Will ASKING help?
- Joyce Kacin
- May 27
- 2 min read
Well…depends on what you’re asking for, right?
Ask for the job.
Ask for the business.
Ask for opportunity.
There are times NOT TO ASK.
What do I mean?
If you’re looking for a job or writing a proposal for a prospect, it’s best to make them define the number. This will likely tick some people off. I don’t care. We can let other people follow perceived rules; we’re positioning YOU for your BEST outcome.
CASE IN POINT #1: If you’re negotiating a job opportunity and you’re asked what you’re currently earning, or what you want to make, don’t take that bait! Don’t answer the question. (In at least 21 states and territories it’s illegal to ask you what you’re currently making. But that doesn’t preclude them asking what you WANT to make. Don’t fall for it.) They have a budget for the role and a perceived value of placing YOU in that role. ASK for an offer. Then, you have something to respond to. This is reasonable. If you define a number, you don’t know if you’ve lowballed what they have in their budget or priced yourself out of the opportunity! So don’t do it. DON’T ASK FOR A SPECIFIC NUMBER. Of course, you must do this in a highly diplomatic and nuanced way that won’t ruffle feathers. I didn’t say it was easy, I’m saying this is the way to be sure you don't leave money on the table.
CASE IN POINT 2: If you’re working with a new client or even renewing a known client, don’t build a proposal based on a pie in the sky guess at what they may be willing to spend. ASK them to define their budget parameters. They may object to telling you exactly how much is in their budget. That’s why you ASK for the range of dollars they have to spend on your solution. Once they answer that question, you again have something to work with.
In both of these cases, these are just the first steps. There are methods, techniques and strategies to move forward with what you’ve learned; what you’ve gotten in response. YOUR NEXT MOVE MATTERS. Book a free call and we’ll talk it through. Booking calendar 30m | Kacin Point
So, the idea of ASKING is subjective. In certain circumstances it can work against you, in others it can absolutely work for you. Be certain you know when to ask and when to remain silent.
Comments