👋🏻 Jacob here.

Let's talk about a game-changing truth that most executives miss:

Your negotiation starts the moment you say "hello."

That's right. Every. Single. Word. Matters.

Here's the deal:

Most execs think negotiation happens at the end. They show up, answer questions, and wait for an offer to haggle over. Sometimes that’s when the call me, but I already had my hands tied when you opened your mouth earlier.

Big mistake. Huge.

The real players? They're building momentum from the first handshake.

Think of it like this:

You're not just answering questions. You're crafting a narrative. A narrative that screams, "I'm valuable, I'm expensive, but I'm worth every damn penny."

How do you do this? Strategic language.

When they ask about your future plans, don't just list your goals. Say:

"As I navigate opportunities, I'm choosing organizations that offer X, Y, and Z."

See what I did there? You're not hoping. You’re not desperate. You have nothing to prove to them. They have something to prove to you. You're choosing.

Remember:

You're not begging for a job. You're offering them the chance to hire excellence.

They need to sell you on why you should grace them with your presence.

Why? Because you're trading your finite, precious time for their theoretically infinite money.

Let that sink in.

You're not a commodity. You're a rare resource. Act like it.

This isn't about being arrogant. It's about knowing your worth and owning it.

Every story you tell, every answer you give should reinforce this narrative.

You're not just a candidate. You're a solution to their problems.

And solutions? They don't come cheap, especially for big ass, high pressure problems.

But here's the kicker:

If you master this mindset, if you build this momentum throughout the entire process, and you don't shoot yourself in the foot with your reputation, LinkedIn, or resume...

You're setting yourself up big time compensation wins that will lift your entire career.

Remember:

The company isn't doing you a favor by hiring you. You're doing them a favor by considering them.

Own that truth. Live it. Breathe it.

Because in the C-suite game, perception becomes reality.

And the reality you want? It's being the exec they can't afford to lose.

Stay fearless, friends.

See you next week.