Bitesize: 3 Ways to Advocate for Yourself (Without Feeling Awkward)

At Meat Business Women, we talk a lot about ambition. But ambition on its own isn’t enough. If you want to progress, be recognised or step into something bigger, you need to be able to articulate your value.

Jo Adams from KAG Recruitment shares two simple frameworks to help you advocate for yourself, whether you’re negotiating a promotion or marketing yourself for a new role.

1. Lead with Evidence, Not Emotion

When asking for progression, preparation is everything. Jo suggests planning three things in advance:

• Past performance

• Future vision

• The ask

For example:

“As you know, I exceeded my sales targets by 10% this year. I believe I can achieve similar results again next year. I’m ready for the credibility that comes with a Director title. What do you think?”

This is a factual way to frame your ask, and it invites collaboration, rather than feeling like a confrontational request. 

2. If You Lack Experience, Lead with Strength

Early in your career, it can feel difficult to position yourself when you don’t yet have the job titles or long CV.

Jo’s advice here is to market your passion, strengths and mission instead.

Ask yourself:

• What am I genuinely passionate about?

• What am I known for being good at?

• What am I on a mission to improve or achieve?

Then connect all this to the employer’s goals. This will help position you as someone who knows clearly what strengths they bring to a business - which is worth a huge amount to an employer! 

3. Always End with a Collaborative Question

Whether negotiating internally or speaking to a potential employer, finish with: “What do you think?”which helps to open conversation, and it also signals maturity, openness and leadership.

Visibility at work isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room - which we know, is a dunting idea for a lot of people! Visibility is more about how you present your contribution and potential in a way that feels genuine.

If advocating for yourself feels uncomfortable, try one of these frameworks this month!