The Naked Negotiator: How to negotiate the salary you deserve

By Michael W. Phillips

Would you like a higher salary? Are you nervous and unsure about how to ask? You’re not alone. Research shows that a third of men and more than half of women are uncomfortable asking for a pay rise. This is no trivial matter. Over the course of a typical career, allowing your employer to consistently pay you below the market rate for your role can deprive you of hundreds of thousands of pounds. It doesn’t have to be this way. Engaging and entertaining, The Naked Negotiator will arm you with knowledge and confidence. In what often feels like an unfair struggle between experienced, knowledgeable managers and apparently powerless employees, you need no longer fear this most daunting of career challenges.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Jan 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9781398479159

Michael W. Phillips

Michael W. Phillips Jr. is an independent filmmaker, film critic, and film programmer.  

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Copyright Information ©

Michael W Phillips 2023

The right of Michael W Phillips to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781398479142 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781398479159 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2023

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

1 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5AA

Dedication

Dedicated to my Four Angels

Prologue

Ellen looked across the table at Drew, leaning on her elbows.

What are we going to do? she said.

Hmmm? said Drew, not looking up from his phone.

What are we going to do? she said again, this time with more urgency. At last Drew looked up. About what?

About our financial situation. We’re living like paupers, but we still don’t seem to be able to save anything. We’re never going to be able to save enough for a house deposit. We’re never going to get out of this tiny flat. Her volume was increasing with each sentence.

Hey, hey, hey! Drew got up and put a consoling arm around Ellen. It’s going to be OK.

But it isn’t, is it? she snapped, pulling herself away from his embrace. Not unless we do something.

They sat in silence.

We need more money.

I’m doing all the overtime I can. They won’t give me anymore, retorted Drew. He was getting angry now. You’re doing fantastic things for that company, but they haven’t given you a raise in three years. You need to tell them.

I don’t know how! It’s hard! I’m not that type of person!

The awkward silence returned.

This time Drew broke the silence. If you don’t know how, you should learn how.

I don’t think they do night-school classes on asking for a pay rise, Ellen replied, in a sarcastic tone.

Drew scowled; arms folded. Then he said, The other day when I went to the dentist, I noticed there was an office across the road with a sign that said something like ‘The Naked Negotiator, I can negotiate anything – guaranteed’. Why don’t you see if you can get some help there?

In negotiation, as in life,

if you don’t know how,

you should learn how.

Chapter 1 – The Proposal

It Always Seems Impossible Until It’s Done.

–Nelson Mandela

Ellen had had a fantastic morning. Everything seemed to be falling into place. Everybody seemed to understand what she was trying to achieve and, by and large, everybody seemed to be pulling together. All the metrics were heading in the right direction. As she headed out to lunch, the sun was shining, and she was feeling good. She turned into the High Street and then something caught her eye. It was a sign on an office door.

The Naked Negotiator

I can negotiate anything – guaranteed

First consultation free

On the opposite side of the road was Drew’s dentist. She looked back at the office. It was a pretty fancy building. They’re not going to be interested in my piddly problems, she thought. She turned away, but then stopped. I could just enquire, find out how they work. She was still wrestling with the idea in her mind when she realised her hand was already on the door handle. It was a heavy glass door but it swung open silently and effortlessly. Inside was an immaculate office, the walls lined with identical files, each precisely aligned and spaced. At the only desk in the room sat an elegant middle-aged woman tapping away on a keyboard. She looked up immediately and with a beaming smile she said, Can I help you?

Ellen’s brain suddenly froze. Er, I’m…I mean, I was just wondering. Do you…how?

The smiley lady decided to help. Do you need a negotiator?

Yes, said Ellen, regaining a little composure. You see, I need a pay rise and I really can’t…I don’t suppose you handle such trivial matters?

On the contrary, she replied, the Naked Negotiator loves all negotiations, big and small! He’s in now. Would you like to see him?

Ellen was a little taken aback. Don’t I need to make an appointment?

Not at all. I just need your name?

Ellen started to get nervous again. Ellen. Ellen Standing. Will it take long? I’m on my lunchbreak.

No, no. Not long. The smiley lady leaned forward and pressed an intercom button.

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