Negotiation strategy and tips for creators, athletes, tradespeople and small business owners.
By Nicole Carter, Founder of NEGOTIATiâ„
Most small business owners don't lose money on price increases because they negotiate badly. They lose it because they never negotiate at all.
This month, the NFIB's August Small Business Optimism report, released September 8, put numbers to what so many owners are feeling. Optimism slipped 1.1 points to 98.7, and the Uncertainty Index held at 89, well above its historical average of 68. NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg described owners facing "a mix...
By Nicole Carter, Founder of NEGOTIATiâ„
Momentum feels good. A quick yes, an offer that arrives faster than expected, or a deal that seems eager to close can feel like proof that you're doing something right. In the moment, speed feels like a green light. But in negotiation, momentum can be deceptive, and moving too fast is one of the most common ways capable, experienced professionals end up with weak outcomes they didn't see coming.
By Nicole Carter, Founder of NEGOTIATiâ„
Most deals don't fall apart because of obvious mistakes. There's rarely a single dramatic moment where everything breaks. Instead, deals tend to fall apart quietly, after the early excitement fades, when assumptions replace clarity, and when small details that seemed unimportant at the start begin to matter a great deal.
These moments rarely feel significant while they're happening. In fact, they often feel comple...
By Nicole Carter, Founder of NEGOTIATiâ„
In negotiation, most people fear losing the deal. That fear is understandable, because opportunities can feel scarce and the pressure to say yes can be intense. But one of the strongest positions you can take isn't saying "yes." It's knowing when to say "no," and how to say it well.
Walking away isn't failure. It's information. It signals clarity, self-respect, and confidence in your options, and it tells the other side t
...
By Nicole Carter, Founder of NEGOTIATiâ„
Most people think negotiation power comes from titles, budgets, or years of experience.
In reality, leverage often comes from something quieter:Â clarity.
When you understand what you bring, what the other side needs, and what you can choose, you negotiate from strength without ever sounding aggressive.
Across deals of every kind—consulting engagements, collaborations, advisory roles, executive offers—leverage exists on both sides. The difference between ...
By Nicole Carter, Founder of NEGOTIATiâ„
Most bad deals don’t happen because someone was careless.
They happen because the right questions were never asked.
The relationship felt solid. The opportunity seemed too good to slow down. And so, the deal moved forward—quietly carrying assumptions that later became expensive.
Smart professionals don’t lose leverage because they lack experience. They lose it because momentum replaces curiosity.
Prepared negotiators understand that deals aren’t decided...
By Nicole Carter, Founder of NEGOTIATiâ„
For athletes, visibility often peaks during competition. What happens next depends far less on talent and far more on preparation.
Some athletes turn success on the field into decades of influence and income. Others struggle to maintain momentum once the spotlight shifts. The difference is rarely work ethic or popularity. It is how intentionally the athlete prepared for business opportunities beyond performance.
To see this clearly, consider two w
...
By Nicole Carter, Founder of NEGOTIATiâ„
Athletes are trained to push through discomfort, take opportunities, and keep moving forward. That mindset builds great competitors. Off the field, however, it can lead to costly negotiation decisions.
In business, not every opportunity is a good one. Some of the strongest negotiating positions come not from pushing harder, but from knowing when to step back.
Walking away is not failure. It is a strategy.
What of...
By Nicole Carter, Founder of NEGOTIATiâ„
For athletes, your name, image, and likeness are not just personal identifiers. They are business assets.
Every photo, video, appearance, or mention contributes to how you are perceived and how opportunities develop over time. Decisions made early in a career often shape visibility, income, and alignment long after a campaign ends.
Prepared athletes treat image and likeness decisions with the same intention they bring to training and competition.
By Nicole Carter, Founder of NEGOTIATiâ„
You do not need a championship ring or millions of followers to negotiate with confidence.
What you need is clarity about your value and the ability to communicate it intentionally.
For many athletes, negotiation feels uncomfortable not because they lack leverage, but because they underestimate what they already bring to the table. Brands often recognize an athlete’s potential long before the athlete does.
Preparation is what closes that gap.
50% Complete
Get practical negotiation tips and deal prep insights delivered to your inbox.