8 Secrets of a Successful Negotiation
5. Follow the 4 Cs of negotiation
The four Cs of negotiation are clarity, confidence, calm and courtesy. Clarity of ideas will make your negotiation objective and precise. There should be no place for ambiguity. Confidence is of utmost importance when you have to negotiate. You need to present your ideas with confidence. Put your message across firmly but not aggressively. This could work against you. Let not your ideas, however impressive, overwhelm your negotiation. Take care that you don’t get carried away by your emotions. Becoming subjective would cloud your judgment. Negotiations demand courtesy. Dominating the negotiation will do you no good. Instead, listen patiently and talk when necessary. Avoid interrupting frequently. Keep your tone and pitch in check. This will pave the way for a successful negotiation.
6. Understand your client’s point of view
Like a true negotiator, enter into negotiations with an open mind. Preconceived notions on either side could easily break down negotiations for any future partnerships. You must try and understand that your client may have a different view point altogether. Once you accept this, negotiations can move forward smoothly.
7. Create a win-win situation
Most often than not, in negotiations if one party wins, the other loses. However, finding a golden mean will create a win-win situation for both the sides. Be shrewd enough to strike this balance.
8. When in doubt, rule it out
While well into the negotiations, you suddenly realize that something is amiss. Your gut tells you that you are not on the right track. These doubts arise when you don’t get relevant information, the right answers to your queries, pointing to a hidden agenda. Walk out of the negotiation now and save your company from further losses. That’s a successful bargain!
