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.