Contract Negotiation Value of One Small Thing

By Cord Harper, CEO of Endeavor Agency

February 18, 2020

Whoever said, “Don’t sweat the little things,” must have never entered into an employment contract negotiation.


EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT NEGOTIATION

Effective contract negotiation drives value for an employment agreement even if it’s just one small thing. One small thing often changes the entire dynamic of a negotiation process leading to a positive ROI. What is that one small thing? It’s not just one thing. In truth, it could be any of thousands of small things.


OUR CLIENT’S STORY

“Give me an example of how you can help me improve my offer,” the prospective client asked. He called the day before saying he had an offer. The negotiations commenced and he needed help.


“What are you trying to achieve?” the agent asked.


“I want new challenges. I’m capped out at my current company in both the job and compensation,” he shared. “But, it’s a good company and I have a lot of flexibility with my schedule.”


“I see. And what about the new offer?” the agent inquired.


“It seems good. The base is higher with a good bonus,” he related. “But, there’s not much flexibility with the schedule. I have two kids at home and I don’t want to live out of a suitcase.”


“So, the travel requirements are an issue,” the agent stated.


“Yes, but I don’t see how you could help me with that,” he said. “What specifically would you do?”


“I’ve handled this issue many times before,” the agent recounted. “If you’re asking for the play-by-play of how I would approach it, I’m afraid I can’t give that to you right now.”


“Why not?” he asked.


“Because you’re not yet a client,” tea gent said. “This is how I make my living. That one small thing I share could make all the difference in the world to you. Then, you wouldn’t need to hire me. It’s not about the amount of work or the amount of time invested. It’s really about the effect of that one small thing.”


“I see. I hadn’t thought about that,” he said.


“And by the way, there are likely more than a few dozen small things in this scenario that can be a game-changer for your outcomes.”

CONTACT ENDEAVOR

About Endeavor Agency


Endeavor Agency is the nation’s leading company helping individual executives, VPs, senior managers, professionals, and physicians find the jobs they truly want. Our additional resources, expertise, and career change specialists help our clients uncover more and better job opportunities than what they could access on their own.


Endeavor Agency helps rebrand clients to effectively communicate their value throughout the interview process and increase their odds dramatically of winning offers. Additionally, Endeavor Agency helps clients achieve better results in negotiating the terms of their employment agreements.


Endeavor Agency also provides executive coachingoutplacement services, and business consulting services. Endeavor can also help guide executives focused on the private equity and venture capital market segments.

Professional weighing whether to pursue another degree or partner with an executive career coach
By Cord Harper August 31, 2026
Wondering if you need a master's degree to reach the next level? An executive career coach can help you find the real gap, for a fraction of tuition costs.
image of LinkedIn app to emphasize the importance of a Linked banner  for your job search
By Cord Harper August 24, 2026
If you don’t have a banner image already on your LinkedIn profile, add a meaningful one quickly. This is prime real estate that can support your job search.
Recent college graduate going to a job interview after working with an experienced career coach
By Cord Harper August 17, 2026
Only one-half of new grads land a career-track job in year one. Learn how career coaching for recent graduates closes that gap and the real cost of waiting.
Professional holding megaphone representing the decision to change jobs & start a career transition
By Cord Harper August 6, 2026
Learn how to recognize when it's time to change jobs. Discover research-backed career advice, executive job search strategies, and guidance from Endeavor Agency.
Professional working on a personal creative woodworking project at a table during a job search
By Cord Harper August 3, 2026
Job search rejection can wear you down fast. Learn why building something of your own, paired with real conversations, helps you break through a job search slump.
Experienced worker preparing for a job interview, confident despite age discrimination/ageism
By Cord Harper July 29, 2026
Age discrimination in hiring is often unconscious, not malicious. Learn the real reasons behind ageism and how experienced candidates can overcome this barrier.
Professional-level job seeker preparing calendar for September employment hiring opportunities
By Cord Harper July 27, 2026
Is the September hiring surge still real? Learn why September remains a great time to build momentum in your job search and prepare for new career opportunities.
Executive job interview as candidate discusses leadership experience during a career transition
By Cord Harper July 20, 2026
Learn why employers don't always hire the most qualified candidate and how interview psychology and career coaching can improve your executive job search success.
Two female students checking in at the registration table for their college's career fair.
By Cord Harper July 13, 2026
Prepare for a college career fair with practical tips on networking, resumes, recruiter conversations, follow-up, and landing internships or full-time opportunities.
Employee dressed professionally at work, positioning themselves as the best internal candidate
By Cord Harper July 10, 2026
Discover why internal candidates often beat outside hires for promotions, backed by real research, plus how to prepare and handle other internal competition.
More Posts