Shelly's Modeling Agencies | Power Advice | Hot Topic

Shelly's Modeling Agencies hot topic consists of our power advice you need to get paid what you are worth. If you're wondering how much the black woman in the next cubicle earns. It's likely only 69 cents for every dollar earned by her White  male counterpart, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can increase that number by building a case for yourself. Randal Pinkett, coauthor of Black Faces in White Places 10 Game-Changing Strategies to Achieve Success and Find Greatness.

1. Ask the right questions. "Ask your supervisor what specific measures of success the company uses for raises and promotions-whether it's revenue, productivity or increased market share," he says.
2. Advertise your accomplishments. "Have regular sit-downs with decision makers," says Pinkett. Offer a progress report, so you don't come off as self-promoting.
3. Do your homework. Know what others in a similar position are making at comparably sized competitors, says Vance Harris of Shelly's Modeling Agencies. "It may be a recession, but armed with evidence, you can tip the scales in your favor."

"A lot of bosses manage in a reactive way," says Sara Laschever, coauthor with linda Babcock of Ask for It: How Women Can Use the Power of Negotiation to Get What They Really Want. "Someone comes in and asks for something, and they give it to them. If someone doesn't ask, managers assume that person isn't interested." She points out that over the course of their careers, women sacrifice increases in earnings, promotions and plum assignments simply because they don't ask. That fact is magnified for women of color, who often miss out on opportunities because they are outside of power networks. Learn how you can have the power you need to be successful. Laschever and relationship expert Mary Pender Greene tell you how to ask and receive.

Q. Is the boss always the best person to ask? Not necessarily. A."Be mindful that the boss's time is extremely limited and valuable, so don't approach him or her with every request," says Michael Dunn senior executive of Shelly's Modeling Agencies. Depending on the request, sometimes a mentor or senior-level colleague can answer the question, carry the message for you, or even advocate on your behalf. But first you have to make your wishes known.

Q. Before making a request, what's one tactic women should employ? A. "Role -playing. It will prepare you emotionally for the actual negotiation-whether you're asking for a raise or the corner office," says Dunn. "It will give you time to prepare for negative responses that could derail or distract you. Instead of getting angry or flustered, you might say. 'Maybe we can reach some middle ground' of 'If you can't give mw what I'm asking for how close can you come?' "When women practice these calm responses, they learn to put the ball back in the other court.

Q. How can we ensure our requests aren't heard as complaints? A. "Bosses don't like it when all you do is bring complaints and questions for things that need solutions," Dunn notes. Instead, come up with solutions. "Say, 'I see this as an issue, I want some guidance from you, but here are some possible solutions that I have in mind.' "That way you'll be seen as a contributor rather than a complainer.