Negotiation Preparation
Prepare your target, walk-away point, evidence, priorities, tradeoffs, and negotiation language before a compensation conversation.
What Negotiation Preparation gets you.
By the end of this upgrade you will walk into any compensation conversation with a clear target, walk-away point, evidence, and language ready to use.
- Market salary research or total compensation review
- Notes on your priorities (pay, flexibility, title, etc.)
- Details of the current offer or role, if applicable
Run the upgrade.
- 01
Set your target number
Choose a specific target based on your market research — the top of a realistic, evidence-backed range, not a wish-list figure.
- 02
Set your walk-away point
Determine the minimum terms you would accept before you'd decline the offer or keep your current job; write it down so emotion doesn't move it later.
- 03
Rank your priorities
List every negotiable variable (base, bonus, equity, start date, title, flexibility, PTO) in order of importance to you, since you may need to trade one for another.
- 04
Gather your evidence
Compile market data, accomplishments, and competing offers (if any) into a short list you can reference during the conversation.
- 05
Draft your opening language
Write 2-3 sentences that state your ask directly, reference your evidence, and invite a response — avoid apologizing or over-explaining.
- 06
Rehearse responses to pushback
Practice out loud how you'll respond to 'that's not possible,' 'let me check with someone,' and low counteroffers.
- You have a specific target number and walk-away point in writing
- You've ranked your negotiable priorities
- You've compiled your supporting evidence
- You've drafted and rehearsed your opening language
Revisit when
- Entering any new negotiation (raise, offer, contract renewal)
- New market data or a competing offer changes your leverage