Search Results for: blog know what you are willing to give up in negotiations

When an Agreement Can’t be Reached

Negotiations are a part of many of our businesses—we might have to negotiate for contracts or to try to make sales, or we may find ourselves negotiating with a colleague or vendor. Despite the best intentions or even if we are rather skilled in the negotiation department, there are going to be those time when we just cannot reach an agreement with the other party… We have all been there—you have talked and talked and tried to find common ground and come to a mutually satisfactory agreement and there are just deal-breakers; those hurdles that cannot seem to be cleared. … Continue reading →

Figuring Out the Right Questions to Ask

I have written about how asking questions and being a great listener can be the cornerstones of successful business communication and negotiations, but how do you know the right questions to ask? Is asking about the weather and the local college football team going to be enough to close an important sale? As a guideline, you want to learn to ask questions that are going to help you see where the other person is coming from—what he or she wants and needs, what the motivators and values are. This is how you will be able to figure out what you … Continue reading →

Money Belief Systems Affect Our Businesses

Money is neither good nor evil, it is simply a means to an end–a commodity–here in the real world. But, our emotional feelings and belief systems around money can have a very definite influence on how we manage our home-based businesses. I have been amazed how it doesn’t seem to matter how many “business books” and articles I read, or how many lists and skills I apply to my work–my belief systems around money and work are what REALLY influence and affect how I am able to progress with my small business. Taking time out to examine (and re-examine) my … Continue reading →

Know What You Are Willing to Give Up in Negotiations

You may know that when you enter into a negotiation—whether for a contract, a customer sale, or some other reason—you need to know what it is you are hoping to get. You do need to know the reason for the negotiation and have in mind what you would like to come away with. BUT, you also need to know what you are willing to give up. The more prepared you are in advance; the more likely you are to come away with a satisfactory result. Next to good communication skills (both verbal and non-verbal), I think that knowing what you … Continue reading →

Negotiation is the Key to a Successful Relationship

Communication, empathy, and intimacy – these are all important qualities that you need in a relationship. We’ve also talked about flexibility being an important component in creating a successful relationship. You need a key to blend all of these qualities together and that key is negotiation. Life is Fluid & Demands Change When we meet new people, we play roles – whether they are roles created by our culture or roles created by who we want to be. The role may be that of the young urban professional, the dedicated volunteer or something else. We play these roles because we … Continue reading →