Negotiations for remote workers and digital nomads extends beyond the clever craftsmanship of expert negotiators. In fact, conference call negotiations are the most important aspect for those transitioning into remote work to understand.
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This is especially true when making offers relative to how much you will be compensated for your labor. Yes, we must speak about money and the best ways to secure it for your own ease of mind.
Being able to negotiate the proper salary for yourself could potentially save stress, time searching for additional projects, and the inevitable disappointment accompanied by feeling as if you are being underpaid.
When performing in a digital workplace, you may not have as many opportunities to speak to your employers concerning your wage – therefore making conference call negotiations even more important.
Be Confident
First and foremost,
you will need to display and have internal confidence which allows you to effectively make your case. This is especially important for digital nomads who will need to prove to their employers than their traveling lifestyle will not interfere with the agreement or their quality of work.
If you are negotiating your rate, it’s important to remember that the company wants to hire you. You have already advanced past the most difficult part of the process and have the leverage on your side.
Without confidence, you could leave a lot of money on the table and sell yourself short. Never feel shame for wanting to make a living wage so you can live comfortably. Your skills are valuable, your work is quality, and you deserve fair compensation.
Your clients will also be able to notice your confidence during conference call negotiations, which will make the process far easier for yourself.
Start Higher Than What You Expect
“Take a look at what is going on in the market, your industry, and your position,” was advice offered by Forbes in an August 2015 article that offered suggestions on how individuals could negotiate a fair wage.
However, a July 2018 Glassdoor article by Heather Huhman offers an opposing view.
The art of salary negotiation is to wait for the employer to make their offer. Unless the employer asks what your expected salary is, don’t provide a number until requested.
The key is to be patient and wait for the employer to present what they think is a suitable salary for your experience and skills.
So, which is the best path to receiving the best deal? I always lean on taking control of the negotiation process. Don’t be afraid or hesitate to make the first offer, in fact, it will often play to your advantage.
It’s important to go into a conference call negotiation with three figures in mind.
- The best realistic deal you can imagine.
- A deal you would consider fair.
- The lowest offer you will accept.
The lowest offer should fluctuate depending on your current financial situation. If you don’t ‘need’ the job, it’s in your best interest to ensure you don’t get lowballed. If you are in a pinch, you may have to accept something a bit lower than your skills would merit for the time being.
When negotiating you should always begin with the best deal you feel could possibly be accepted, if your client attempts to haggle it allows you space between what you feel would be ‘fair’ and your initial high offer.
In this scenario, especially if you aren’t in a financial bind, you are likely to receive a deal higher than what you would consider ‘fair’ and far greater than the lowest offer you are willing to accept.
Present Your Proposal In A Professional Manner
The way you present yourself during a conference call negotiation should match the professional behavior you put on display during the interview process. Presenting your offer in a manner that maintains respect for yourself and your employer goes a long way in making the process come to a quick conclusion.
Maintaining a professional presence will keep resentment and tension from building between yourself and the client once you begin working. When working remotely, it’s vital to avoid any tension which could lead to negative experiences between yourself and the client.
Your professional conduct could lead to you receiving more work from the clients, promotions, or even recommendations to other companies who could benefit from your skills.
Professionalism in this aspect can be defined in the following ways.
- Allowing your client to speak when it is there turn.
- Responding in a positive tone to their remarks.
- Come prepared with all the materials you need.
- Eliminate all distractions around you.
Make Sure Your Workplace Is Calm
One way to throw off a conference call negotiation is to have audible disturbances around your working station. Your client may receive the wrong perception about your normal workday if it seems that you have a chaotic setup.
A great way to maximize the calmness of your workspace during a negotiation session is to eliminate as much background noise as possible. Luckily, innovative software available for both desktop and mobile platforms allows you to cancel out background noise, even if you must perform the negotiations from a noisy area.
Krisp is a noise cancellation solution which mutes background sounds during calls, allowing for you to put the best step forward during your important conference call negotiation.
The software is easy to use and free to download. While it may not seem like a big deal, clients will feel more comfortable agreeing to a higher payout if they feel your working area is calm, organized, and represents a traditional working environment.
Krisp will help reassure that you have a structure working area at your disposal at all times. You will also be able to join the call even if you’re working in a noisy environment.
These tips for conference call negotiations will allow remote workers and digital nomads the ability to effectively handle their negotiation process with confidence and professionalism.
Keep this list in mind the next to you must negotiate your wage as it will help ensure you receive the best deal possible for your labor and unique skills.
