Money is frequently on our minds. We all look for savings, but it’s sometimes hard to find real deals that don’t come with a catch. For example, there might be a deal at the grocery store that says to buy two items and get the next one free. This sounds great, but it also encourages the shopper to purchase more items than they necessarily need.
But what about the times when the skill of persuasion can get you more money in your pocket? This is when there isn’t a deal already in place like a coupon or a cashback credit card. No, we’re talking about selling your side of the bargain to the merchant.
How to negotiate a better price for insurance, talking to your boss about getting a raise after years with a company, and several more examples will be discussed. We’ll talk about when you should step up to the plate with bold ideas during negotiations, and when your case can start sounding phony or unconvincing.
Asking for a Raise
Talking to your employer can be a nerve-wracking experience. Some people fear their bosses, but that simply shouldn’t be the case. You should start any new job by making the company aware you are a unique asset to their organization. This could lead to them respecting you when they’re making their first impressions.
Why is this important? Because as the relationship continues to grow through the years, it makes it much easier to ask for raises and vacations. We’re living in a time where so many underappreciated jobs are finally starting to get a little more appreciation.
People who work in grocery stores, sanitation, fast food, and retail shops at malls are all vital to the entire economy and society at large. We can’t operate without people who do these jobs.
If you go into these jobs with a positive attitude and tone, it lets your boss know you are valuable, and they may just think twice before replacing you.
Women and Proper Compensation
Women still sometimes get the short end of the stick when it comes to salary and benefits. Think about how hard it is for new moms to handle their situations as parents and career-minded individuals.
Female workers who negotiate effectively for better treatment may find themselves getting equitable compensation and treatment from their colleagues and bosses.
College students should also keep these things in mind. Far too many young people are being overextended as they do their coursework and go to a part-time job on the side.
If you show your employer how valuable you are by continuing to get great grades while doing your job perfectly, you’ll gain more respect from your employer. This might lead to promotions. Many employers appreciate the work ethic of students who are able to multitask.
Negotiating as a Lawyer
One of the careers that is both highly lucrative and embraces the ability to argue is being a lawyer. Developing the skills to negotiate for lower prices in other parts of your life may just serve you well when you are thinking about a career choice. Being a lawyer is a tough job, but it pays well.
Knowing how to negotiate in court will lead to you getting more clients. You can also persuade potential customers you are the right person for the job, and this increases your financial gains.
If being a lawyer isn’t a good job for you, think about other careers that embrace negotiating as the main skill.
If you know you were good at getting discounts from your insurance agent or car salesman as a customer, then perhaps you can get better deals for yourself by becoming one of these people.
Getting Better Car Insurance
There are so many factors that determine your car insurance rates: the type of vehicle you’re trying to insure, your personal driving record that lists tickets and accidents, the area you live in, etc. There are a lot of different aspects to keep track of, and many ways to get discounts.
This is where your relationship with your car insurance agent can become crucial. Companies like State Farm market that they are like a good neighbor, so customers should hold their advertising accountable. Talk to your agent like they are your friend. Ask them questions and negotiate on behalf of getting discounts.
Talk about the safety features you have added to your older car, like seat belts and air bags, that make it a lower risk than originally thought to be.
Don’t deceive your insurance agent when you are making your case for discounts. Simply make them aware of some of the things they may not have thought about before. Putting the bug in their ear could make things go easier later on. You just might have your agent brainstorming ways to save you money without even asking them.
Some of these tips also apply when you are buying a new or used car. Don’t let the car salesperson control the entire process. Let them know what you are looking for, what your budget is, and how far you are willing to bend.
Talking to Your Landlord About Rent
Rent is often one of the most haggled-over things in life, and the pandemic has made this even more so. If you are struggling with your monthly payments, it’s important to show your landlord that you’re willing to negotiate with them for a better price. Don’t be afraid to speak out about your personal situation.
Many landlords have become more lenient during these tough times, and moratoriums from the government have aided in this process. Prove that you can back up your word. If you say you will pay for two months’ rent because you missed last month, you better uphold that promise. This creates trust with your landlord for future endeavors.
Negotiating is one of the best skills in life to have. Hone those powers of persuasion, and you just might find a lot of savings, career opportunities, and more enter into your life.
About the author:
Shawn Laib writes and researches for the car insurance comparison site, CarInsurance.org. He wants to help people understand how they can use negotiation skills to save money and advance their careers.
