Yeah don't drag your personal issues into it, very bad form.

I agree with everything Reflex said originally, but personally I would want to walk into the room with other options up my sleeve already rather than wait. I'd go so far as to hold off until you do. Doesn't mean I'd swagger in and say I've got a better offer, beat it or I'm off...it's more like the knowledge that you have options, which will infuse the way you communicate. It's about mutual respect. More like: I love working here, I am ambitious and want to progress my career, how can I progress?...etc

I don't know if you're already aware of this little truism, but it's very, very important: the key to any negotiation in life, is having the freedom to be able to say no and walk away. You can't fake that.

PS