
- “As we’ve expanded our work together, the scope has grown. I’d like to revisit our agreement to reflect that.”
- “With the results we’ve seen so far, I’m adjusting my rate to reflect the value we’re creating.”
You can also offer tiered options so the client has flexibility—and so you don’t compromise on your worth.
At the end of the day, money isn’t just about numbers—it’s about power, choice, and freedom. Every time you speak up for your worth, you’re not only changing your own trajectory, but you’re also helping to reshape the conversation for every woman who comes after you. So, stop waiting for the “perfect moment” to have that conversation. The perfect moment is now. Be bold. Be unapologetic. And remember: the first step to earning more is believing you deserve it.
And if you are ready to take the next bold step to fulfill your career dreams, we are here for you. Join our Step Up Women program today and become part of a uniquely supportive community while you acquire all the power skills you need to reach your goals.
