Negotiate Your Way to a Better Job

(and a better life)

(page 4 of 4)

 

Tips to Negotiating the Life You Want

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.
2. Before asking, know exactly what you want. Prepare fallback options that are acceptable to you if your first choice doesn’t fly.
3. Understand your negotiating counterpart — know the company’s needs and how what you want could also help the company. That is, find a win-win scenario.
4. Listen for the interests that lie behind the other person’s positions.
5. Don’t ask for too much or something impossible.
6. Understand what “no” means — it could be “no” for now. Ask if you can come back with another proposal.
7. Find zones of agreement where deals can be struck.
8. Don’t burn bridges; you could be negotiating with the same person in the future, so avoid confrontation.
9. Be patient, listen, and be aware what messages your body language and tone of voice are sending.
10. Start with talk story before launching into negotiations, to learn about the other person.
11. Utilize female skills of communication, empathy and understanding to your advantage.
12. Consider trade-offs, especially when negotiating with your spouse or significant other, so you both can achieve something you want.
13. Avoid selfish “I want” statements. Phrase statements so you get buy-in from others and they become invested in your success.

 

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