If you’re a freelancer, you know the importance of negotiating a fair rate and relationship for your work. Here’s what to keep in mind during your next negotiation with a client:
- Remember, it’s agile. You’ll be expected to contribute on day one. Therefore, your negotiation should be based on a well-defined, realistic, and well-communicated plan of what you can achieve, by when, and how.
- Do your homework. Take the time to get to know the organization in advance — its business, strategy, values, and relevant news — and bring real organizational insight to the negotiation.
- Establish your value. Negotiate from a position of power by making it indisputably clear — through your portfolio or client recommendations, for example — that you’re at the top of your field and will do a great job.
- Know the value of the work to the organization. Smart negotiators know what success will provide the company, and what failure will cost.
Adapted from "9 Tips for Freelancers Negotiating New Assignments," by Jon Younger
