All posts with the ‘ expectations ’ Tag

Way back when we started hanging out, I talked a wee bit about the concept of “anchoring.”

Anchoring is what happens when one party in a negotiation names a price, a due date or a list of deliverables.  That number is the number all other suggestions, negotiations, conversation and demands will be measured against.

Once an anchor has dropped it is very hard to move, … Read More

It should come as a shock to no one that I am a big fan of agreements in writing.  You might think it’s the lawyer in me that likes agreements written out and explained.  It is not.  It is the lazy person in me.… Read More

‘Tis the season for questions.

I am a big fan of asking questions during a negotiation.  As a means of gathering information, asking questions is about 10 times easier than being imprinted with the skills of a covert spy, breaking into the NSA and stealing a planted file, all while running in high heels.  (er, “spoiler.”)

But not all questions are created … Read More

You know how in the movies, when they’re talking about negotiations, and to underscore how important it is some fat, hairy man with too many gold chains says, “Name your price”?

I hate that part.

I hate that part because it’s the wrong thing to focus on.  It’s like haggling without knowing what the currency is.  If the price is 5,000, wouldn’t you prefer knowing … Read More

In the comments, Colleen asked that I address “mission creep” and the joys that emit there forth.  I’ve heard it called “mission creep,” “scope creep”* and “the single easiest way to lose your mind.”  Whatever business speak phrase you prefer, it is the phenomenon of thinking you know exactly what a project will be and how much time it will take, only to watch it … Read More

Shout out if any of this sounds familiar:

A client you’ve been wanting to work with for a while now emails you asking if you’re available to do some work.  He’s heard about you through a friend of a friend, seen some of your stuff on line and hears you can turn projects around pretty quickly.  He tells you that if the first few pieces … Read More