Leave Nothing on the Table: Five Ways to Collect Your Whole Bag!

By Ayris T. Scales , Social Impact Executive | Founder | Philanthropist

Most people aren't? aware that April is National Financial Literacy Month, and the way this economy and inflation are hitting up our pockets, we could all use practical tips, or a refresher on how to level up our coins!? Today’s focus: Leave Nothing on the Table: Five Steps to Collect Your Whole Bag!

Data has shown that in comparison to men, women are overwhelmingly underpaid and often undervalued in the workplace. Being mindful of existing biases and having a targeted course of action when you go into compensation negotiations, are great first steps to successfully advocate for yourself. Below, I share a few tips that can take your bottom line, all the way to the top!

#1. Know your worth -? Research and assess information about your industry's standards, the market it serves and the average salary for the position you’re seeking, at your level of experience. This information can be found on websites like Glassdoor , Payscale , and LinkedIn Salary. It's also important to know your level of commitment. Is this a stepping stone and pivot move or are you in it to win it?

#2. Determine your value - ?You bring a lot to the table outside of your skills. This added value has a cost, especially when your next job or client will benefit as well. Don’t forget to also negotiate around these (4P’s) in your life: people, profits, partners, and priors. Collectively, these equate to the ROI you bring. If you struggle with quantifying your value, contact me on IG @abelvision. We add very well.?

#3. Negotiate your total compensation package - Considering the full range of comp options can lead to money in your pockets now and later. One day you hope to retire, and to do so comfortably. Assess your current lifestyle and envision the one in which you’re striving to have past your professional prime. Only negotiating your base salary, and passing on other benefits, allowances, bonuses, and stock options will leave real?money on the table.?

#4. Invest in yourself - The only constant is change. Staying on top of industry trends, skills-gaps, emerging policies and practices, will set you apart from your competition. Pursuing higher education, acquiring new skills, expanding your network or starting a new business vertical isn't a waste when they lead to higher earning potential, more options, new clients and greater liquidity. Some of my favorite personal investments have been Leadership Greater Washington , National Urban Fellows Progressive Policy Institute Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship , coach Andrea Holyfield, MS, CBC, NLP and brand guru Deandra C. .

#5. Seek guidance - Consulting with a mentor, career coach or industry leader provides fresh perspectives that allow you to develop an offensive strategy, practice your pitch, and boost your confidence as a negotiator. Keep in mind, even the best athletes in the world still use a coach and you’d never ask a gate agent how to fly the?plane. Point being, don't view the need to seek assistance as a weakness, but be sure the advise is coming from qualified sources.

The path to financial resiliency involves many lanes all moving in the same direction. Think about your financial destination and how you plan to get there. This month I'll also share tips on how to make your money go further, biting the bullet with homeownership, and how to invest with confidence - all in an effort to help us all shift from deficits to dividends.

If you found these tips helpful, then register to join the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Metropolitan DC Chapter on April 18th from 7PM - 8:30PM EST during its #wealthywednesdays Sisternomics Education Series #3 - Get Your Bag. This is a free, virtual event. Check them out on IG @ncbwdc. #financialliteracy #salarynegotiation