Workshops/Soft Skills Development Series/Negotiation Skills

Negotiation Skills

Workshop Information

Today’s workplace is more collaborative and team-oriented than ever before. Whether your job involves working directly with clients, other departments, suppliers or vendors, good communication skills are essential for success in any work environment. In fact, the ability to effectively communicate ideas and collaborate with others has become so important that many employers won’t even consider applicants who don’t meet their skill standards. Negotiation skills can make or break a job interview or business meeting. Even if you aren’t actively seeking new employment opportunities right now, developing these skills will help you in almost every aspect of your life – from asking for a raise to selling real estate. The right negotiation strategies can also help you land the job of your dreams as well as negotiate favorable terms on everything from car leases to cell phone contracts. With our free 30-minute

Negotiation Skills

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Step-by-Step Negotiation Skills Workshop

Negotiation skills are learned and developed over time. Before you can learn to negotiate like a pro, you need to identify your personal style. What’s your natural tendency when it comes to negotiating? Is it to be aggressive or passive? Decide how you want to approach the process and the goal you want to achieve. Keep in mind, you can always review these guidelines as you build and improve your skills so they fit your current needs. Before entering any negotiation, do some research and gather as much information as possible. Learn as much as you can about the other party’s interests, concerns and expectations. Take notes and record the information you discover. This will help you stay organised and focused and save you time in the long run.

Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect

Many people assume that negotiation skills are something you’re either born with or you’re not. Nothing could be further from the truth. While genetics do play a role, every person has the capacity to develop these skills through practice and repetition. If you’re just starting out, start small. If a sales person tries to sell you a car, don’t just say yes. If you’re buying furniture, don’t just accept the first price. Indeed, even if you’re not actively looking to buy anything, you can use these opportunities to practice your skills. Once you’re comfortable with the process, start looking for other opportunities to practice your negotiation skills. You might try negotiating for lower internet or cable bills or ask for a discount or coupon when shopping at a local store.

Negotiation Strategies

Once you have identified your personal negotiation style and are comfortable with the process, it’s time to start applying your new skills to real-world situations. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your negotiations: - Set expectations. Start by clearly and accurately describing the situation or item you wish to acquire. What do you want? What are the terms of the deal? Why do you want it? - Ask questions. The best negotiators are those who ask the most questions. It helps you find out more about the person across the table and it shows them that you’re serious and interested. - Be prepared to walk away. Sometimes you’re just not going to get the deal you want. When this happens, don’t be afraid to walk away. If the person on the other side of the table knows you mean business, they’ll come back to you with a better offer.

Confidence Is Key

No matter what you’re trying to achieve, you need to project confidence. When you walk into the negotiation, have confidence in yourself and your ideas. Others will recognise your confidence and respond positively. If you’re feeling nervous or anxious before the meeting, try some simple breathing techniques to get yourself into an optimal state of mind. Take a few deep breaths to slow your heart rate and relax your muscles.

Don’t Give Away the Farm

Negotiating isn’t about getting what you want for nothing. It’s about finding a mutually agreeable solution to a problem or situation. Always keep this in mind and remember: - There are no prizes for being the first person to throw out a number. Take your time and collect as much information as possible before making any offers. - The first number out of your mouth isn’t going to be the number you get. If you’re too eager to get a specific offer out there, you could end up shooting yourself in the foot. - You can always come down on your offer. No one is going to hold a gun to your head and force you to accept a bad deal. If you start low, you can always come up.

Show People What They Want to See

When it comes to everything from first impressions to negotiating a salary, people are often most concerned about what others see. - If you’re interviewing for a new job, show up in a suit and tie or dress that’s appropriate for the position and your personal style. You don’t have to wear a tuxedo, but do your best to look your best. - If you’re negotiating the terms of your lease or mortgage, show up with financial documentation that supports your request. - If you’re trying to get lower rates on your utilities or student loans, show up with statistics and facts that support your argument.

Be a Learner, Not a Lender

Negotiation is a two-way street. While you should always strive to be confident, reasonable and polite, you also need to accept that you can’t always get what you want. Some people are just set in their ways and won’t budge no matter how reasonable your request. When this happens, don’t get angry and go home with your nose in the air. Instead, learn from the experience. What did you do wrong? What could you have done differently? How can you improve your skills next time?

Final Words

Negotiation skills are essential for success in any work environment. Whether you’re dealing with vendors, clients or colleagues, these skills can save you time, money and stress. With these tips, you’ll be able to negotiate like a pro and get the results you want every time. And remember, practice makes perfect.