Attract the Right Job Or Clientele:

Are You Comfortable With Negotiation?

A recent community meeting raises the question, are you comfortable with negotiation? Board Members were screaming at one another instead of working together to solve a problem.  The goal of a unanimous decision was not a priority. Instead, self-importance overtook common sense.

 
 
 
 
My Story

It was astonishing to hear what took place while I was gone. My response was, the people in charge need negotiation training. 

The response to my statement was equally bad. “No one knows anything about negotiating, nor do we care.”

Two items were very wrong with this remark.  First, it indicates no one wants to take action to learn. Second, the blanket statement is meant to cover up the obstacle standing before them.

Anyone associated with sales or entrepreneurship quickly recognizes the elements of successful negotiation.  Becoming comfortable with negotiation is the essential for business success, and for building community.

Elements for negotiation:

  • Listening to ideas
  • Listing everyone’s thought
  • Prioritizing the suggestions 
  • Processes for incorporating the ideas
  • Asking for additional insights
  • Finalizing the prioritized list
  • Gaining approval on how to proceed

Those who are egotistical believe the ideas of others do not matter.  In this instance, negotiation goes by the wayside. Those who are willing to take the time to listen and ask further questions are more likely to find a better solution. 

The better approach is to ask questions upfront as a meeting begins.  Once the answers are understood, we can better communicate our ideas. 

The questions to include are: 

  1. “Why?
  2. What do you think?
  3. Have you ever considered this suggestion?”

By asking the suggested questions upfront, you are paving the way for a friendly conversation.  The insights you gain lead to you becoming comfortable with negotiation.  In the end, you are far more likely to earn the job or the sale.

More importantly, when prospective clients see us comfortable with negotiation, they will take our input seriously.    We avoid shouting matches, as described above.  The low-key effort encourages others to work with us.  The relationship building effort influences doing business together.  Over time, client loyalty and referrals build on an even keel.

Your Story:  Are You Comfortable With Negotiation?

The desire to be successful and noted in your field will never occur unless you are committed to learning.  Most people are not comfortable with negotiation.  The topic scares most everyone.  Typically, we are taught that strong arming another is the main ingredient. However, nothing is further from the truth. 

Let’s Get Comfortable with Negotiation

Consider how you enter a meeting.  When you walk into a meeting, ask people how their week is going. Asking, ‘what’s new?’ will provide a friendly response.   In an office, look for awards and pictures of family or hobbies.  Make a kind remark about the one photo catching your attention.

Most meetings begin best by asking, ‘what prompted you to invite me in today?’ The questions and answers following keep the conversation friendly.  Sharing experiences and telling stories will progress into a more in-depth discussion. Many times, revelations appear that are usually kept quiet.

Likewise, when entering a community room, respect goes a long way.  Say hello to each member about to participate in the meeting.  Go around the room, asking for input on how each person views the dilemma.  Record the answers. Prioritize statements according to the level of enthusiastic agreement.  Working on the behalf of all produces far better results than screaming at one another.

There are a couple of more steps you may consider for personal development.  A public speaking class will teach how to communicate so that others carefully listen.  The underlying theme is to speak to the other person’s interests.  Next, connect the dots to your perspective.  Finally, ask for input on the best way to proceed.  Do your best to incorporate one suggestion from each person in attendance.  You will gain their attention and trust.

“Be personable, listen, and chart ideas to be comfortable with negotiation.

The motivation to help people resolve issues turns the spotlight on you.  People admire a leader seeking to bring everyone together.  At the same time, you build a noteworthy brand for yourself and your business.

For More Insights:   Visit Elinor’s Amazon Author Page

“Communicate to Attract Interest”

Authentic Relationships Are Essential

Be A Story-Teller

As the CEO of Smooth Sale, after her near-death experience, Stutz adapted the motto, 

 “Believe, Become, Empower

 ” Nice Girls DO Get the Sale is an International Best-Selling and Evergreen Book – among the classics;

 HIRED! Helped many to secure the job they desired. 

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Sales Tips:  Are You Comfortable With Negotiation?
  1. Hear out all aspects of a dilemma.
  2. Ask questions to clarify what you heard.
  3. List all the ramifications associated with the issue.
  4. Have each participant add their perspective.
  5. Together, prioritize the list of issues according to the importance
  6. Collaborate on ideas for a solution(s)
  7. Prioritize the suggestions
  8. Create a working plan to begin addressing each issue
  9. Host regular check-up meetings to track results
  10. Celebrate Success

Today’s insights are provided to help you achieve the Smooth Sale!

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