Personal Development and Growth

Negotiation For Success In Life And Business

Today’s topic is one that I bet you have not thought much about. One of the problems that I believe is often experienced by people that are of lower self-esteem and self-confidence is that they do not know how to negotiate, or do not think themselves capable or worthy of doing so. Today, I will show you a few simple techniques that can help you succeed in making purchases, doing business, succeed in relationships, and life in general.

Negotiate Your Way To Success

There are 7 key things to remember when going into a negotiation situation. This applies regardless of what type of negotiation is going on, whether it be a purchase, a business deal, or an argument. These are the skills great sales people know, now you can know them and level the playing field.

#1. Know What You Want

Know precisely what you want – and how much you are willing to give. You will most certainly have to give a little to get a little, but knowing what your limits are ahead of time will help in negotiation.

#2. No Is OK

If you don’t want to accept, be sure to firmly say no. Be firm. Saying “Well, I am not sure…” is an opening to try to sell you on the idea further. A firm “No” is pretty closed. Don’t be bullied into any other answer.

#3. Be Firm – Yet Brief

Long-winded answers will often denote that you are making something up, or are not confident in your answer. Being firm with your answer shows confidence. A simple “No” will suffice, and if any other answer is required, ensure it is factual, not emotional.

#4. Body Language Counts

If you are fidgeting, or nodding your head, or shifting your weight from side to side, or making other movements that make you look nervous, that will be regarded as a weakness – which a strong person will exploit. Be confident in your answer, and show it with your body.

#5. Compromise Is Best

A win-win situation is the most desirable, so see if there is a way to do this. Think of ways you can both come out ahead in this situation. Find some sliver of common ground, and work on that. If you feel you must get 100% of what you want, you will likely end up getting nothing. 50% is better than nothing, in most cases.

#6. Do Not Get Emotional

There is no reason to be apologetic for your refusal, or to acknowledge that your refusal may bring disappointment. If you cannot or will not meet their requirements, just let them know that. Apologizing starts to allow the other person to realize that you are weak in your decision, and opens a window for a strong person to exploit.

#7. Repeat As Needed

Sometimes, you will find someone keeps pounding away, hoping to weaken your resistance. Don’t let that happen. Each time they try to rephrase the question, just repeat your original reason for declining with “No”. Do not offer anything else. They will get the message after they see you are not weakening.

I hope these techniques can help you work through your next negotiation. This will help all parties come to the table with a more level playing field.

The book below may also help – it is available in print and MP3, and it is under $20, well worth the cost!
Brian Tracy is an acclaimed motivational speaker, and this book is one that everyone should read!

Negotiate the Best Deal Do you know that everything is negotiable? Would you like to gain or save 20% of all money that goes through your hands during your lifetime?” After listening to this 73-minute CD you can! The quality of your life can be dramatically impacted by by how skilled a negotiator you are!

Negotiate the Best Deal

On a side note, please help me in supporting my favorite charity, DonorsChoose.org.
This charity helps students that are monetarily disadvantaged, by allowing teachers to submit a request for needed supplies. Donorschoose.org will accept your donation, purchase the needed supplies, then send them to the school. It is a great way to help kids in need! And, it is tax-deductible!

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009, by bp and is filed under "Self-Improvement, negotiation, Self Confidence, Self Esteem, self help, success ". You can leave a response here, or send a Trackback from your own site.