Negotiating on Shine

The secrets of smart freelancers: 5 questions for Michelle Goodman

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The freelance marketplace is simmering with activity. Those of us who have been at it for years are finding work from the very employers who have been showing employees the door. And many of those exiting employees are realizing that it's about time to acquire some freelancing skills -- whether for short-term survival or long-term livelihood.

When it comes to dispensing smart advice about freelancing, there is no greater guide than Michelle Goodman, author of the books, The "Anti 9-to-5 Guide" and "My So-Called Freelance Life." Not only does Goodman have the answers to the most vexing questions about freelancing, she is also a vocal advocate for the rights of freelancers, and for reminding independent workers to speak up for ourselves. Below is Goodman's wisdom on how to survive and thrive as a freelancer today.

How to negotiate discounts on medical bills

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Consider This: To maintain cash flow, "many doctors will knock 5 or 10 percent off if you pay up front," says health-care consultant Rocky Fredrickson. Uninsured patients can get even bigger discounts ("50 percent or more," says gastroenterologist Martin Bashir)...

The smart girl's guide to negotiating anything

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Too many of us view a sticker-price as set in stone. But haggling is an oft-accepted practice not limited to flea markets and the real estate market. Plus, it can save you a bundle on both big-ticket and small-fee items. From buying a car to negotiating your starting salary, it's all about asking for what you want. Here are the purchases you can and should haggle over before handing over your cash.

12 tips for women to negotiate higher salaries -- even in tough economic times

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A study of 42,000 managers in the UK found that at the age of 37, the average female manager was five years younger than her male equivalent. Despite those significant gains, women continue to be paid less-- an average 12 per cent less for working in a similar role. At the director level the gap increases to 23 per cent. The National Management Salary Survey also reveals that resignation rates among women directors, managers and professionals are at their highest level for five years. Women are 20 per cent more likely than men to resign from their jobs. Those statistics would not be much different for women working in the United States.

As these statistics show, regardless of how far you progress, your compensation depends in significant part on how well you negotiate.

The Negotiator

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[Ed. Note: This post from Shine user taleayahjohnson has "I can relate" written all over it. Boy, can I relate. Not only am I The Negotiator, my son is quite skilled at the exercise. This does not bode well for his teenage years. Some things aren't up for discussion or debate, of...