The best negotiating strategy in 10 easy steps
- Define your goals. What outcome are you after? What concessions are you willing to make? Be clear and make a commitment.
- Determine what your opponent’s goals are. Find out why it is important to them.
- Ask questions and repeat their answers for confirmation.
- Let your opponent make the first move.
- Make small concessions but make them seem bigger than they are.
- Remind your opponent why they want what you are negotiating for. Dangle the carrot.
- Stay calm and remain courteous at all times.
- Don’t react without taking a few seconds to think about your next move. (Take three slow breaths)
- Maintain eye contact.
- At the conclusion thank your opponent, regardless of the outcome. Don’t burn any bridges.