Prepare: When you start to negotiate without properly preparing for it, you are unlikely to get very far. 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 conditions, 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 everyone with respect and keep your emotions in check: No negotiation process is worth sacrificing relationships or burning bridges. It is absolutely crucial that you treat all parties with respect, and that you leave emotions off the table as much as possible. If the situation turns too heated, agree to take a break, and recommence 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.
Timing is everything: This is one of the most important negotiation tactics to master. While you evidently know what you want to get out of a discussion, it is similarly important to know when to ask for it. To learn how to negotiate effectively, you need to comprehend when to be quiet and wait for the other party to make the next move.
What alternatives are there?: When a negotiation isn't heading in the direction you'd like it to, don't stop the discussion just yet. It is an effective negotiation technique to ask about any alternative ideas and options, and you may just come up with a better solution that you wouldn't have even considered before.
Prevent ultimatums: When learning how to negotiate, it's of great importance to avoid proposing ultimatums as a bargaining tactic. Making unsuitable demands and offering a take-it-or-leave-it approach is a negotiation trick that is unlikely to get you 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 own values: People with good negotiation skills tend to only do things they are comfortable with. Don't try out negotiation tactics that are so entirely out of character, since others may see right through you. When encountering deals in which you are asked to compromise your values, always don't forget 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 everyone with respect and keep your emotions in check: No negotiation process is worth sacrificing relationships or burning bridges. It is absolutely crucial that you treat all parties with respect, and that you leave emotions off the table as much as possible. If the situation turns too heated, agree to take a break, and recommence 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.
Timing is everything: This is one of the most important negotiation tactics to master. While you evidently know what you want to get out of a discussion, it is similarly important to know when to ask for it. To learn how to negotiate effectively, you need to comprehend when to be quiet and wait for the other party to make the next move.
What alternatives are there?: When a negotiation isn't heading in the direction you'd like it to, don't stop the discussion just yet. It is an effective negotiation technique to ask about any alternative ideas and options, and you may just come up with a better solution that you wouldn't have even considered before.
Prevent ultimatums: When learning how to negotiate, it's of great importance to avoid proposing ultimatums as a bargaining tactic. Making unsuitable demands and offering a take-it-or-leave-it approach is a negotiation trick that is unlikely to get you 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 own values: People with good negotiation skills tend to only do things they are comfortable with. Don't try out negotiation tactics that are so entirely out of character, since others may see right through you. When encountering deals in which you are asked to compromise your values, always don't forget 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 very useful advice in his articles and blog posts. Look here to learn his 20 most common negotiation tips, most of which are very suited in salary negotiation situations. Or visit his haggling blog directly for more negotiation tricks.
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