ASK? The Secret to Asking at the Right Time

By Dawn Quesnel, Coach DQ

Timing can make or break your ask. You don’t ask just because you want more.

You ask when you’ve earned it.

When you’ve landed a big win, taken on new responsibilities, or have an offer in hand, that’s when your leverage is highest.

And one more thing: always get it in writing.

Early in my career, I didn’t.

Big mistake.

Huge.

I lost out on a BMW paid lease because I didn’t confirm it on paper. Never again.

👉 If it’s not written down, it’s not real.

Why We Freeze

You already know you should negotiate your salary. You’ve seen the TikToks. You’ve told your friends, “Girl, you need to ask for more.”

But when that offer email lands in your inbox… something happens.

You freeze.

Your mind races:

• What if they get mad?

• What if they take the offer back?

• What if I sound too pushy?

  
  

So you type, “Thanks so much! I’m excited to accept,” hit send, and breathe a sigh of relief.

Except that sigh just cost you thousands of dollars.

What’s It Costing You?

Let’s say you’re offered $60,000 and you accept right away. Your new coworker negotiates and starts at $68,000.

• Year 1: You’re $8,000 behind.

• Year 5: Over $40,000 behind.

• Year 10: Nearly $90,000 in lost earnings.

That’s a down payment on a house. That’s a year of financial freedom. All gone because of one conversation you didn’t have.

The Bottom Line

Timing is power. Preparation is confidence. Ask when both align.

💡 Check back next week for Part II of “ASK?” !