As a media person in my area, I get frustrated and annoyed when people expect me to do things for free. As I have to remind people, I have a mortgage to pay, children to raise, and I have to heat my house. My time is important to me. My kids will be little for only so long. I don't like spending too much time away from them. I won't get that time back; they are only little once. Some people get it and some don't care.
I find that when it comes to money, people value you differently. White advertisers frankly expect you to do things for free. I have to remind them that black people don't listen to the same stations as them, don't read the same newspapers and magazines. We also tend to have our own niches where we purchase our food, clothes, and our staples.
Diversity in marketing is still a challenge for many of these companies. What also is challenging is when an offer for employment is extended to you. I am a firm believer in negotiations. We don't always ask for what we want and will jump at the first dollar amount thrown our way. Stop doing that and know your worth.
If you can't get what you want in salary, you may be able to get it in benefits. For example, more vacation time, more sick days, comp time, etc. The ball is in your court. If an employer really wants you, they will make an exception. If you speak a second language and you use it at work, you should be paid for it. That's not part of your job description. Any special skill you bring to the table, you need to be compensated for it. Give nothing away for free.
Before you freely give something away...KNOW YOUR WORTH!!
Posted By: Marsha Jones
Thursday, November 18th 2010 at 12:22PM
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