The Art of Bribing Creatives to Work Late

Account Execs Negotiating Tip #1

A crucial skill of successful account execs is the ability to negotiate the proper dinner offer in order to bribe creative teams to stay late.

If you’re requesting that they stay until 8pm, then pizza is an appropriate offer. They’ll want a high-end artisanal, wood-fired type with exotic toppings. But offer a chain brand first and let them negotiate it up.

If you need them to stay until 10pm, Chinese food is in order. Just make sure to do the ordering yourself – no reason to order from the expensive Chef’s Specials.

If the teams must stay past midnight, then sushi is a more realistic offer. But make sure to negotiate. Offer gourmet burgers first. That might be accepted. If you receive undue pushback, offer up the sushi, but only as a last resort.

It’s crucial to establish that you are a tough dinner negotiator. If not, word will spread and creative directors will walk all over you.

You’ll blow your expense budget by the end of Q1.