How to Ask for What You Want: Major Gifts, Raises, Etc.

I recently served on a panel for Women in Development in New York City called, “How to Ask for What You Want.” There was an insightful discussion among our panel, as well as with the audience members.

Here are my key takeaways from the panel discussion:

1. Focus on adding value.

What do I mean by adding value? A good example is when my 12 year-old son, Ethan, asked to babysit his younger sister. I’ve let them stay home alone together before, but this was going to be for an extended period time, and I wasn’t sure they were ready to be alone for that long. Ethan told me I could save money on a babysitter and he would clean the house and make dinner.