If you think about it, we use negotiation in various ways almost every day. From conflict resolution and dealing with customers or vendors, to attempting to lower your cable bill and asking for a raise. The key to negotiation is to get what you need/want while—at the same time—not cheating or neglecting the other person’s needs/wants. And, that is the real challenge.


One of the better books I’ve read lately dealt with the subject of negotiation. Negotiation Boot Camp by Ed Brodow is a great resource if you are looking to improve your negotiating skills—and I don’t know many who aren’t.


I mentioned my attempt at getting a 30% raise at work two months ago. What I didn’t tell you is that I was dealing with one of the most talented negotiators I’ve ever met. My boss routinely makes seven-figure deals with Fortune 500 companies while dealing with other, very highly skilled “bargainers." So, while I didn’t get exactly what I was looking for during my raise request—I did learn a few things.

I’m not expert at the art yet—but I would like to tell you what Brodow (dubbed the “King of Negotiators” by SEC Chairman Harvey Pitt) talks about in his book and what I’ve picked up from my boss. I believe if we can increase our negotiating prowess, we’ll have an easier time getting what we need/want in a dignified manner.

Listen

One of the first points that Brodow makes in his book is to listen. Listening is a fairly underrated skill in today’s world. It’s so easy to assume what others are saying OR (as is my habit from time to time) finish what others are saying for them. Listening is definitely one of those things that comes easier to others. I would say I’m an average listener, but I have a tendency to mentally doze off when others are talking. I really have to concentrate on what others are saying and process things.


Brodow stresses the importance of listening because it will do two things: it will cause the other party to feel respected and it will build trust (another very important aspect in any negotiation). Listening entails making sure what you’ve heard is actually correct. My boss does this well. He will repeat to you (mirror) what you’ve said to be sure he is understanding.

Seek a Win-Win Outcome

How many times are you so focused on getting what you want in a negotiation, you don’t even think about the other person? When I read that Brodow is always seeking a “win-win” solution in a bargaining deal, I was a bit shocked. It seems to go against the purpose of negotiation. Aren’t you supposed to knock the other out and take it all?! In reality–the “win-win” negotiators seem to have the most success.


We try to use this approach with my step-son and it seems to be paying off. For example: like most kids his age, he is very independent. He wants us to “stay out of his life” as much as possible. And while we can’t fully do this as long as we are supporting him and paying for his food/roof, we can still aim for a win-win solution. So we’ll say “to get us out of your life more, you need to______.” So, he'll be getting what he wants (us, out of his life + gaining more freedom/independence) and we will be getting what we need (him following rules, getting done what needs to get done, etc.). A win-win outcome really is the best way to approach negotiations.

Look for Commonalities

Another key aspect to negotiating is to be on the lookout for things you and the other party share in common. If you ever watch the show “American Pickers” on the History Channel, you know how effective Mike and Frank (the Pickers) are at getting a decent deal on collectibles. One of the objects Mike loves to find are old bicycles. And sometimes–when he's dealing with another bike enthusiast–he will try and talk about their love for old bikes. When you can share a common interest or find a common ground with another person, they'll have a harder time being in confrontation with you.


Acknowledge Counters or Objections

One way another party will seek to end a negotiation before you can get what you need/want is to offer a counter–or objection—to your proposal. For example: during my request to lower our cable bill, the representative said “I don’t have the authority to give you that." They were hoping to end the discussion and that I would give up. It works–because many do give up.


But, to counter a counter, acknowledge them: “I understand you don’t have the authority to give me a reduction in my cable bill–but do you know someone who does?” OR “I realize you don’t have that authority, so can I speak with your supervisor or someone in retention?”

Acknowledging objections makes the other person feel heard and avoids ending the discussion. I’m sure you’ve gotten the telemarketing phone call:

You say: “I can’t afford this right now.”

They say: “I can appreciate that you don’t have the money right now. What if we offered an installment plan, you can pay a fourth upfront and the rest later on. Can I get your credit card and we can get your order processed?”


They use it all the time in sales. Don’t be afraid to add it to your arsenal.

Broaden the Pie

Sometimes when we'r'e in negotiation we get so centered on the one thing—we forget there might be other possibilities. Brodow recommends thinking about a bigger pie. It’s an attempt to negotiate outside the box.


During my raise request, my boss wasn’t able to give me what I wanted. But, he talked about working together to get that raise down the road through a promotion or more responsibility. Thinking outside the box, you're able to offer more than what was originally on the table, increasing your odds of succeeding in the negotiation.

5 Tips for Better Negotiating (and Getting What You Want) | Three Thrifty Guys

Aaron Shepherd helped start Three Thrifty Guys with his friends Charlie and Mark after being inspired by how they lived their lives "on the thrift." A designer by day, Aaron was once $40k in debt. After 5 years, he dug himself out and lives to tell about it. Aaron also blogs at the StarTribune .

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