First of all let me start by saying there does not have to be a winner and a loser in a negotiation. There is always a way to reach common ground. So no matter what you have heard don't ever assume you have to go in and try to bully or strong arm the other person. Just look at this as trying to create a win/win situation. Treat this as if you were negotiating with a friend. Because you definitely aren't going to get anywhere making people angry. There is a big difference between a strong negotiator and just going in and making demands.

One thing you can do to get started is try to know as much as possible about the person you are negotiating with. It would also be very helpful to know specifically what they are looking for. This is why any time you are going to be negotiating with someone you need to do your homework. You need to show up with literature, facts and figures to support your points you are trying to negotiate.

Always make a list of specifically what points you want to negotiate (price, terms.etc.) Then decide of these points which ones are the most important and which ones are the least important. When they start making demands you can see what points are most important to them so that you can sacrifice some of your less important points in order to get the points that are most important to you.

Always try to find a middle ground. This may mean you have to give in to some of their demands, but each time you do this make sure you express your most important points as well. This will generally go back and forth with some give and take, but in the end this is a very non confrontational way to negotiate.

Always let them make the first offer. Because it is possible that their first offer may be better than your original bottom dollar. This doesn't happen very often but it does occasionally happen. Remember try not to get too emotional when negotiating. It is just business it is not personal. Always be prepared to just walk away. Sometimes this technique in itself is enough to rekindle negotiation when you hit a roadblock.

One of the last pieces of advice I can give you is to not get in a hurry and buy anything on impulse. There is always tomorrow.

I will be doing some follow up post soon about specifically what techniques to use on what type of negotiations (real estate, automobiles, business, etc.)

And Remember:

More Bees With Honey!

Thanks,

Dennis