
Negotiations are incredibly commonplace; they are a part of everyday life. Negotiating is a skill that is developed over time. And there are a few tips and tricks to make the whole process easier.
There are quite a few things that you could be negotiating:
- Brand ambassadors
- Affiliations
- Hiring a personal assistant
- Purchasing a workspace
- Getting merchandise made
- Benefits and pay of a new job
- Picking business colors with your business partner
Some negotiations are bigger than others, but they all work fundamentally the same way. These tips will help you work through any negotiation you come across.
1. Separate people from the problem
The people you are negotiating with are not the problem, the situation is. Going into negotiations and attacking the person or people across from you will get you nowhere. You have something you want; they have something they want, that is all it is.
As personal as the topic may be, you must do your best to not personalize the situation.
2. Do not get caught up in positions
As stated above, you have something that you want to accomplish, and they have something they want to accomplish. But you need to be wary of rigidity.
Doubling down on your goal and reusing to compromise is going to polarize the parties involved and negotiations will go nowhere. You need to be willing to have a discussion and look at alternate possibilities.
3. Get everyone on the same side
The way to have the best outcome in negotiations is to see where the other party is coming from. Finding commonalities is the best way for everyone to get something they want.
You know what your objective is, but what is theirs? Is there any way you are wanting to move in the same general direction on something? The way to do that is to be curious and ask questions.
The common ground you find allies you. Then you can be on the same side, the same team, and work toward a solution together. People are more willing to work together with someone toward a solution than against someone.
Finding commonalities and getting everyone on the same side will ultimately:
- Ease the whole process
- Create a good rapport between those involved
- Reduce the stress or anxiety involved
- Allow solutions to come up quicker and easier
- Allow for solutions to be mutually beneficial
The main goal is to find a way for the parties involved to work together toward a common goal.
4. Relationship building
You want this interaction to go well-and not just so you get something out of it. You are potentially cultivating a relationship for a few reasons:
- It is the beginning of a long-term working relationship
- It could provide an opportunity to work with them in the future
- They will have good things to say about you to their peers, which could provide another opportunity in the future
- It will provide a good rapport for the duration of the contract
Not all negotiations are the basis of a relationship, especially a long-term one. But you do still need to put your best foot forward. But if you are going to have a working relationship in any capacity, starting off on the right foot is especially important.
5. Try to find multiple solutions
Often if you find common ground, you can come to a solution pretty quickly. But do try and keep your options open, do not get overly attached to the first thing you come up with.
The discussion you are having may turn up alternative options. Some of which may be better than what you originally came up with. But you have to be open to alternatives to take advantage of them.
No matter what you are negotiating, there are ways to make the process easier for everyone. Incorporate these simple tips in order to better navigate your future negotiations!
Additional articles you may be interested in:
- How To Find And Build Relationships With Social Media Influencers
- How To Build Loyal And Lasting Client Relationships
- 5 Things To Consider When Drawing Up A Legal Contract In Business
- How To Build Strategic And Loyal Business Relationships
- 16 Christian Brands Looking For Brand Ambassadors Right Now
- 5 Best Hiring Websites To Find The Best Candidates
- How To Know You’re Hiring The Right Person

Grace Lopykinski is a blogging intern at LadyBossBlogger. She has graduated from the University of Tennessee with a BS in Business Administration and a minor in English.
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