1. Do your homework
Consult job ads, recruiters, and colleagues to find out the pay range for your contract. Then work out the skills you need to claim the top 10 per cent of that pay range.
2. State your objectives clearly
When you ask for a meeting, don’t talk vaguely about "prospects" - be clear that you want to talk about your contribution to the clients organisation and that you’re asking for a rate rise.
3. Be clear about what you want
Are you really after a rate rise, or would your life be improved by something else, such as flexible working, working from home, etc? Know exactly what you are asking for.
4. Create the right impression
Make sure you look, act and sound like a person already performing like a contractor paying the kind of rate you want. Don’t try to negotiate a pay rise in an old suit.
5. Make your pitch
Your opening needs to be about your contribution, and not about money. Talk about what you have added to the role and how you have made a difference.
6. Bid, don’t complain
Clent managers and agents get defensive when it comes to pay issues. No matter how carefully you make your case, what they will hear is "I’m unhappy". Be careful to ensure that you communicate how much you enjoy the work, particularly those parts where you have extended your role to a wider remit.
7. Don’t talk about your bottom line
Don't be tempted to talk about what you "need" financially, or about your financial commitments or pressures. Talk about the value you add to the business.
8. Let your boss shoot first
Keep your cards close to your chest. Try to find out what your client is prepared to offer before you say what you would like. Even if your client asks "What did you have in mind?" it’s worth at least one attempt to find out what might be possible.
9. Negotiate like a pro
Don’t believe that the first offer, particularly if it’s made quickly, is the last word. Relate your proposed total cost in monthly terms to the annual bottom line contribution of the company, and be aware of how much it will cost to replace you.
10. Assert yourself
Stand up for yourself. Demonstrate exactly the same robustness and negotiation skills your client expects you to use in the job.
Good luck and be brave.
Consult job ads, recruiters, and colleagues to find out the pay range for your contract. Then work out the skills you need to claim the top 10 per cent of that pay range.
2. State your objectives clearly
When you ask for a meeting, don’t talk vaguely about "prospects" - be clear that you want to talk about your contribution to the clients organisation and that you’re asking for a rate rise.
3. Be clear about what you want
Are you really after a rate rise, or would your life be improved by something else, such as flexible working, working from home, etc? Know exactly what you are asking for.
4. Create the right impression
Make sure you look, act and sound like a person already performing like a contractor paying the kind of rate you want. Don’t try to negotiate a pay rise in an old suit.
5. Make your pitch
Your opening needs to be about your contribution, and not about money. Talk about what you have added to the role and how you have made a difference.
6. Bid, don’t complain
Clent managers and agents get defensive when it comes to pay issues. No matter how carefully you make your case, what they will hear is "I’m unhappy". Be careful to ensure that you communicate how much you enjoy the work, particularly those parts where you have extended your role to a wider remit.
7. Don’t talk about your bottom line
Don't be tempted to talk about what you "need" financially, or about your financial commitments or pressures. Talk about the value you add to the business.
8. Let your boss shoot first
Keep your cards close to your chest. Try to find out what your client is prepared to offer before you say what you would like. Even if your client asks "What did you have in mind?" it’s worth at least one attempt to find out what might be possible.
9. Negotiate like a pro
Don’t believe that the first offer, particularly if it’s made quickly, is the last word. Relate your proposed total cost in monthly terms to the annual bottom line contribution of the company, and be aware of how much it will cost to replace you.
10. Assert yourself
Stand up for yourself. Demonstrate exactly the same robustness and negotiation skills your client expects you to use in the job.
Good luck and be brave.
*fnarff* 
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