She Strengthens

The Art of Negotiation: How to Ask for More Money Without Losing the Opportunity

As freelancers and consultants, we’ve all been there – stuck in a precarious dance of negotiating rates with potential clients. It’s a delicate balance between advocating for ourselves and risking the loss of the opportunity altogether. But what if I told you that asking for more money doesn’t have to be awkward or uncomfortable?

Know Your Worth

As someone who’s worked in various industries, I’ve learned to recognize my value and set a baseline rate that reflects my expertise. It’s essential to understand the economics of your industry and the worth you bring to the table. This confidence will serve you well in negotiations.

The Power of Saying No

Declining a job offer doesn’t have to be a definitive “no.” You can say “no” while leaving the door open to negotiation. Here are three prompts to help you navigate this situation:

1. Be Straightforward, Yet Kind

When declining an offer, do it with grace and politeness. Instead of a blunt “no,” try:

“Hi [Name], thanks for the opportunity. It feels like a great fit for my skills. I was wondering, is there any wiggle room on the rate? I normally don’t work for a rate under [fill in]. Thank you for your time!”

2. Showcase Your Qualifications

Highlight your past achievements and performance to justify your desired rate. This approach works particularly well with data-driven clients:

“Hi [Name], thanks for getting back to me about [project/gig]. Unfortunately, the rate is a bit lower than what I normally work for, considering my experience. I’ve worked with [brand names/clients] and have a great reputation for [high-performing results]. Would you be open to [fill in range or specific number]? If you’d like, we can also discuss a rate that’s more performance-based.”

3. Emphasize Your Busy Schedule

If you’re in high demand, use that to your advantage. This approach works well in niche fields where your expertise is scarce:

“Hi [Name]! This opportunity sounds awesome. However, I was hoping to see if you had any flexibility with your rate. I have a few other clients I’ll be working with, and I want to make sure I’m taking on work that also makes sense for me, economically.”

By using these prompts, you’ve left room to negotiate and potentially accept the initial offer if needed. Remember, it’s all about finding a mutually beneficial agreement that reflects your worth.