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 sounds simple, listening is still one of the most effective negotiation techniques. Talking incessantly will not necessarily help you get what you want out of a deal. In fact, you may just end up saying something you'll regret later on. Never interrupt someone who is speaking, and encourage others to say their piece first. Great listeners make up some 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 carefully: Another negotiation tip is to avoid saying "I" when negotiating, and instead, use the word "we". Your choice of words can quickly show whether you're merely after meeting your own best interests or are actually 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.
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.
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.
Have an exit strategy: If you aren't quite ready to make a decision and need some time to think things over, use an individual who isn't present at the negotiation process as an excuse. Tell the other party that you first need to run the details by your spouse, attorney, or even business partner, 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.
Don't rush things: Whereas there are a lot of good negotiation tips to help you become an improved negotiator, it's almost impossible to remember every little thing. To make things a little bit easier, try out one bargaining trick or tactic at a time in various situations over a longer period.
Listen: Even though this sounds simple, listening is still one of the most effective negotiation techniques. Talking incessantly will not necessarily help you get what you want out of a deal. In fact, you may just end up saying something you'll regret later on. Never interrupt someone who is speaking, and encourage others to say their piece first. Great listeners make up some 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 carefully: Another negotiation tip is to avoid saying "I" when negotiating, and instead, use the word "we". Your choice of words can quickly show whether you're merely after meeting your own best interests or are actually 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.
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.
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.
Have an exit strategy: If you aren't quite ready to make a decision and need some time to think things over, use an individual who isn't present at the negotiation process as an excuse. Tell the other party that you first need to run the details by your spouse, attorney, or even business partner, 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.
Don't rush things: Whereas there are a lot of good negotiation tips to help you become an improved negotiator, it's almost impossible to remember every little thing. To make things a little bit easier, try out one bargaining trick or tactic at a time in various situations over a longer period.
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 Geneva Education on LinkedIn for more negotiation tricks.