John Wheeler

Negotiation is a skill that can be used in many different areas of life, from business to personal relationships. Whether you’re negotiating a salary with your boss, a car price with a dealer, or a contract with a supplier, being able to negotiate effectively can give you a significant advantage. (Also read WHAT IS THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS?)

Here are 10 tips that will help you get what you want in a negotiation:

1. Set clear goals and expectations. Before you start negotiating, it’s important to know what you want to achieve. What are your bottom line and walk away points? Having clear goals will help you stay focused during the negotiation and make it more likely that you’ll reach an agreement that meets your needs.
2. Do your research. The more you know about the other party and their interests, the better equipped you’ll be to negotiate effectively. Take the time to research the other party’s company, their products or services, and their financial situation. This information will help you to understand their needs and priorities, and it will give you a better chance of reaching an agreement that works for both parties.
3. Be prepared to walk away. If you’re not happy with the terms of the negotiation, be prepared to walk away. This shows the other party that you’re serious about getting what you want, and it may make them more willing to negotiate in good faith.
4. Be professional and respectful. Even if you’re negotiating with someone you don’t like, it’s important to be professional and respectful. This will help to create a positive negotiating environment and make it more likely that you’ll reach an agreement.
5. Build rapport. Building rapport with the other party can help to create a more positive and productive negotiating environment. By taking the time to get to know the other person and find common ground, you can make it more likely that they’ll be willing to work with you to reach an agreement.
6. Listen actively. One of the most important skills in negotiation is active listening. This means paying attention to what the other party is saying, asking clarifying questions, and summarizing their points. Active listening shows the other party that you’re interested in what they have to say and that you’re taking their concerns seriously.
7. Be assertive. Assertiveness is important in a negotiation, but it’s important to avoid being aggressive. You want to be able to stand up for your interests, but you also want to be respectful of the other party.
8. Be flexible. It’s important to be willing to compromise in a negotiation. If you’re too rigid in your demands, you’re likely to end up with no deal at all.
9. Be creative. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions that meet the needs of both parties.
10. Follow up. After the negotiation is over, be sure to follow up with the other party to confirm the terms of the agreement and to address any outstanding issues.

By following these tips, you can improve your negotiation skills and get the results you want.

Here are some additional tips that can help you negotiate effectively:

• Use “I” statements. When expressing your needs and concerns, use “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory or blaming. For example, instead of saying “You never give me enough time to complete my projects,” you could say “I need more time to complete my projects.”
• Avoid making threats. Threats can create a hostile negotiating environment and make it more difficult to reach an agreement. Instead of making threats, try to focus on the positive aspects of the agreement and how it will benefit both parties.
• Be positive. A positive attitude can go a long way in a negotiation. By being positive and optimistic, you can create a more productive and enjoyable negotiating environment.
• Be patient. Negotiation can be a time-consuming process. It’s important to be patient and not get discouraged if you don’t reach an agreement right away.

By following these tips, you can improve your negotiation skills and get the results you want.