The hottest Negotiation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Walk Away

Points And Figures • 1279 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Negotiation Leadership Communication Political strategy Conflict resolution
  1. In negotiations, it's important to be willing to walk away if the terms aren't right for you. This shows that you have confidence and won't settle for less than you need.
  2. Understanding the other side's perspective and reading the situation correctly can help you negotiate better. It's crucial to know who the decision-makers are during the process.
  3. Sometimes, negotiations can drag on too long, and if you sense it's not going well, it might be smart to walk. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to bail if the deal feels wrong.

On ne te virera pas

L'Atelier Galita • 79 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
💼 Business Employment Management Career development Negotiation
  1. Most people worry too much about getting fired when they actually have a lot of protection once they are in a permanent job. Employers need a real reason to let someone go after the trial period.
  2. Don't rush to resign without a good reason. Being fired can give you unemployment benefits, while quitting usually won't. You're safer in a job than you might think.
  3. Your worth in the job market matters a lot. The more skills you have, the less likely you'll be fired, and the better conditions you can negotiate.

The Art of the Deal: Trump defies past paradigms to secure better terms for America

The Dossier • 232 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Foreign Policy Trade Negotiation Presidency
  1. Trump uses flexible and aggressive negotiating strategies, breaking past norms to get better deals for America. He believes in leveraging various tools like bluffing and urgency during negotiations.
  2. He does not shy away from using strong tactics, even against traditional allies, to ensure America gets a good deal. This includes imposing tariffs or making bold statements to create pressure.
  3. Trump's approach to foreign affairs is pragmatic and strategic, leaving his negotiating partners off-balance. He focuses on achieving the best outcome for the United States, regardless of previous political ideologies.

TBM 275: "Bad" Strategy. Why?

The Beautiful Mess • 1256 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
💼 Business Strategy Negotiation Decision-making Organizational dynamics Leadership
  1. A company strategy is actually a collection of individual strategies. Each person within a company has their own strategy they try to advocate for.
  2. The communicated strategy in a company is often a negotiated narrative, and the real strategy might not be fully disclosed. There are subtleties and contexts behind the scenes.
  3. Strategies are a negotiation. What may seem objectively right might not align with the current status quo. Different people in different roles might perceive and act on strategies uniquely.
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Tariffs are a necessary tool in the trade arsenal

The Dossier • 181 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economics Government International relations Negotiation
  1. Tariffs can be an important tool for negotiating better trade deals. They act as a bargaining chip that can encourage countries to agree to more favorable terms.
  2. Having the option to use tariffs is similar to keeping nuclear weapons for defense. It creates a stronger position and may deter other nations from unfair practices.
  3. Recent threats of tariffs from U.S. leaders have prompted other countries to open discussions, showing that the threat of tariffs can lead to positive negotiations.

How to Push Back on High Quotes or Pricing

Nail It and Scale It • 59 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
💼 Business Negotiation Pricing Marketing Consulting Sales
  1. There are different pricing models like Cost Based Pricing, Value Based Pricing, and Competitive Pricing. Each has its own approach, and knowing these can help you negotiate better.
  2. When facing a high quote, compare it with multiple offers to push back effectively. This gives you leverage and helps you find a fair price.
  3. Being clear about what you're willing to pay and understanding the value of the service can help you have better negotiations without getting stuck on high quotes.

Why Usher Will Get Paid $0 to Headline the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show—and Why That's OK

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 178 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Economics Entertainment Marketing Negotiation Value
  1. Artists like Usher may headline the Super Bowl halftime show for free, but they benefit from increased record sales and exposure.
  2. The NFL's unique arrangement with performers makes sense from an economic perspective, as the exposure during the halftime show can lead to millions of dollars worth of value for the artists.
  3. Despite not receiving payment from the NFL, artists still have direct financial incentives to perform due to the significant spike in record sales and other subsequent opportunities.

On Compromise

Tech Ramblings • 79 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Negotiation Personal Growth Team Dynamics Self-help
  1. Compromise often leads to disappointment for both sides. Rather than making everyone happy, it can result in a solution that satisfies no one.
  2. Successful teams and individuals stick to their core beliefs and values instead of compromising. Great achievements come from having a clear vision and following it without settling for less.
  3. Instead of focusing on compromise, we should aim to find the truth. Understanding different perspectives can help us make better decisions and avoid mediocrity.

What's Better Than Product Market Fit (PMF)? It's Product Market Distribution Fit (PMDF) | Tips For Negotiating Valuation With Investors | VC Remote Jobs and More

Venture Curator • 179 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Negotiation Investors Remote Jobs
  1. Achieving Product Market Distribution Fit (PMDF) is crucial for startup success, not just Product Market Fit (PMF). Channel selection plays a vital role in reaching target customers.
  2. Early investment in sales and marketing can lead to better business outcomes than solely focusing on product quality.
  3. Efficient distribution channels are essential for startup growth; understanding Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and Lifetime Value (LTV) ratio is key in achieving success.

Decoding Term Sheets for Founders and Investors in Simple Terms

Venture Curator • 139 implied HN points • 08 May 23
💼 Business Investing Startups Venture Capital Finance Negotiation
  1. Term sheets are important for founders and investors as they outline the terms of the deal and can impact the future success of a business.
  2. Understanding the economic aspects of term sheets, like valuation, investment amount, and liquidation preference, is crucial for negotiating deals with venture capitalists.
  3. Key terms in term sheets include equity, option pool, liquidation preference, anti-dilution, and founders should carefully consider these terms when making decisions.

Book Review: The Strategy of Conflict

Skunk Ledger • 102 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
📚 Literature Book review Game Theory Negotiation Psychology
  1. The book discusses mixed-motive game theory, which combines cooperation and competition.
  2. It explores the power of tacit bargaining and how abstract ideas like framing and quality can influence negotiations.
  3. The concept of commitments is highlighted, showcasing how manipulating incentives and creating a reputation can lead to strategic advantages in conflicts and negotiations.

The power of yes

Sunday Letters • 179 implied HN points • 07 Aug 22
💼 Business Leadership Negotiation Teamwork Collaboration Communication
  1. Saying 'yes, and...' helps create better conversations and collaboration. It opens up more possibilities instead of shutting them down.
  2. In negotiations, aiming for a quick agreement might seem good, but exploring deeper can lead to greater benefits for both sides.
  3. A 'yes' mindset encourages listening and empathy, helping everyone involved to find better solutions together.

Managing the Employee Incentive Pool

Nathan’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
💼 Business Management Startups Employee Benefits Negotiation
  1. Managing the Employee Stock Option Pool (ESOP) is crucial for startup founders to prevent further dilution and attract key talent
  2. Equity distribution should be an integral part of your hiring plan, considering factors like vesting periods, refresh grants, and employee turnover
  3. Negotiating for a lower Employee Incentive Pool (EIP) percentage in subsequent fundraising rounds can help minimize dilution impact and improve share price

About that ISDA Pt 4(a): The qualities of a good ISDA

The Jolly Contrarian • 19 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
💼 Business Contracts Negotiation Fairness Confidence Clarity Consistency Simplicity
  1. A good ISDA contract should have qualities like fairness, confidence, clarity, consistency, and simplicity.
  2. Fairness in negotiations is crucial as it fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and aligns interests between parties.
  3. Business relationships often prioritize maintaining trust and goodwill over strict adherence to contract terms, as it is more beneficial in the long run.

How to Sell Your Tiny Empire

Tiny Empires • 12 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Sales Valuation Negotiation
  1. Selling a business can be straightforward and profitable. Just agree on a price, create a contract, and transfer the assets to the buyer.
  2. Understanding your business's value is key. Most online companies sell for 4-4.5 times their annual revenue, but this can vary based on several factors.
  3. When you sell, you can choose between an asset sale and a share sale. Share sales are often better for you tax-wise, but they're harder to arrange.

The “Trump Is a Master Negotiator” Myth Should Die, Be Encased in Cement, and Sunk to the Bottom of the Ocean

I Might Be Wrong • 5 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Negotiation Foreign Policy Media Government
  1. The idea that Trump is a great negotiator is not true and needs to be put to rest. His tactics often seem more like intimidation than skillful negotiation.
  2. Trump's attempt to pressure Ukraine for a deal was like trying to force someone to buy something at a ridiculous price, and it backfired.
  3. Despite the controversial methods, a new agreement between the US and Ukraine is happening, but the morality of shaking down a struggling country is a big concern.

How The US Got Beaten In Its Own Game In Ukraine: The Full Story

Oz’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict Diplomacy Warfare Negotiation
  1. The US's plan to apply the Afghanistan playbook in Ukraine against Russia backfired.
  2. Russia's successful strategies, including using alternative international financial payment systems, led to major economic consequences for the US.
  3. The Ukraine war did not go as planned for the US, with Russia's military tactics proving effective and US efforts in the Middle East also facing challenges.

The Steven Crowder / Daily Wire Termsheet: Full Text and Analysis

Do Your Own Research • 33 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Content creation Negotiation
  1. The term sheet between Steven Crowder and The Daily Wire includes clauses that impose binding contractual obligations.
  2. The contract includes significant fee reductions for various scenarios, potentially impacting Crowder's earnings.
  3. The exclusivity and terms in the contract may limit Crowder's ability to pursue other opportunities or initiatives.

Negotiating better offers [Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 01 Jul 22
💰 Finance Negotiation Investments Personal Finance Career Advice
  1. Prepare for negotiations before receiving offers by researching compensation bands and matching skills to desired industries.
  2. Organize interviews with companies in similar compensation bands to potentially receive offers around the same time.
  3. Don't hesitate to ask companies to wait for your decision if you are waiting on other offers to compare.

Trial By Battle

Economic Forces • 4 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🔬 Science Economics Property Rights Negotiation
  1. In 11th and 12th century England, property disputes were settled through trial by battle, where champions fought for the parties. The process was a mechanism that revealed the true valuations of the property, encouraging settlements based on disclosed information.
  2. The hiring of champions in trial by battle reflected a market system where those valuing the land more were willing to pay higher prices for victory. This 'violent auction' reduced transaction costs and led to negotiations that allocated property to those who valued it most.
  3. Trial by battle, an apparently barbaric practice, can be understood through price theory to show how negotiations, based on revealed valuations during champion hiring, facilitated the resolution of property disputes. The practice was not ultimately about the battle itself, but about revealing the true worth of the property to incentivize settlements.

Conscious Renegotiation: a Skill for Your Relationship

Perspectives • 9 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Relationships Communication Negotiation Partnership Marriage
  1. Conscious renegotiation in a relationship involves discussing and setting clear expectations for shared responsibilities.
  2. Effective communication and continuous discussion are essential for maintaining a healthy and equitable partnership.
  3. Agreeing on ownership of tasks, avoiding complaints about how things are done, and revisiting responsibilities help in sustaining a balanced relationship.

How to Assess a Job Offer with Equity

Concepts of Finance 🧠 • 1 HN point • 12 Nov 23
💰 Finance Equity Stock Options Negotiation Investment
  1. Check the company's stage and investors to gauge equity value. Knowing if it's early stage or established can help you understand what your equity might really be worth.
  2. Understand the type of equity you're being offered, whether it’s stock options or RSUs. Each type has different rules and tax implications, so it's important to know what you're getting.
  3. Don't hesitate to negotiate your offer. Many people accept the first offer they get, but it's usually possible to get a better deal, especially for equity.

Did Kevin McCarthy Forget about Silicon Valley Bank or is He Just Bluffing Regarding the Debt Ceiling?

Satiation Point • 0 implied HN points • 28 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debt Ceiling Government Legislation Constitution Negotiation
  1. The failure of regional banks like Silicon Valley Bank due to assets including US government debt should deter politicians from risking default.
  2. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's willingness to use the debt ceiling as a bargaining chip is either reckless or ignorant.
  3. The debt ceiling contradicts laws on spending and taxation, making a case for its unconstitutionality under the 14th Amendment.

How to prevent leads from wasting your time by Kent Summers

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
💼 Business Sales Time management Communication Negotiation
  1. Different responses from leads: yes, yes but, no but, no, and ghosting have different implications in sales.
  2. Leads may ghost due to various reasons like ulterior motives, conflict avoidance, or cultural norms.
  3. Offering psychologically safe off-ramps to leads can help in identifying genuine interest and filtering out unproductive leads.