There’s an easy and powerful way to get what you want, and it’s a strategy sadly most of us don’t use--at least not very often.
We have to ask for what we want.
Over the years we’ve been taught that good things happen to those of us who work hard, stay out of trouble, and do the right thing. These lessons are correct, but they miss one important variable. We have to seize what we want.
One easy example is interest. I’ve heard countless examples of folks phoning into their loan company and talking the lender into lower interest rates. All it took was the threat of taking their business elsewhere. This can also work on the deposit side, either through better GIC rates or by getting free banking.
It’s the same thing at work. Many people have experienced a situation where they find out a new hire gets paid more than they do. Why would an employer pay more to existing employees than they have to? It’s up to the employee to demonstrate to management they’re worth more, and then let management know they want a raise.
Instead, these employees get disgruntled and often go work someplace else. That’s not a great solution for anyone, employee or employer.
Even in entrepreneurial ventures, I’m constantly amazed how many salespeople and business owners don’t just come out and ask for my business. They might hint at it or talk somewhat vaguely about "working together", but very few are direct about what they want.
Ask for what you want. It’s a powerful life lesson that will undoubtedly lead to good things--financial or otherwise.
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