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
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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...
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