As a recruiter you understand the importance of negotiation. Your prospective client companies generally don't want to pay more than they 'have' to and you don't want to make less than you're worth.
In a recent article on BNET, author Geoffrey James highlights 9 Rules for Negotiating a Complex Deal. Below are the first 3 on his list which I think are extremely relevant to the recruiting world, given the importance of the deal.
- Rule #1: Prepare thoroughly. Collect and evaluate information on leverage, values, sale prices, competition and other factors that will have an effect upon the negotiation.
- Rule #2: Develop realistic expectations. Temper your aspirations with “feasibility” based upon what your counterpart has in mind, and reassess your expectations as the negotiating progresses.
- Rule #3: Know your pricing parameters. When it comes to price, before bidding, know the deal you want and are able justify as being realistic.