Negotiation Lunch & Lab

Bring a real or realistic client negotiation and practise how to discuss rates, scope and conditions during this in-person working session and networking lunch.

Negotiation can feel uncomfortable, especially when an assignment or important client relationship is at stake. It is easy to accept a lower rate, additional work or unfavourable conditions when you have not prepared your position or practised what to say.

This session will help you prepare, experiment and build confidence before having these conversations with real clients.

You will meet other Freelancers in Belgium PRO members face to face, exchange ideas and receive constructive feedback. We will begin with an introduction round so you can get to know the other freelancers, their expertise and the types of clients they work with.

You do not need to have attended the preceding workshop to participate, but it is helpful.

What to expect

This is a hands-on practice session, not a series of presentations. Bring your laptop and a current, previous or realistic negotiation scenario. You can anonymise any confidential client information.

During the session, you will have dedicated time to:

• Prepare your ideal outcome, negotiation range, red lines and no-go points
• Practise answering “What is your rate?” clearly and confidently
• Explain the value behind your price without becoming defensive
• Respond to common objections, discount requests and counteroffers
• Negotiate scope, deliverables, deadlines, availability and responsibilities
• Use trade-offs and conditional concessions instead of simply lowering your price
• Respond when a client requests extra work or changes the original scope
• Recognise your walk-away point and when an opportunity is no longer worth accepting
• Practise realistic client conversations through role-play
• Receive constructive feedback from experts and fellow freelancers

You will leave with a clearer negotiation position, practical responses you can use with clients and greater confidence in discussing rates, scope and conditions.

Part of the PRO Growth programme

The Negotiation Lunch & Lab gives you an opportunity to put the ideas from the online workshop Negotiate scope, rates and conditions with confidence into practice.

Participation in the preceding workshop is helpful but not required.

Practical information

Date: Thursday 18 November 2027
Time: 10:00 to 14:00
Format: In person, maximum 20 participants
Location: Brussels
Price: €59
Included: Lunch, coffee, tea, water and a glass of sparkling wine, with an alcohol-free option

Not a PRO member yet?

Freelancers in Belgium PRO is a business growth community for freelancers who want to attract better clients and grow alongside other freelancers. It is especially relevant if you want to sharpen your positioning, strengthen your sales and marketing, diversify your client base and turn ideas into action with support from a trusted freelance network.

Membership costs €24.90 per month or €250 per year and includes monthly online Growth Workshops, peer exchanges, practical resources and access to exclusive in-person Lunch & Lab events.

To participate:

1. Sign up for Freelancers in Belgium PRO.
2. Once you have joined, RSVP to this event through the PRO platform.

About PRO Lunch & Lab

PRO Lunch & Lab brings Freelancers in Belgium PRO members together to work on their businesses during a practical, facilitated session followed by a networking lunch.

Organised once per quarter in different locations across Belgium, most likely Brussels, Leuven and Ghent, each Lunch & Lab turns the topic of a recent PRO Growth Workshop into action. You do not need to have attended the preceding workshop to participate.

Bring your laptop and work on something concrete with guidance, expert input and constructive feedback from fellow freelancers. Each session includes an introduction round, focused working time and plenty of opportunities to connect over coffee and lunch.

2027 PRO Lunch & Lab dates

• Thursday 18 March, 10:00 to 14:00
  Content Lunch & Lab: Develop, improve and schedule your content for the coming months.
• Thursday 20 May, 10:00 to 14:00
  Referral & Reference Lunch & Lab: Prepare your requests for referrals and testimonials, receive feedback and take action.
• Thursday 16 September, 10:00 to 14:00
  Networking Lunch & Lab: Practise introducing yourself, build meaningful connections and prepare your follow-up.
• Thursday 18 November, 10:00 to 14:00
  Negotiation Lunch & Lab: Practise real client scenarios, objections and counteroffers.