Lauren's List: Tips For Navigating Your Next Negotiation
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- You work hard and you think you deserve a raise, but asking for one can put your stomach in knots.
Negotiating is truly an art form many people haven't yet mastered, so today's "Lauren's List" is here to help!
If you want to bring your A-game to the table, here are a few tips for navigating your next negotiation, according to career site Monster.com.
- Aim high but be realistic: Don't set yourself up for failure by asking for something you know your employer can't give you. At the same time, researchers have found a strong correlation between people's aspirations and the results they achieve in negotiation. Don't undersell yourself, but do know your worth.
- Use the right tone: An ultimatum right out of the gate probably isn't the way to go. Make sure your boss knows you want to listen and understand his or her views and needs, too. Make sure they plan to extend the same courtesy to you.
- Create several options: Extra money in your paycheck will be nice, but maybe a few extra vacation days a year will do the trick, too. You can even brainstorm options with your boss. Maybe there are some perks they can offer that you don't even know about!
- Mind the day and time: This last tip may sound strange, but research suggests there's actually a good time of the day to ask for a raise. In most cases, mornings are better than waiting until right before closing time when everyone is just ready to go home for the day. Avoid Mondays, as psychologists say they are notorious for producing negative, tense moods, not exactly the mood you're going for when you're asking for something.
When was the last time you negotiated? Did you get what you wanted? Let me know on on Facebook or on Twitter.
If you have an idea for a future "Lauren's List", send it to lpastrana@cbs.com.
