After a brief hiatus, I am back to writing some blogs. This blog will be about a specific example that is touched upon in pervious blogs. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
In a blog titled “Possible Effects of an Internal Promotion”, date July 29, 2018, my father talks about how you may be leaving money on the table by taking an internal promotion. This happens all the time. Often times without any fanfare. There are times that this happens every year that millions of people observe, but maybe don’t realize what they are watching. It’s called free agency (regardless of sport). Please read the blog titled “Think like a Free Agent”, dated November 21, 2018. It’s a very good blog.
The specific example I am thinking of had the football world buzzing up to about 3 weeks ago. The example is LeVeon Bell. Bell is a running back for the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers. He has been looking to get a huge contract for the last several years. Last year he did not report to the team until the first week of the regular season. However this season, he has not reported to the team at all. He has withheld his services from the team because he feels he is underpaid.
Bell had a contract offer from the Steelers that would have paid him in excess of $14 million this year. However, Bell feels his worth to the team should enable him to get a contract that pays him in the neighborhood of $17 to $18 million per year. Think about that for a moment! He left more than $14 million on the table because he felt his worth was more than that. For most normal people, they can’t fathom that type of money. For Bell, it’s a business decision.
My question to you, our readers, is do you agree with what he did? Not from a sports or team perspective, but from a business stand point. He has what he feels his worth is and will not settle for anything less. How many of you would be prepared to do what he did? This is the point my father was making in the two blogs referenced above. When you go for that promotion, don’t be afraid to ask for what you feel your skills and experience should be paid. If you don’t get it, don’t be afraid to look around at other companies.
Just as LeVeon Bell is going to find a team that is willing to pay him more than the Steelers, there is a company out there willing to pay you. They will value your particular skill set and experience that you bring to the table. Go out there and get what you are worth.