Opening the Negotiation – Set the Frame

"Hey [Name], I’m excited to explore this. I think there’s a lot of value in working together, and my goal is to make sure we find a structure that works for both of us. Let’s walk through a few key points and make sure we’re aligned before finalizing anything."

Price & Terms Discussion – Lead with Confidence

If negotiating price with a supplier or vendor:

"We’re looking at a long-term relationship here, and I want to make sure the pricing reflects that. Right now, we’re considering [competitive alternative or budget limit], but we’re open to making this work if we can get closer to [target price]."

If negotiating a partnership agreement:

"We see this as a strategic collaboration, not just a one-off deal. Given that, we want to ensure the terms reflect a true partnership—equitable exposure, shared benefits, and clear responsibilities on both sides. Let’s walk through what that looks like."

If negotiating investment terms:

"We’re in a strong position to choose the right investor for this round. We’re looking for someone who aligns with our vision, not just someone who brings capital. We’re open to discussing terms, but we want to ensure they reflect the long-term value we’re building."

Handling Pushback – Maintain Leverage

If they push back on price:

"I totally understand pricing is structured this way for a reason. That said, we have a few alternative options on the table that are more aligned with our budget. If we can work within [target range], we’d love to move forward today."

If they try to lower your valuation (investors):

"We’ve had strong interest from others at [higher valuation], so we want to be thoughtful about who we partner with. The real value here isn’t just the number—it’s what comes with it. Let’s focus on ensuring this partnership is a win for both of us."

If they want to renegotiate scope (partners):

"We’re open to adjustments, but we want to make sure the scope still delivers the impact we originally planned. If we reduce [feature/service/commitment], we’ll need to revisit how that affects the overall terms."

Closing Strong – Get the Deal Done on Your Terms

"I think we’re really close here. If we can lock in [final agreed terms], we’re ready to move forward immediately. Let me know what you need from us to finalize this, and we’ll get it done."