Don't bluff too many times

One of the best pieces of leverage you can have as an aspiring 1099 or current 1099 is the ability and willingness to walk away from any project or negotiation.

However, there may be times when you'd prefer not to or can't walk away.

What you can do in those situations is bluff.

You want them to THINK that you will quit or leave, even though you know you can't or won't.

I have a friend who works as a 1099 for her former employer (non-federal).

She wanted to raise her rates but she needed the gig (it is her full time job basically and the main source of income for her family).

I helped her craft an e-mail that hinted she would leave if they couldn't raise the rates.

It worked.

She wants to do the same thing again this year.

However, it's more risky this time because she has already used the "threat" of quitting before.

If she bluffs again and the client doesn't raise the rates, she is in a weaker position in terms of the power dynamics.

Bluffing is a useful tool, but it can't be the only tool you have.

Make sure you develop enough leverage (savings, other projects, a great network, etc.) that you can follow through on your "bluff" to walk away.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.