blog prompt 5

 Personal Negotiation Scorecard for Job Offer: Joe Tech

  1. Key Negotiation Objectives
     My primary goal in this negotiation is to secure a position in business development with Robust Routers (RR). Although the current offer is for an associate product manager role, my interest lies in transitioning into business development, as this aligns with my long-term career goals. If switching to business development is not feasible at the moment, I will ask for a promotion to product manager instead, as it comes with higher bonuses, stock options, and more room for growth. If that isn't possible, I’ll focus on negotiating a higher salary and signing bonus to bring RR's offer closer to FourCom's, as well as improving the relocation package.

  2. Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA)
     My best alternatives include the FourCom offer for a business development position with a salary of $101,000 and a signing bonus of $15,000, which is more attractive than RR’s initial offer. The start-up offer is also an option, offering comparable salary and additional stock options, but the risks involved with working at a start-up make it a less appealing choice. If RR does not meet my expectations, I am prepared to take the FourCom offer or the start-up, but I prefer RR due to its stability and growth prospects in the tech sector.

  3. Reservation Value (Bottom Line)
     My minimum acceptable salary is $90,000 (closer to FourCom's offer), and I would need at least $18,000 in signing bonus to feel comfortable accepting RR’s offer. In addition, I would expect a strong relocation package, ideally covering all moving and real estate costs (estimated value of $15,000). If RR cannot meet these terms, I would consider FourCom’s offer more attractive, especially since it also aligns with my business development goals.

  4. Opening Offer (Initial Position)
     My opening position will be to request a business development position immediately. If that is not possible, I would like to negotiate for a product manager title with a salary of $95,000, which is $7,000 higher than the current offer, to account for the discrepancy in job title and responsibilities. I will also request a $18,000 signing bonus and a relocation package that covers all moving expenses and real estate broker fees, similar to FourCom’s offer.

  5. Target Outcome (Ideal Agreement)
     My ideal outcome would be an offer in business development, with a salary of $95,000, a $18,000 signing bonus, and a relocation package covering all costs associated with the move. Additionally, I would seek performance-based year-end bonuses of at least 10-15% of my salary, with the possibility of a promotion to product manager within a year. Stock options are not a primary focus, but I would be open to a small increase in the options package if the salary and bonus are not negotiable.

  6. Key Issues and Trade-Offs

    • Position/Title: If RR cannot offer me a position in business development, I’ll request the product manager title as a way to ensure higher bonuses and growth opportunities.

    • Salary: If the title cannot be adjusted, I would like a salary of $95,000 to bring RR’s offer closer to FourCom’s offer of $101,000.

    • Signing Bonus: A $18,000 signing bonus to match FourCom’s offer and offset the higher living costs in Silicon Valley is important.

    • Relocation: RR’s current relocation package is inadequate, so I will push for a more generous relocation package that includes all moving costs, broker fees, and other relocation-related expenses (worth up to $15,000). If RR is unwilling to budge on salary or bonus, I would prioritize securing this improved relocation package.

    • Stock Options: Stock options will only be brought up if other aspects (salary, title, bonus, relocation) are non-negotiable.

  7. Concessions Strategy
     I am prepared to make small concessions on salary if RR offers the business development position or provides a title upgrade to product manager. However, I am unlikely to concede on the signing bonus and relocation package, as these are key concerns given the high cost of living in Silicon Valley. If the negotiation does not progress well, I will use the start-up offer as leverage to either improve the RR offer or help me decide to go with FourCom instead.

  8. Interests vs. Positions

    • Position: My main position is to secure the business development role, with a product manager title if that is not possible.

    • Interest: My interest lies in finding a position that offers growth, responsibility, stability, and training in business development. My goal is to advance quickly, and having the title and appropriate compensation package plays a critical role in my long-term job satisfaction and security.

    • Position: I also want a higher salary and signing bonus than currently offered by RR.

    • Interest: I want to feel confident in my decision and have the financial support to move and settle into Silicon Valley.

  9. Negotiation Tactics

    • I will start the conversation with appreciation for the offer, emphasizing my interest in the company and the exciting opportunities at RR.

    • I will anchor the conversation with the request for a business development position or a product manager title to demonstrate that I am not just seeking a salary increase but also a role aligned with my career goals.

    • I will mention the FourCom offer for business development and the start-up offer as a way to create leverage, especially on salary and signing bonuses.

    • I will remain calm and reasonable throughout, offering trade-offs when necessary and highlighting the long-term benefits of a competitive offer for RR.


This scorecard will guide my negotiation with Leigh Bultema, helping me prioritize my goals, structure my arguments effectively, and remain flexible in response to potential counteroffers.

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