OK, I know this title sounds self-serving and hard nosed, but
article isn't! Whether it's buying a car, asking for a pay rise, saying 'no' to a friend or renting an apartment - at some stage in our lives we all are going to need to know how to negotiate. Yet, so few of us know basic skills before embarking on life changing purchases or decisions!This article is written for those TIMID folk who want to feel more confident in basic skills of negotiating. These are skills I have learnt that have made all difference in world to my approach to asking for what I want. Being ultimate 'server' (i.e. always helping others) and 'pacifier' (i.e. always smoothing over conflict) I figure there are plenty of people who would like to know these skills which, believe me, don't come naturally to some folk! Yet, they can make a significant difference to your sense of confidence when you learn them.
Here are 8 keys to learning how to negotiate well (for timid people who hate conflict).
1. Know outcome you want.
Do you want a win-win outcome where both parties benefit? Or a win-lose outcome where someone (presumably other party) is not happy with result?
It is important you know what type of outcome you want because that will affect long term relationship you have with other party. Win-win outcomes are beneficial where you have an ongoing relationship. For example, when you negotiate a pay rise, you don't want your boss to feel he/she is 'loser'. However, if you are buying a car from a car lot, you may not be so concerned about whether car salesperson feels as though they 'won' in negotiation!
2. Know your 'position'.
How important is this deal to you? How much do you need it? Could you walk away from deal? What alternatives do you have? What is your "bottom line" and what (if anything) are you prepared to concede? You should not start negotiating until you have thought through and considered all of consequences for all of different outcomes that may eventuate.
3. Know your counterpart's 'position'.
Try to work out what is important to them in deal. When you know that you have an advantage. Try not to reveal what is important to you! Keep a poker face and play your cards close to your chest.
4. Work out different scenarios ahead of time.
Being caught by surprise will NOT strengthen your position! Think through all different possibilities which may eventuate and plan for each and every one of them. It is useful to brainstorm and write down on a piece of paper what could possibly happen. For example, if they said, "XYZ" - I would respond with, "ABC". This way you can be prepared for just about anything that may happen.
