Dear Friends,

One of the prime principles of effective negotiation is to always have alternatives. In negotiating parlance, this is called a BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement.) Whether we are negotiating for a car, a raise, or with our teenage child, we should always seek alternatives to what is being offered, if for no other reason, to sharpen the outcome with the other party.

Our article this month is Negotiating with Your Existing Landlord, written by my partner, John Hoblin. It makes the case for full market research of alternatives, even if your strong preference is to renew the lease with your landlord. Once again, if the opposing party feels that you have no alternatives, there is no compelling reason to compromise. We have represented many companies with their lease renewals, often with remarkable results.

I hope your summer has been outstanding. Next week, I am spending all my mornings at Scout camp teaching adolescent boys all about Personal Management and Citizenship in the World. It's a joy being at Scout camp in August, and a joy working with the youngsters. This is just one of the things that is making my summer an outstanding one!

Oh, the possibilities!

David G. Hunt