Reshared post from +Lynette Young

Someone very recently said to me that I was easy to do business with because I have the temperament of the 'girl next door'. I was also told that I come across as a pushover. For the record, that was BEFORE I had to put on my big girl pants and get down to business. I was then referred to as a 'shark' and 'deceptive'. Why? Because I was misleading by being nice, and once again was referred to as being the 'girl next door'. (Trust me when I say the gender issue was at play here as well.)

By the way, I got the deal exactly as I wanted. No compromise on my end because I was confident of the value I brought to the table and I was willing to walk away. Every time that happens (yes, it happens to me enough to make a note of it) this is what goes through my head:

Billy Joel – Pressure
But here you are with your faith
And your Peter Pan advice
You have no scars on your face
And you cannot handle pressure

The naive view that they are in control and offer the only value in an opportunity tells me that the person has no true and varied business experience (no scars). I work razor sharp under pressure and I know how to apply it. As a self-employed business owner, this is what I personally need to do to stay afloat and above my competition.

I don't bring this up to flaunt my business chops. I know how to compromise. I know how to walk away. I know how to see that an offer has no immediate payoff, but future gains. The question is, do YOU…

1. Know your value and do not belittle your worth?
2. Jump in with discounts and price reductions? So often people women go and automatically offer a low price because they are timid to ask for what they are worth or what others in their industry receive.
3. Equate nice with naive? They are not the same.
4. Assume you always have the better offer, value, or opportunity? You don't. Know the difference.

Okay, that's off my chest now. I can go back to being the "sweet shark next door" that gets business done!

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