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Hey {{ name | friend }},

What would it feel like to earn more money?

Here’s the truth: Not negotiating your salary is costing you millions of dollars.

That’s why you need to know how to have the talk with your boss.

I know how scary this can be…

The first time I asked for a raise, I was nervous, stuttered, and heard the dreaded words, “no, sorry.”

But then I realized I’d gone about it all wrong.

Once I figured out how to actually ask for a raise, I got one within months.

The RAISE Framework

Asking for a raise might feel like a one-day event, but it all starts with the prep you do months ahead.

You can use my RAISE framework to set yourself up for success.

R – Research (3 Months Before the Conversation)

Collect Proof of Your Awesomeness:

Start a “Brag” Folder: Create a folder in your computer to keep track of wins, praise, and measurable results. This is the evidence you will use to show your value during negotiations.

Add #’s: Put numbers to your wins, like “My process saved the company $25,000 this quarter,” or “I closed a deal that brought in $50,000.” Tying a dollar amount to your work will make it easier for your boss to justify the raise. 

Know Your Worth:

Find Your Market Rate: Research industry salaries using tools like Salary.com or Glassdoor.com. Find people who not only have the same job title as you but also bring similar skills to the table.

Set Your Target Salary: Know your target salary, but start with a slightly higher number when talking to your boss to leave room for negotiation.

A – Align (2 Months Before the Conversation)

Know What Your Boss Needs:

Know their priorities: Set a meeting with your boss to understand their challenges, what matters to them, and what the company wants.

Make their life easier: Identify ways your role can help solve their problems.

I – Initiate (1 Month Before the Conversation)

Set the Meeting:

Set the meeting: Let your boss know you want to discuss compensation and ask how you can best prepare.

Show your value: Frame it as a chance to highlight how you can solve their problems and support team goals.

S – Strategize (3 Weeks Before the Conversation)

Practice:

Roleplay: Practice with asking for a raise with a friend so you’re familiar with common objections like “we don’t have the budget.”

Have a Backup Plan: Be ready to negotiate for alternative benefits such as remote work, extra PTO, or stock options.

E – Execute (Day of the Conversation)

Own It:

Own your confidence: Walk in knowing you’ve done the prep and that you’re going to crush it.

Be polite, but firm: Show your value and remember they need you.

By following this method, you’ll make a strong case for yourself.

More importantly, you’ll remember just how awesome you are—and that you deserve nothing less than the best.

ReThinkable Quiz

My favorite things this week

Emergen-C – It’s getting colder here in NYC, and I feel like I’m going to get sick (I feel something in my throat). Whenever I feel this way, I drink one of these in the morning, and I usually feel better in a few days.

Gen Z’s definition of “financial success” – So apparently Gen Z, on average, believe they need a salary of $587k+ to be considered “financially successful.” That’s compared to Millennials who believe they need $180k, and Gen X at $212k.

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