7 TIPS TO NEGOTIATE LIKE A PRO

Whether you realize it or not, you negotiate every day.

You negotiate with yourself, your partner, your children, co-workers, boss,  friends, family, and with clients, customers, and in other business dealings. You’re negotiating during your daily life whether you like it or not.

Just a little work in this area can pay off in a big way.

You don’t have to be a slick executive, a seasoned salesperson or corporate attorney to be a good negotiator.

You just need some information and a little practice. Use these tips to get what
you and your clients deserve by boosting your negotiating skills…

1. Be clear on what your client needs. A negotiation can’t be successful from your point of view if you don’t get what you need. You’re unlikely to get what you need if you don’t identify your needs prior to the negotiation. Take the time to think about what you have to get from the negotiation to be satisfied.
2. Be clear on what your client wants. You HAVE to get what your client NEEDS, but you might also be able to get what your client WANTS. Again, your client has to know what they want. Shoot for what they want but prepare them to back down to what they need, if necessary. Getting what they want from a negotiation is a big win.
3. Ditto for the other party. Take it a step further and consider the possible needs and wants of the other party. When you prepare to understand what everyone needs and wants, you’re in a much better position to find success.
4. Try to find a solution that satisfies both of your needs. Ideally, everyone comes out better than they were before they went into the negotiation. Allowing the other party to get what they want will create the potential to work with them again in the future. If you “win” the negotiation, but the other party fails to get what they need, you’ve potentially created an enemy throughout the rest of the transaction.
   
   
5. Be prepared. Prepare for a negotiation like you would any other important event. Understand the other party. Understand their strengths and weaknesses. Become an expert on the situation. It’s rarely excusable to be surprised during the negotiation process. It’s simply a sign that you weren’t
   prepared.
6. Let go of your ego. Your ego can easily get in the way if you allow it. Focus on getting what your clients need. Take a shot at getting what your clients want. If you have to swallow your pride in order to achieve a win, so be it.
7. Be willing to walk. The ultimate power is the ability to walk away from any negotiation. Especially in this current housing market, this isn’t always possible, but it’s beneficial to try to identify other possible solutions before you begin any negotiation. Creating a back-up plan for your clients can greatly strengthen your position.

GO FOR THE WIN!

You can be more successful in your interactions with others by becoming a stronger negotiator. You don’t have to be born with the skills of an FBI hostage negotiator to have more productive interactions.