Negotiating Question

[southwesternguy]

I've been in the biz almost 8 years, but I've never re-signed with the same station. I've been a one contract guy at every stop trying to get that well paying, big market gig. I've never even began negotiations with the station I was working at. My family and I really like my current market, and I'm happy at the station. I'd like to stay for a while.

So here's the question: What should I expect? I've heard a wide range of stories from others on the topic. I've heard everything from, "they wanted to keep me so much they offered a 20% raise", to, "those a-holes wanted me to take a pay CUT".

Any advice and/or examples from people here would be helpful.

[Marty McFly]

Only you should know what to expect. If they're happy with you, they could offer you the moon.

If you're not the flavor of the month, they could throw nothing at you and care less if you walk.

Negotiating is like playing poker. You have to consider that the other side is bluffing (that they can't offer you any more) and you have to be ready to fold (quit) if it comes to that.

Best of luck to you and congrats on being at a station and in a market that you and your family enjoy.

[Sultanosurf]

The only real leverage is another job offer. Otherwise you're at the mercy of whatever hand-wringing or serendipity your employer feels. And you can't fabricate 'other interest,' otherwise you hack 'em off.

It also depends on whether mgmt considers you a 'key' employee. (Or if you have pictures)

20% is the moon, 5% is the lamppost. Good luck.

[southwesternguy]

The only real leverage is another job offer. Otherwise you're at the mercy of whatever hand-wringing or serendipity your employer feels. And you can't fabricate 'other interest,' otherwise you hack 'em off.

It also depends on whether mgmt considers you a 'key' employee. (Or if you have pictures)

20% is the moon, 5% is the lamppost. Good luck.

That's what I figured. I'm just hoping for around 10%.

[NewsMom]

Walking into any important negotiation means figuring out FIRST what your "squeal point" is----at what point is the offer unacceptable? You have to make up your mind, and be prepared to walk if they're simply not interested enough to reach your lowest acceptable offer. Obviously, your squeal point is ONLY known to you.

Every single element can be reduced to economic terms. Each and every benefit---whether it's having weekends off, or other perks---has to be evaluated by you.

The whole package is a set of trade-offs----O.K., so I don't get a guarantee of Christmas off, but they are going to pay me for personal appearances, so....

It does not have to be a hostile negotiation, but it is never a kiss-fest. Try to be as friendly and personable and enthusiastic as you can. Don't be offended by anything they do or say. It's just business, after all, and they'd rather keep every dollar they can. You have no way of knowing how much they'll offer until they offer it. If you have any doubts that you can be stone-faced in response to their offers, bring in a lawyer to do the negotiation for you.

Good luck to you!

[Sir Dropham Pants]

That's the best bit of advice. It's business. Doesn't matter if you're the most likable or even most valuable employee in the newsroom. If the station can get you to stay for a little extra money instead of a lot (10% will be considered a lot in most newsrooms), that's what it'll do. If it's clear you have leverage in the form of a better offer, there may be more money to convince you to stay.

[s'news]

My experience -- and I'm happy to be told that someone else's experience is different -- is that the offer of a pay cut happens when you're making a big ol' load of dough or are making a bunch more than others who are doing what you do. As a person who hasn't been there all that long, you're probably not in that position.

They'll likely offer more money and it'll likely be what they have in mind, if you're a valued employee. Try to shake out what you can, but don't expect some great shift in things from there.

[southwesternguy]

Thanks all. Good advice. Keep it coming if you have anymore thoughts on the subject.