Summary of Ladies Get Paid by Claire Wasserman
Here is a summary of Ladies Get Paid by Claire Wasserman. This book was amazing and I highly recommend it. It’s a guide to help ladies get paid more money and I learned so much from reading it!
Part One: Build Your Foundation
Part One is about getting into the right line of work in the first place. If you are in the right line of work then you will be happier, work harder and longer hours, and hence get the expertise to get paid more.
In order to do this you must figure out what you want to do, understand imposter syndrome and know that you belong in the field you want, and understand and get over the hurdle of always trying to be perfect.
There’s a full summary of Part One with exercises for you to do here.
Part Two: Game Time
Get Connected
Wasserman has a section on how to Network and get connected to other people who you can give and receive opportunities from. There are networking groups in your field of interest that you can join. You can reach out to the organizer and become a volunteer greeter or help him/her get the events going. This is a great way to meet everyone and have something to do.
She recommends you make between 3-5 connections per event. Don’t give them business cards, have them enter their information directly into your phone, and you can text them a digital business card.
Eventually, you will meet a gatekeeper, someone who knows everyone. Help people as best you can. Find out what their goals are, and listen to what they have to say.
As you get to know more people and you help them, they will naturally help you get what you want. Be sure to tell everyone what you’re looking for as well from the onset.
Get the Job
If you find a company or job that you really want, research them well. See if you know someone in your network who works there. Get a meeting for coffee or lunch, so you can find out what it’s like to work there and if it is a good fit for you.
Then when there is a job opening apply right away. Hopefully the person you meet on the inside will keep you posted on when there are openings.
Recruiters are also a great source of knowledge on companies and job openings. Get to know them and see what information they have to offer you. You will also be important for the recruiter as they could place you with one of the companies that they work with as well.
Prepare for interviews with at least 3 personal stories that demonstrate your strengths, and why you would be a perfect fit for the job. Anticipate any questions they might have for you and have answers ready.
Get Paid
When you get a job offer, it’s time to negotiate. Don’t ever take the first offer. If they like you and chose you then they want you. Research first the salary range for the position that you have been offered. Figure out the highest pay, the middle where you would be happy, and the lowest that you would accept. When you counter, use the highest pay and show them the market research you performed to get that number.
That number should make you uncomfortable. You can repeat it in the mirror until you feel like you do deserve it.
This chapter was the most interesting for me, as it discusses how important pay really is. If you are not paid enough you will always be looking for a different job, and that’s not good for the company you are working for. It will distract you from your work, and they won’t retain you, which will be very expensive for them as the cost of hiring and training someone else is very high.
So it’s important to both you and the company that you are both happy.
In addition to pay, there is also full compensation. This includes:
Schedule Flexibility
Vacation Days
Flexible Start Date
Moving Costs
Tuition Reimbursement
Executive Coaching
Conference Tickets
Travel Costs
Cell Phone Bill
Title Change
Timetable for Review
Scope of Responsibilities
Commission
Bonus Structure
Equity
Expense Account
Get Balanced
So after salary negotiation is complete, you can negotiate full compensation. She recommends doing 3 to 4.
Part Three: Level Up
Get Allies
When you are actually working in your job, you need to find people who will help you within the company. It could be your boss, your boss’s boss, a member of senior management, a co-worker. Many times there will be a woman in senior management as well, though it doesn’t have to be a woman.
You also preferable want more than one ally.
Once you meet someone who can help, get and follow their advice for you. Keep them posted once a month or so with an email on how you are doing. That way you can stay connected.
Wasserman talks about getting a sponsor, which is an ally that can help you in your career, like a member of senior management. They would be high ranked and probably not in your office.
When you stay in contact with them it’s good to send short emails now and again letting them know how you are doing, that don’t require a response.
She recommends getting to know your peers and meeting each of them one-on-one. They don’t have to be your best friend, but it’s good to have a good relationship with your co-workers.
Here are some tips:
Make Connections With Purpose
- Find Common Ground – ask your colleague what they want to accomplish and how you can support them. That way when you need their help they will be more likely to support you.
- Practice Shine Theory – “I don’t shine if you don’t shine.” Compliment and highlight the goodwork of your colleagues.
- Amplify Each Other – When someone in the room makes a key point, you repeat what they said further validating that it’s their idea – so no one else can take credit for it.
- Get involved – Join any pre-exiting groups in your company, or create a new one! Be aware of family’s and their time commitments though.
Get Promoted
Part Four: Make a Difference
Get Your Company On Board
Case Study: Get Equal