Negotiation Stories from Women in Business: Lessons Learned Early On

As young students enter the world of business, they tend to have an image of what their first few years in the professional world will look like. They imagine who they’ll speak to, the projects they’re going to collaborate on, and sometimes, most importantly, the negotiations they’ll conduct. But sometimes what we conjure in our minds is the ideal version of events, and those moments when we learn the truth are considered the most fundamental on our professional journey. For Addie List, that experience came with many new lessons, sometimes earned the hard way. 

List graduated from Ohio State with her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and a specialization in Marketing. She stays involved at Ohio State through the Alumni Undergraduate Mentorship Program through the Fisher College of Business, “I find it incredibly rewarding to help students learn things I wish I had known at their stage.” List currently works in programmatic media at an NYC-based advertising agency, where her love for creativity and strategy are able to connect. 

While daunting, negotiations play a crucial role in any position, whether you are striking a deal or seekingfor a promotion, the nerves are the same. But after some time, the phrase “practice makes perfect” really does apply. For List, being ready for anything is the goal, “confidence comes from being prepared. When you know the value you bring and come into a conversation respectful, poised, and clear about your goals, those differences matter less. Regardless of personality or background, being prepared and intentional helps level the playing field.”

But sometimes, things don’t go as we planned, and that’s okay too. Those moments can be learning tools for the future, guidestones for the next time. It takes courage and patience, especially with yourself, to try again if you’re not feeling like the first time you negotiated went well. It is okay to feel lost, but giving yourself the grace to get back up and try again is what really matters. When List first found the realities of negotiation, she took the rejection in stride, coming back stronger. “I’ve been given advice that the worst thing that can happen is that someone can say no, but sometimes the worst thing that can happen is that they would have said yes, but you never asked. Through this experience, I learned to accept the “no’s,” but never regret asking.” 

Additionally, there are times when you just can’t see eye to eye with the person you are negotiating with. Differences in personality can be huge when trying to connect and agree with another person. If someone is more outspoken than you, it can be hard to get a word in. But on the other hand, if the person across from you is more reserved, building that bond of trust for a better discussion can be difficult. Bring your goals for the conversation with you, but don’t be too afraid to ask for what you want. Stepping out of your comfort zone is never easy, it makes you second guess whether you deserve this or not. It is always best to remind yourself that you've worked hard to get where you are, and that others should see the value you bring to the table. 

As someone who has now undergone several negotiations, List shares the discussion she believes has been most enriching for her. “I raised promotion conversations during formal review cycles, which I’ve found is the most effective and appropriate timing in agency and corporate environments. I also made sure not to come to the conversation empty-handed. I kept a running record of the projects I worked on, the ways I contributed, and the impact I was making, which is something I strongly encourage the students I mentor to do as well. When asked what success would look like for me, I was specific. Being clear about your goals and having evidence to support them makes negotiation conversations far more productive.“ Her efforts earned her a promotion and a raise for the position that she was aiming for, giving her more responsibility and leadership. 

Negotiations will be a part of everyone’s career path at one point or another. Whether it is in a situation such as List’s, where we are wanting more out of your time professionally or conversing with business clients, the primary focus remains the same. No matter the differences in the logistics, the main goal stays the same. When advocating for yourself or looking out for your company, the more developed a plan of action you have, the more successful you will be overall. Like List, we all have to learn how to negotiate the hard way, by jumping in head first. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have to dive in without being as ready as possible.