Why do we struggle with negotiating
– better pay
– better terms
– better deals
– better outcomes
The answer is straightforward:
If you can’t afford to walk away, you can’t negotiate
As the theme with most of my posts, this again is something much harder to execute than to think about.
So here are we again.
Most folks will struggle with the fact that walking away is always an option for them. Most folks fear the fact that they sometimes have to walk away to pursue better choices.
How does one let go of the fear of walking away?
Build Leverage
Leverage is the tool that gives you the upper hand in any engagement.
Need people to sign up for your newsletter?
– Need leverage of past shared knowledge
Need new jobs to give you a better package?
– Need leverage of good work experience/work history
Need people to pay to talk to you?
– Need leverage of renowned wisdom and social proof
Need people to understand you better?
– Need leverage of communication
One more for funsies, need clients to stop scope creeping on your projects
– Need leverage of documentation
See what happened here? It’s called unlocking a new perspective.
You’re welcome.
When you look at negotiations as an exchange of leverages, getting a better deal is a piece of a very complex cake.
If you want better terms in any negotiation, figure out what leverage you have, and maximise it.
Saqib, I have none of the things listed above, how can I negotiate better then?
Well, everyone has one leverage –
Leverage of time –
Next time:
– Instead of working a contract for cheaper, offer free work for a limited time to be closed at a desired rate
– Instead of randomly easy applying for jobs on Linkedin, take the time to network with the right people and get foot in the door
– Instead of randomly browsing knowledge content, seek knowledge in niche domains, curate your knowledge to benefit your skillset
If you don’t have the leverage of knowledge, experience, or wisdom — then you are (probably) young — put the time in. There’s nothing wrong with spending more time for longer term returns.
Your time, with time, becomes your leverage.
At the end of the day, everything is give and take, and in every case, there is something you can improve, and with time, try again.
Or learn how to walk away.
See, at the heart of it – I love solving problems for people using tech, it doesn’t get simpler than that.
I am known for constant experimentation and relentless execution.
If I have an idea, it better have a .com at the end of it within the month.
Right now – my focus is to help everyday folks of Pakistan understand tech, career, and business better with everything I do at SK NEXUS
