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Establish a fallback position (BATNA)

In negotiation theory, a fallback plan is referred to as a BATNA, or ‘best alternative to a negotiated agreement.’ 

If you can’t get exactly what you want, you should know what alternatives there are. This puts you in a more powerful position in the negotiation and will help you not be let down when a deal doesn’t happen. 

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Prove your point

You can’t go into a negotiation without a goal, and proving the validity of that goal is what it’s all about. Few negotiators will agree with you without concrete evidence, so that means you’ve got to bring some cards to the table to highly influence your success.

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Speak the other person’s language

Use the other person’s words at the bargaining table. Knowing the general personality traits of whom you are negotiating will make it so much easier, and skilled negotiators are masters at using other people’s words to persuade them into a deal.

Are you unfamiliar with ...

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150 reads

Face problems head-on

A big part of facing problems is properly identifying them.

You should still use neutral wording in your negotiating to avoid creating conflict. Yes, the problem needs to be addressed, but without negativity or over-angst. 

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179 reads

Acknowledge agreement

In a business argument, there are always points where both parties agree to disagree. The important part is highlighting areas where both parties both want to be in on the action and capitalizing on it.

The advantage of finding commonalities within the deal is that it will ease the ...

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73 reads

Express sincere praise

It’s okay to point out things you like in the person you’re negotiating with. You obviously don’t want the other party involved to think you’re ‘buttering them up,’ but what are you doing if you’re doing business with somebody you don’t like?

Showing that you’re willing...

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94 reads

Listen open-mindedly

There is a misconception that listening too much will make you look like a pushover and lead to being taken advantage of, but strategic negotiation stems from listening to the other side closely and inputting your first offer at the perfect time much like a quick jab in a boxing ...

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113 reads

Cluster agreements

Come to the table with multiple deals in mind, because you can quickly add details to the deal when the opposing side starts agreeing with you.

Win-win situations are always ideal, so work out all of those side details before you start negotiating, and if you can help the ...

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80 reads

Notions to avoid in business negotiation

  • Don’t label people: People generally don’t enjoy having a label put on them, and this especially applies to a business situation.
  • No apologies necessary: Don’t say sorry in business negotiation because it makes you look like you’re either trying t...

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90 reads

Clarify Assumptions

Clarify Assumptions

Don’t let misunderstandings diminish the negotiation process. Be as organized as possible with what you want.

  • The person with whom you’re negotiating will likely be impressed with your organization, and they’ll also appreciate the fact that you aren’t there to ...

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Repeat questions

Clarification is huge in business deals, so asking lots of questions is a must. Specifically, start with easy and friendly ‘softball’ questions like what they want to eat during the meeting or how long they’ve been at their current position, and then quickly transition to the big...

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71 reads

Radiate energy

Business success requires that you emit a vibration that emulates your personality and what you stand for. Nobody wants to do business with a robot, so it’s important to be who you are, and radiate your energy when making the deal. 

The opposing negotiator most likely wants...

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176 reads

Embrace the stalemate

Don’t necessarily treat a stalemate as the end, consider it a temporary impasse and a chance to “take a breather.”

Negotiating can often end in a stalemate where both parties make a sacrifice to reach a successful end agreement, but ultimately end up in a deadlock.

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The weaker party can be protected against a poor agreement by developing a BATNA - the Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement.

The reason you negotiate is to produce something better than what you can obtain without negotiating. Without a BATNA, you will negotiate bli...

Get clear on your negotiation goals

There are 3 key questions you should ask yourself:

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The SPADE toolkit

Use the SPADE framework, developed by Gokul Rajaram, when you face difficulty in decision making:

  • S is for Setting: Define the “what,” calendar a timeframe, and clarify the “why.”
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