💰 5 Salary Negotiation Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them) 💰

Let’s talk about money, shall we? (And no, this isn’t another one of those “stop buying coffee” lectures ☕🙄).

We’ve all been there—sitting across from our manager, palms sweaty, heart racing, trying to ask for more money without sounding like we’re plotting a bank heist. But here’s the tea: you’re probably making these classic negotiation blunders without even realizing it.

🚨 1. Playing the Waiting Game

Oh, you’re waiting for the “right time” to ask? Spoiler alert: There isn’t one. Stop waiting for your manager to notice your brilliance and spontaneously shower you with cash. That’s about as likely as finding a decent cup of tea at a petrol station. 🍵💀

🇬🇧 2. The Classic British Undersell

“Well, I suppose, if it’s not too much trouble, I was wondering if maybe…” 🚫 NO. Stop that right now. Your salary negotiation isn’t a polite request for someone to pass the salt. Be direct, be confident, and for heaven’s sake, stop apologizing for asking what you’re worth.

📊 3. Going in Without Numbers

Walking into a salary negotiation without market research is like going to Tesco without a list—you’ll end up with things you don’t need and forget what you actually came for. 🛒 Do your homework, know your worth, and have those numbers ready.

🎭 4. The Emotional Pitch

“But I’ve been here for ages!” isn’t a negotiation strategy. Neither is “My cat needs expensive surgery” 🐱💸 or “London rent is killing me.” Focus on value, impact, and results. Save the drama for your group chat.

❌ 5. Taking the First “No” as Final

A “no” is often just the beginning of the conversation. Don’t pack up your dreams and shuffle back to your desk. This is where your preparation and persistence come in handy. Negotiate, counter, and keep the convo going.

✅ The Solution? Here’s Your Game Plan:

✔ Document your wins (yes, all of them)
✔ Research market rates (LinkedIn and Glassdoor are your best mates)
✔ Practice your pitch (in front of your mirror, your cat, whoever)
✔ Prepare for objections (because they’re coming)
✔ Follow up with an email summary

🚀 Remember: You’re not asking for a favor—you’re having a business discussion about your value. And trust me, your manager has these conversations all the time. They’re not sitting there thinking about how awkward it is; they’re probably just wondering what’s for lunch.

🔥 Ready to level up your negotiation game? Keep an eye out for our next cohort opening for The Blueprint—where we teach you all the skills you’ll ever need to walk into that meeting, own your worth, and get paid what you deserve. 💼💰 Join The Blueprint today.