Can you share an example of a time when you successfully negotiated for something that was important to you, even though it wasn't initially on the table? How did you achieve this?

Question

Mastering the art of negotiation can be the key to unlocking professional and personal success. This comprehensive guide draws on expert insights to reveal practical strategies for achieving your goals in any negotiation scenario. From reframing requests to leveraging influence, discover proven techniques that will empower you to secure favorable outcomes in your next negotiation.

Roberto Solis · Answer

I once negotiated a crucial restoration timeline for a government facility in Austin that had experienced severe water damage. The initial plan allowed for a three-week timeline, but I knew the agency needed to resume operations faster as they were providing essential community services after a disaster.
Rather than accepting what was "on the table," I brought in specialized drying equipment and assembled a 24/7 rotating crew schedule—something not initially considered possible. My IICRC certification in water damage mitigation gave me the technical expertise to prove we could safely accelerate the process without compromising quality.
The key was presenting data from similar projects we'd completed for the Four Seasons in Austin, demonstrating how our rapid-response approach could cut restoration time by 40% while still meeting all technical standards. I personally guaranteed the results and offered a penalty clause if we missed the timeline.
We completed the restoration in 9 days instead of 21, allowing the facility to resume critical operations for the community while saving thousands in temporary relocation costs. This success became our blueprint for the pre-disaster consulting service that's now a cornerstone of our business model at Revive.

Eric Mausner · Answer

Early in my career as a prosecutor at the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, I was handling a complex sexual assault case where the victim needed special accommodations that weren't initially offered. The court system had standard procedures, but I knew we needed video testimony and extended preparation time to get justice for this survivor.
I built my case around victim impact data and precedent from similar cases, showing how these accommodations actually improved conviction rates by 40% in comparable situations. Instead of just requesting the changes, I demonstrated how they served everyone's interest in reaching the truth. I gathered evidence on how trauma affects memory and testimony quality, then presented it as essential for a fair trial rather than just a convenience.
The breakthrough came when I reframed the request around case strength rather than victim comfort alone. I secured not just the video testimony setup, but also additional preparation sessions and a victim advocate present during proceedings. We won that case, and those accommodations became more standard practice in our office.
This taught me that successful negotiation isn't about asking for favors—it's about showing how your "extra" request actually serves the other party's core interests better than their original plan.

Libby Murdoch BB EMDR · Answer

As a trainer and developer of Resilience Focused EMDR, I once faced resistance when proposing a comprehensive 5-day basic training program instead of the more common weekend format many organizations wanted. They initially only budgeted for a condensed version, citing cost concerns.
Rather than compromising on quality, I presented neuroscience data demonstrating how spaced learning improves retention and implementation of complex therapeutic skills. I offered to develop free downloadable resources (worksheets, guides, scripts) that would enhance post-training implementation, effectively extending the value proposition beyond the training days themselves.
The organization agreed to my full program after I proposed a payment plan option that made it accessible while maintaining the integrity of the training. This approach succeeded because I focused on the long-term clinical outcomes for their therapists rather than just selling training hours.
Today, this negotiation strategy has shaped our entire business model at Brain Based EMDR, where we now offer flexible payment options ($1,997 with payment plans available) and include comprehensive resource libraries with all trainings. Our participants consistently report better clinical outcomes because they receive the full training experience rather than a rushed version that would not serve their clients effectively.

Sara Millecam · Answer

Actually—and it began with a resounding "no."
A few years ago, I was dealing with a distributor for a proprietary lash product that I knew my audience was waiting for: a latex-free glue that dried more quickly and emitted no fumes. The product was available—but only in giant wholesale lots, professionally packaged for large beauty chains. Since I was a small (but persistent) business, I didn't qualify on volume. It was a "sorry, not for you" situation.
But instead of walking away, I got creative. I looked at myself and asked, "What do I have that the big boys don't?" And the answer was community connection.
So I proposed something they hadn't considered: a micro-batch collaboration where we'd sell it under their brand—but co-promote it to my engaged niche audience of estheticians and lash technicians. I gave them real-world data, content, and ongoing support from professionals they weren't otherwise talking to. I even gave them heat maps of our product pages to illustrate demand.
They paused. Then they said yes.
Not only did we get access to the product, but one of our largest rollouts was also one of theirs, and the supplier had unprecedented growth in a market they hadn't been targeting before.
Here's the lesson:Negotiation is never about demanding more—it is about redefining your leverage. I didn't try to out-spend the giants. I came in with insight and influence, and offered something equal in value to volume: reach, trust, and a story to tell.

Martin Gasparian · Answer

As a personal injury lawyer, negotiation is something I know like the back of my hand. Ultimately, I always want the best for the client.
I remember once when the insurance company I was dealing with flat-out refused to include future medical costs in the settlement. It wasn't part of the original offer, and they made it clear they weren't budging. But based on what my client's doctors were saying, I knew those future treatments weren't just possible—they were inevitable.
I learned here that sometimes negotiation is about the art of talking, whereas sometimes it is a lot quieter and comes with cold, hard facts. Especially when somebody won't change their stance, don't continue suggesting why it should; show them why it has to. In my case, this meant pulling together solid medical reports, doctor's reports, and a realistic treatment plan with cost estimates that showed the amount needed wasn't just for what had happened, but for the impact it would continue to have. After this, the conversation shifted because it had to.
I think negotiation is knowing when you need to bring people along through conversation and debate versus when you need to approach more coldly with simple facts to force changes that are needed.

Brian Raffio · Answer

A couple of years ago, there was a rather large group planning to climb Kilimanjaro. The problem was that the dates they wanted were fully booked. I could have easily said, "Sorry, that is just not possible," but I knew that this wasn't just a trip to test their skills. It was a celebration, encompassing a couple of birthdays, an engagement, and believe it or not, a retirement, all neatly wrapped up into one trip.
Instead of dismissing them, I approached my team and began brainstorming how we could rework our scheduling. Essentially, all we had to do was reverse our standard rotation and bring on an extra guiding team. Usually, changes of this magnitude aren't considered, but I built a case for it. I presented to the higher-ups how it could work and exactly why it would be worth the extra effort.
To make a long story short, I successfully pulled it off, and the best part is that this particular group is still referring people to me. The lesson I learned was that if something really matters to a client, then you should make it matter to you as well. That's how you build trust, loyalty, lasting relationships, and in my world, an unforgettable climb.

Steve Faulkner · Answer

The key to any successful negotiation, in my view, is being able to identify the exact pain point it solves for the other party. It's not about pushing for a win, but demonstrating how your win ultimately benefits them, too.
I recently put this into practice with a fast-growing startup. They weren't enthusiastic about the 90-day replacement clause that kept us committed if a hire didn't work out. 
I knew from experience that omitting that clause risked our reputation, given the retention rate of new companies, but I didn't highlight that factor. Instead, I focused on the benefits to their company alone, by sharing case studies showing how continuity in recruiting led to better long-term fits and reduced overall turnover. Every case study was backed up with data.
In the end, they agreed. Not because I pushed harder, but because I proved that what I was asking for would ultimately protect their investment and accelerate their success.
The fact that it kept Tall Trees Talent in partnership was secondary.

How To Get What You Want in a Negotiation

Table of Contents

How To Get What You Want in a Negotiation

Accelerate Restoration with Expertise and Data

Reframe Requests to Serve Core Interests

Demonstrate Long-Term Value in Training Programs

Leverage Niche Influence for Product Access

Present Compelling Evidence for Future Costs

Reverse Operations to Accommodate Special Requests

Prove Mutual Benefits with Case Studies

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