Negotiating Know-How – 5 Tips for Success

Those who don’t know better would say that men are better negotiators than women. Prove them wrong!  These negotiating know-how, no-fail strategies from The Balancing Act can help you get what you want at home, at the office and in all other areas of your life.

Take time to plan. A simple mistake can be failing to spend enough time preparing. Figure out not only what you want, but what the person you’ll be negotiating with wants. This can help you determine where you have room to bargain.

Understand the other side. Once you’ve done your homework, make sure you’re spending just as much time listening as you are talking. At the end of the day, people are going to do things for their reasons, not yours. The more the other party opens up, the more opportunities you have to spot a creative solution.

Make a connection. People are more likely to do things for you if they like you, so try to find common ground. Bring a backup plan and try asking for more than you want so that there’s room for negotiation without changing your bottom line.

Sweeten the deal. Especially if you’re dealing with your kids, this can be an effective, win-win approach. Offer a reasonable reward if they do what you ask.

Trust your skills. Even if you don’t realize it, chances are you’re negotiating on a daily basis – with your kids, colleagues and husband or significant other. Combined with the tips above, the skills you’ve already required are sure to produce the results you want.