The Mirror Test
- Jul 24
- 1 min read
If you’re not using AI to prepare for your next negotiation, your counterparty probably is.
They know your role, your track record, your negotiation style—and yes, that comment you made on a panel back in 2019.
Preparation used to mean a few LinkedIn searches and a guess. Now? It means wielding a prompt like a scalpel.
Here's one you can use to gather intel fast. See below.
And before you run it on them... run it on yourself.
Because if you're not prepared to see yourself through their eyes, you’re not prepared to negotiate.
Universal AI Intelligence Prompt for Negotiation Prep over Professional Service Fees
*"Act as a senior negotiation strategist and AI research assistant. I am preparing to negotiate a professional service fee with [person’s name], who is [person’s position] at [person’s company]. The negotiation will be about a [insert scope - consulting project, strategic partnership, licensing deal, etc.].
Search and analyse all publicly available information about this person, including professional background, service claims, affiliations, online presence, philosophy, and content.
Then, identify specific points of leverage I can use to gain negotiating power. This includes:*
· Any bold performance claims, pricing signals, or deliverable promises that can be challenged or reframed.
· Signs of rigidity or standardisation in their service model.
· Dependence on public reputation, branding, or thought leadership.
· Potential overreliance on AI tools, process frameworks, or theoretical models.
Use only verifiable, public data. Provide direct quotes or links when possible. Then offer actionable tactics I can use to negotiate better pricing or terms - such as alternative deal structures, ambiguity introduction, or performance-based frameworks."
