How to Negotiate a SportsGrad Membership as Part of Your Job Offer

Did you know that your employer should be paying for your Membership?

Every year your boss is attending conferences that cost $750-$2000 for 1-2 days, so it only makes sense they invest in your network and development too.

Here’s a guide to help you effectively negotiate with your boss to cover the cost of your SportsGrad ‘Connect’ Membership ($490 per year) as part of your professional development budget.

Asking for a SportsGrad membership in your benefits package is a smart move, especially if you’re in a role or industry where networking and continuous professional development are valuable. Here’s how to approach the conversation and position the membership as an asset to both you and the company.

Step 1: Preparation – Frame the Membership as a Strategic Asset

Before starting the negotiation, get clear on why the SportsGrad membership is beneficial for both you and the employer. Follow these preparation steps:

1. Understand the Membership’s Benefits: Familiarise yourself with the specific benefits of the membership option you’re requesting (for example, the ‘Connect’ Membership, which focuses on networking).

2. Align with the Company’s Needs: Think about how this membership will help you directly contribute to the company’s goals. For example, if your new role involves keeping up with industry trends or liaising with stakeholders, a SportsGrad membership will enable you to expand your professional network and knowledge base quickly.

3. Prepare for a Business Conversation: Position the membership as a professional development tool. Show that you’re already thinking about how to bring more value to the company through your network and industry insights - they’ll be impressed with your initiative.

Step 2: Plan Your Approach

Timing and framing are key to success in negotiating the membership as part of your offer.

1. Raise it at the Right Moment: Generally, the best time to negotiate benefits is once you have a clear indication that they want to hire you. Once you have an offer, you have leverage to discuss your full package, including professional development needs.

2. Frame it as an Investment: Present the membership as a practical investment in your ability to deliver value to the company. You’re looking for tools to perform at your best in this new role.

Step 3: Present Your Case

Once the conversation starts, use these points to position the membership as an added value in the job package.

A. Start by Emphasising Your Enthusiasm for the Role

Express your excitement about the role and the company, showing that this request is about optimising your ability to contribute effectively.

Example:

B. Explain the Value of the SportsGrad Membership

Position the membership as a powerful professional development tool that will allow you to access an industry-specific network and ongoing insights.

Example:

C. Show How It Directly Benefits the Company

Emphasise the specific ways in which this membership will make you more effective in your role and add value to the company.

Example:

D. Be Transparent About the Cost

Present the cost upfront and reassure them it’s a modest one-time or annual investment.

Example:

Step 4: Address Potential Objections

Be ready to address common concerns your new employer might raise:

1. “We usually don’t include memberships in our packages.”

   • Response: “I understand. I’m asking for this because I believe it’s a specific investment in my ability to contribute fully. If necessary, we could review it after a year to see if it’s been as beneficial as we hope.”

2. “We have a training budget that we allocate after probation.”

   • Response: “I appreciate that and would definitely want to make the most of the training budget. However, I believe that having this membership from the start will allow me to begin delivering value right away. Perhaps we could use the membership fee as part of the professional development allocation for the first year?”

3. “We’d rather focus on internal resources first.”

   • Response: “Of course. This membership is meant to supplement those resources by giving me access to a larger industry network. I see it as a way to enhance the work we’re already doing internally, bringing in fresh perspectives that can benefit the whole team.”

Step 5: Offer a Compromise (If Necessary)

If your new employer still hesitates, consider a compromise to make the decision easier:

• Trial Period: “How about we try the membership for six months? If it doesn’t add the expected value, we can reassess whether it’s worth continuing.”

• Cover Part of the Cost: “I’m open to sharing part of the cost with the company if that’s more feasible. I see this as a valuable investment in my role, and I’m happy to contribute to it.”

Step 6: End on a Positive Note

Thank them for considering your request and reiterate your commitment to bringing value to the company.

Example:

Summary of Key Points

1. Prepare your case by understanding the membership’s benefits and aligning them with the company’s goals.

2. Raise the request at the right time in the negotiation process.

3. Present clear benefits of the membership for both you and the company.

4. Address any objections with thoughtful responses.

5. Offer a compromise if needed.

6. End on a positive note, thanking them for considering your request.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to present a compelling case for including the SportsGrad Membership as part of your job offer and start your new role with a strong foundation of industry connections and insights!