Yes, And

Perhaps one of the most useful phrases I’ve ever learned is “Yes, and….”

It’s a pretty simple little phrase, and not exactly revolutionary.  I’d probably said it a thousand times before I was taught it.

Because it’s not just the phrase, “yes, and…”, it’s when you use it.

You use it when your negotiation counterpart has just said something you KNOW is ill-informed and if … Read More

Dealing with Disappointment

Personally, one of the most frustrating things about negotiating is that sometimes it just doesn’t work out.

I can do everything that I think will positively influence the negotiation, that will create a valuable, beneficial exchange for both sides, and it just doesn’t work.

For me, “doesn’t work” means we don’t come to an agreement; I get less than what I was after and don’t … Read More

Yay Stumptown!

Another year, another awesome Stumptown Comics Fest show!

Things started off smashingly with the West Coast premier of Drink & Draw Like a Lady, a brilliant idea that’s also tons of fun.  If you are a lady of the arts and attending a convention where one of these great events is taking place, be sure to go.  It’s the way networking is supposed to … Read More

Unwritten

It’s all nice and good to be able to negotiate when there is a contract, a fancy piece of paper that an attorney’s been paid to stick “wheretofors” and “hereafters” all over.  But what happens when you don’t have a written contract?  What happens when it’s a conversation over coffee and a handshake?

Honor! Valor! Indemnity!

Congratulations!  You just got a good paying gig that’s going to get you through the next couple months.  It’s a company that pays on time and work that’s creatively interesting.  A badly needed signing bonus is yours as soon as you return the contract.… Read More

F.A.Q.*

Are you dead?

No.

Have you abandoned the blog?

Nope.

Well then, what gives?

Eh.  I had foot surgery and took some time off work and…basically I’ve been giving into a lot of excuses for not writing.  I’ve been lazy.

Oh.

Yep.

So, are you doing anything?

Yes!  I’m putting together a workshop for Stumptown, on contract law and negotiation with Art Cop & … Read More

You’re Just My Type

Recently, I wrote about the importance of choosing the right counterpart when negotiating.   To get a good idea of who you should negotiate with, you need to first understand what your natural tendencies are when confronted with conflict.

Thankfully, everyone responds differently in conflict.  I say  “thankfully” because if we all reacted the same way, solving problems would be much, much harder.  As with most … Read More

I Choo-choo-choose You!

I want you to think of the most annoying person you’ve ever had to negotiate with.

Now think of the absolute best person you’ve ever negotiated with; your favorite negotiating partner.

Why were you negotiating with them?

No, not what were you negotiating about.  Why were you negotiating with that particular person?

You’re not alone if your answer is, “Because that’s who I was told … Read More