Firstly, my session at NYPL Monday received rave reviews from attendees. So, if you missed it and want to catch the replay, see the link in the postscript.

As we head into the Memorial Day Weekend here in the states and the unofficial start of summer, I'm thinking back to the time I negotiated with my boss to take a leave of absence from my job to accept an invitation to a writer's retreat in Vermont.

It was amazing, and I still can't believe I was able to swing it and, yes, come back to my job six weeks later and jump right back into the thick of things with no fear of retribution or loss of faith.

There's two reason this situation is on my mind:

Firstly, if you understand how to negotiate, the world of possibilities and opportunities truly opens up to you.

Here are some tips for becoming a better negotiator:

1. Define Your Non-negotiables First​
   When you understand your 'must haves' and 'can't dos' it's much easier to set expectations and know when to walk away.
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   ​The happiest you'll be with a deal is when you strike it. So if you're not happy in the moment both sides agree, I'd question whether it's really a deal worth making.​
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2. Silence Is Golden; Get Comfortable With It​
   ​Often, when I allow my partner at the negotiating table the time and space to keep talking, they start negotiating against themselves or backtrack because my non-response speaks volumes.
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   ​Silence is such an incredible power play and powerful negotiating maneuver I don't know why everyone doesn't employ it, but I'm glad they don't. ​
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3. Focus on the Win-Win-Win​
   Rather than thinking of your negotiation as an us (me) vs them, set it up as a co-creation to determine the best possible outcome for all involved, including the end-users or beneficiaries of the deal being made.
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   ​By working together to figure out creative trade-offs and value-adds that make the deal work for all you're forging a partnership before you've both signed on the dotted line.

The other reason my former leave of absence is on my mind is because I'm planning on doing something kinda, sorta similar for the next three months, so I can focus on the big changes in my personal life. (See Keep It Moving if you want to know more.)

From next week through Labor Day, I'll only be sending out one email per month, and I'm limiting my posting on social media, too, to create a little more space and sanity for the changes afoot.

I'm still coaching and consulting, so please do reach out to me if you'd like my help with anything in your business.

Honestly, it's the first time I've done anything like this in the 15 years I've been running my own operation, so it's a grand experiment of sorts, and we'll see how it goes.
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Until next time,

PS - Catch the replay of Stop Selling Yourself Short: Avoid Common Pricing Mistakes before June 18th.
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“ Lauren has a true gift for communication—she not only shares knowledge effectively but also listens with intention and offers insightful, tailored advice. ​ Her guidance helped me put my goals into perspective and build a stronger foundation for growth. I’m truly grateful for her leadership and expertise. — Janiela Roachford, CEO, Steadfast Construction

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