The negotiations process

Based on real events. Really.

Scenario 1: The money monster

1. Huge global brand Marketing Team agree they need Copywriting training
2. Each team member researches options
3. Marketing Manager goes with a Copywriter who’s highly recommended
4. Marketing Manager calls Copywriter and discusses requirements
5. Copywriter advises on bespoke training options
6. Marketing Manager gets very excited about the possibilities
7. Marketing Manager asks Copywriter about their availability
8. Copywriter advises on availability 
9. Marketing Manager asks Copywriter for rates
10. Copywriter provides rates 
11. Marketing Manager asks if Copywriter can reduce rates
12. Copywriter says their rates are fixed
13. Marketing Manager advises they don’t actually have enough budget for Copywriting Training
14. Copywriter rolls eyes

Scenario 2: The start-up up-start

1. Managing Director contacts Copywriter about their new Start-Up
2. Managing Director talks about new Start-Up ambitions
3. Copywriter listens patiently
4. Managing Director talks about new Start-Up Copywriting requirements
5. Copywriter listens patiently
6. Managing Director asks if Copywriter is interested in being part of new Start-Up success
7. Copywriter agrees enthusiastically
8. Managing Director advises on new Start-Up Copywriting requirements
9. Managing Director asks Copywriter for rates
10. Copywriter provides rates
11. Managing Director advises that as they’re a new Start-Up, they don’t actually have any money to pay for Copywriting yet
12. Copywriter advises they can’t work for free
13. Managing Director promises there’ll be plenty of work and that the Copywriter will be part of something big in the future
14. Copywriter rolls eyes

Scenario 3: The budget boss

1. Brand Manager briefs Copywriter
2. Copywriter accepts brief and provides rates
3. Brand Manager agrees to Copywriter rates
4. Copywriter works on brief
5. Copywriter and Brand Manager enjoy good working relationship
6. Copywriter delivers work
7. Brand Manager is delighted and approves all work
8. Copywriter sends invoice
9. Brand Manager advises Copywriter they have no budget to pay invoice
10. Copywriter advises Brand Manager they need to find budget
11. Brand Manager huffs and puffs and ums and ahs
12. Copywriter waits
13. Brand Manager advises Copywriter they have great news – they talked Finance round and now have budget to pay invoice
14. Copywriter rolls eyes 

By Vikki Ross, Copywriter, Copywriting Tutor and Co-Founder of Copy Cabana.

Follow her @vikkirosswrites

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