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StitcherWhether you’re asking for a raise or just trying to make your voice heard, negotiation doesn’t have to feel scary, and you definitely don’t have to be an expert at all times to get what you deserve! In this episode, Jen and Jill are joined by Kathryn Valentine of Worthmore Strategies to empower us how we can turn the tables and negotiate better not just at work but also in life.
The worst you can get is a 'no', but with the skills to do it well, you’ll get yeses more often.
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Check out some relevant episodes
Kathryn is the CEO of Worthmore Strategies, where she helps organizations advance female talent. A top-rated speaker, her clients include companies like JP Morgan, KPMG, and Bain, and her work has been featured in the Harvard Business Review, the Wall Street Journal, and Fast Company. Kathryn started her career at McKinsey & Company, where she became one of their youngest industry advisors. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and two sons, who put her leadership skills to the test every day.
Misconceptions of Women as Negotiators
At this point, Kathryn has read 13,000 pages of academic research on this topic. And according to those studies, one outdated belief that stands out is the idea that women are not good negotiators. When if fact, women excel at negotiating, especially if it’s for others. However, they are often less successful when negotiating for themselves—not due to a lack of talent, but rather a lack of information.
Wrong Ways to Negotiate
Kathryn shared some common negotiation pitfalls we should all avoid when negotiating. For instance, she once unintentionally offended someone by saying, “If it works for me, it should work for you,” which is an advice often tailored for men, which is probably why it didn’t work for her.
Another big mistake is walking in and demanding, “I deserve more!”— because that rarely gets you anywhere. Lastly, she mentioned that annual reviews are probably not the best time to negotiate since you’ll likely hear a “no” because of budget constraints.
The Formula of a Successful Negotiation
Kathryn suggests three effective strategies. First, adopt a holistic thinking—focus on what will genuinely increase your impact while also reducing stress. Next, present relationally with the formula: past performance, future vision, and your request. Finally, encourage collaboration in your conversations by asking, “What do you think?” This shifts the negotiation to an “us vs. the problem” mindset, ensuring it’s a two-way process rather than just a negotiation for yourself.
Finding Wins for Everyone
In recognizing where you might score a successful negotiation, Kathryn suggests that if you can clearly show how both parties will benefit, you’re winning that negotiation. Another great time to negotiate is after hitting a big milestone or when immediate shifts allow you to take on a job for greater rewards.
She also offered valuable advice for those in fields like teaching, nursing, small business, and individuals outside corporate settings. Eventually, it all goes down to this: Negotiation isn’t just about financial wins; it’s also about flexibility and resource training.
What’s your most successful negotiation?
Kathryn negotiated 18% off the house she loves so much. Jill negotiated their vacation room and ended up with the best amenities and a $200 travel credit. Jen negotiated her house purchase and also got her extra conference covered at work, scoring an easy yes!
Get more from Guest
Website: Worthmore Strategies
Insta: @worthmorestrategies
The 75 Things: The List of 75 things
Bill of The Week
Thank you Kathryn for sharing your bill about paying a bill for a tree branch removal – paying 2x needed for homeowners insurance!
Thanks so Much for Listening!
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The best
I love listening to Jill and Jen! I also live in Florida and my name is Jenna so I feel like I fit right in! 😉 they make being frugal sound so doable and even fun! When I think I know all the budgeting tips, I learn new ones. My husband and I have made so many changes because of the tips I’ve learned from listening to this podcast- Including switching our savings account to a HYSA and starting a Roth IRA. Thank you so much guys!! P.S. I listen on Spotify but I downloaded Apple Podcasts to write this review. Happy early 1000! 🥳🤩
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