People often seem to be surprised that I am not a tougher negotiater on the front end when making a deal. People also often seem surprised that I

am so hardline on the back end once a deal has been made. Some of my views were undoubtedly formed growing up with an attorney for a father.

Here is what I’ve learned about contracts, probably both from my daddy and from pop songs :

1. The purpose of a contract is so that everybody knows what they agreed to.

2. Everything is negotiable until you have signed on the dotted line.

3. You always have to be willing to get up from the table and walk away.

4. Once you’ve signed on the dotted line, you keep your word and you stick to the deal.

5. If you do not like how the deal works out, #2 and #3 are always your own responsibility, not the other guy’s, and next time you should make a

different deal or walk away.

–Amelia