It’s great to have your trusted inner circle when networking, and I think a good point you made is that you should invest some time to set this up for yourself. Each person in your inner circle may not be a good match for everything you do… but they probably know someone who is. That inner circle is incredibly valuable.

Contacts and negotiations outside that circle are basically a feeler for bringing new people into it (or not). Considering the value of such networks, it pays to go out of your way to make new deals go super smooth. There’s always room for favors once you’ve established that relationship.

When it comes to one-off deals, if someone negotiates hard (ie Fussy Fiona) that gives you room to negotiate in return. You might say “We’d be happy to go the extra mile for you on this project. We’ve discussed your proposal and think it will work out very nicely. In exchange, we’ll require 3 separate promotional mentions. I’m drafting the agreement now and will send that over. You’ll simply need to fill in the details for your side of the agreement” – or something along those lines.

It’s ping pong. When someone puts the ball in your court, they give you the power. A friend of mine once advised me: The person that starts the negotiation, never wins it.

So the next time someone expects you to jump through hoops, look at it as an opportunity – the ball is in your court!

I concur –> Charge Fussy Fiona’s a higher rate if you choose to work with them.

Cheers!

Fussy Fiona is also known as Irritating Irene and Aggravating Al. haha

And thanks so much for the honorable mention, it’s always a joy to work with you!