These days I usually start the conversation with a recruiter saying I'm looking for total compensation above $300k. Some don't respond, which is fine because i

These days I usually start the conversation with a recruiter saying I'm looking for total compensation above $300k. Some don't respond, which is fine because it saves us both time. Others will shoot back with something about equity. Then we can talk about cash / equity split and there's plenty of room for negotiation there. I've never felt like my $300k number limits my ability to negotiate (beyond putting a halt to some discussions). Where did I get $300k from? My peers at FAANG, my friends in recruiting, recruiters who state salary bands upfront. Basically, I've done my market research.