Negotiation is a skill that every woman needs to master—whether it’s for a salary raise, a business deal, or even setting boundaries in personal relationships. Yet, many women hesitate when it comes to asking for what they truly deserve. Why? Because we are often conditioned to be accommodating, grateful for what we get, and hesitant to “rock the boat.”
But here’s the truth: If you don’t ask, you don’t get it.
I learnt it at the start of my career and once I understood, I always believed in standing my ground and advocating for myself. I never let anyone tell me what I should or shouldn’t ask for. However, I have seen many women around me underestimate their worth—hesitating to negotiate, fearing rejection, or feeling guilty for wanting more.
This needs to change.
Whether you’re negotiating your salary, a promotion, business deals, or household responsibilities, knowing how to ask with confidence can make all the difference. Let’s break down the essentials of negotiating like a boss.
Why Women Struggle with Negotiation
Many women avoid negotiating because of:
🚧 Fear of rejection: “What if they say no?”
🚧 Self-doubt: “Maybe I’m not worth that much.”
🚧 Guilt: “I don’t want to seem greedy.”
🚧 Lack of preparation: “I don’t know how to ask for it.”
The result? We settle for less than we deserve. But negotiation isn’t just about asking—it’s about asking the right way, with confidence and strategy.
5 Steps to Negotiate Like a Boss
1️⃣ Know Your Worth (And Own It!)
Before you negotiate, you must believe that you deserve what you’re asking for.
✔️ For a salary raise: Research industry standards and know your market value.
✔️ For business deals: Understand your expertise and the unique value you bring.
✔️ For personal boundaries: Be clear on what you need to maintain a healthy balance.
📌 Tip: Keep a “brag file”—a record of your achievements, contributions, and skills. This will boost your confidence and help you make a compelling case.
2️⃣ Do Your Homework
Knowledge is power. Before any negotiation, gather data and facts to support your request.
🔍 Salary Negotiation? Research salaries for your role on platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or industry reports.
🔍 Business Negotiation? Understand your client’s needs, competition, and industry trends.
🔍 Personal Boundaries? Identify exactly what you need and why.
📌 Tip: The more prepared you are, the stronger your case. Walk in with facts, not just feelings.
3️⃣ Use the Right Language
Confidence is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Avoid apologetic or hesitant language.
❌ Weak asks: “I was just wondering if maybe you’d consider giving me a raise?”
✅ Strong ask: “Based on my contributions and market trends, I believe a salary adjustment to [X amount] is fair.”
Replace “I think” with “I know.”
Replace “I need” with “I bring.”
📌 Tip: Be clear, direct, and assertive—not aggressive. There’s a difference!
4️⃣ Be Ready to Handle Pushback
Negotiations rarely go smoothly on the first try. Expect objections and be prepared to counter them.
🔹 If they say NO: Ask, “Can you help me understand why?” This keeps the conversation open.
🔹 If they say BUDGET ISSUES: Propose alternative benefits—like flexible work hours, additional perks, or a future salary review.
🔹 If they say YOU’RE NOT READY: Ask, “What specific steps can I take to reach that level?”
📌 Tip: Silence is a strategy. After stating your request, pause and wait. Let them respond first!
5️⃣ Know When to Walk Away
Sometimes, the answer is a hard no. If an employer, client, or situation refuses to acknowledge your worth, be prepared to explore better opportunities.
🚪 If a company undervalues you—look for one that doesn’t.
🚪 If a client lowballs you—set firm pricing or move on.
🚪 If a personal boundary isn’t respected—reinforce it or reconsider the relationship.
📌 Tip: Walking away is also a power move. Don’t stay where you aren’t valued.
Examples of Women Who Negotiated Their Worth
💡 Indra Nooyi (Former PepsiCo CEO): She negotiated for better work-life balance and redefined leadership roles for women.
💡 Serena Williams (Tennis Champion): She demanded equal pay for female athletes in tennis, helping drive change in sports.
💡 Women Entrepreneurs in India: Many women have secured business funding through government schemes like Stand-Up India, Mudra Yojana, and Annapurna Scheme—because they knew how to negotiate and ask.
These women didn’t just accept what was given—they asked for what they deserved.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve More—So Ask for It!
Negotiation isn’t about demanding—it’s about advocating for yourself with clarity, confidence, and facts.
✅ Know your worth
✅ Prepare and research
✅ Speak with confidence
✅ Handle objections smartly
✅ Be ready to walk away if necessary
💬 Have you ever hesitated to negotiate? Or have you successfully asked for what you deserve? Share your experiences in the comments!
🚀 This post is part of my “Empowering Women” series for Blogchatter’s Write a Page a Day challenge. Stay tuned for more!
Neerja Bhatnagar
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