Prepare: If you enter a negotiation process without properly preparing for it, then you've already lost before the discussion has even begun. If you are entering into a salary negotiation to haggle price, for example, you need to know how much the industry standards are for your particular position. You have to understand the market, as well as the needs, strengths, and weaknesses of the other side.
Listen: Even though this may sound simple, just to listen is still one of the most effective negotiation techniques. Talking continually without stopping will not help you get what you want out of a deal. In fact, you may end up saying something you didn't want to say. Never interrupt someone who is speaking, and encourage others to say their piece first. Great listeners make up most of the best negotiators.
Treat all parties with respect and keep your emotions in check: No negotiation process is worth ruining relationships and burning bridges. It is absolutely crucial that you treat all parties with utmost respect, and that you leave emotions off the table. If the situation turns heated quickly, agree to take a break, and meet again when you've considered other possible solutions.
Choose your words wisely: Another negotiation tip is to avoid using the word "I" when negotiating, and instead, use the word "we". Your choice of words can quickly indicate whether you're merely after meeting your own best interests or are interested in making the discussion a two-way effort.
Understand that timing is everything: Timing is one of the most difficult yet important negotiation tactics to master. While you obviously know what you want to get out of a discussion, it is equally as important to know when to ask for it. To learn how to negotiate effectively, you need to understand when to be quiet and wait for the other party to make the next move.
Ask about the alternatives: If a negotiation doesn't seem to be heading in the direction you'd like it to, don't end the conversation just yet. It is an effective negotiation technique to ask about any alternative options, and you may just come across a better solution that you wouldn't have even considered before.
Avoid ultimatums: When learning how to negotiate, it's important to avoid proposing ultimatums as a bargaining tactic. Making unseemly demands and offering a take-it-or-leave-it approach is a negotiation trick that is unlikely to get you very far.
Consider having an exit strategy: If you aren't ready to make a decision and need some time to mull things over, use someone who is not present at the negotiation process as an excuse. Tell the other party that you first need to run the details by your business partner, spouse, or attorney, and that you'll be in touch.
Stay true to your values: People who have good negotiation skills tend to only do things they are comfortable with. Don't try out negotiation tactics that are so completely out of character that others may see right through you. When encountering deals wherein you are asked to compromise your values, always remember to stay true to your principles, and learn to walk away from negotiations that cross boundaries you shouldn't be crossing.
Take it one step at a time: While there are a lot of good negotiation tips to help you become a better negotiator, it's practically impossible to remember every little thing. To make things a little bit easier, try out one trick or tactic at a time in various situations.
Listen: Even though this may sound simple, just to listen is still one of the most effective negotiation techniques. Talking continually without stopping will not help you get what you want out of a deal. In fact, you may end up saying something you didn't want to say. Never interrupt someone who is speaking, and encourage others to say their piece first. Great listeners make up most of the best negotiators.
Treat all parties with respect and keep your emotions in check: No negotiation process is worth ruining relationships and burning bridges. It is absolutely crucial that you treat all parties with utmost respect, and that you leave emotions off the table. If the situation turns heated quickly, agree to take a break, and meet again when you've considered other possible solutions.
Choose your words wisely: Another negotiation tip is to avoid using the word "I" when negotiating, and instead, use the word "we". Your choice of words can quickly indicate whether you're merely after meeting your own best interests or are interested in making the discussion a two-way effort.
Understand that timing is everything: Timing is one of the most difficult yet important negotiation tactics to master. While you obviously know what you want to get out of a discussion, it is equally as important to know when to ask for it. To learn how to negotiate effectively, you need to understand when to be quiet and wait for the other party to make the next move.
Ask about the alternatives: If a negotiation doesn't seem to be heading in the direction you'd like it to, don't end the conversation just yet. It is an effective negotiation technique to ask about any alternative options, and you may just come across a better solution that you wouldn't have even considered before.
Avoid ultimatums: When learning how to negotiate, it's important to avoid proposing ultimatums as a bargaining tactic. Making unseemly demands and offering a take-it-or-leave-it approach is a negotiation trick that is unlikely to get you very far.
Consider having an exit strategy: If you aren't ready to make a decision and need some time to mull things over, use someone who is not present at the negotiation process as an excuse. Tell the other party that you first need to run the details by your business partner, spouse, or attorney, and that you'll be in touch.
Stay true to your values: People who have good negotiation skills tend to only do things they are comfortable with. Don't try out negotiation tactics that are so completely out of character that others may see right through you. When encountering deals wherein you are asked to compromise your values, always remember to stay true to your principles, and learn to walk away from negotiations that cross boundaries you shouldn't be crossing.
Take it one step at a time: While there are a lot of good negotiation tips to help you become a better negotiator, it's practically impossible to remember every little thing. To make things a little bit easier, try out one trick or tactic at a time in various situations.
About the Author:
Martin P R Collins is a negotiation expert at Geneva Education who frequently gives excellent advice in his articles and blog posts. Look here to learn his 20 most common negotiation techniques. Or visit Geneva Education on facebook for more negotiation tricks.
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