Business Negotiations
I remember a business certificate course I attended in Canada and one of the business workshops focused on business negotiations.
Part of the game was to learn how to Haggle.
What is haggle?
ˈhaɡ(ə)l/ verb to dispute or bargain persistently, especially over the cost of something.
All great when the goal is to build a relationship and the participants are aiming for the ideal WIN / WIN Situation.
In the world of Fair Play and Good Faith – the following academic tips work.
1) Know your SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) and /or Six Thinking Hats strategy.
- Six Thinking Hats is a system designed by Edward de Bono which describes a tool for group discussion and individual thinking involving six colored hats. “Six Thinking Hats” and the associated idea parallel thinking provide a means for groups to plan thinking processes in a detailed and cohesive way, and in doing so to think together more effectively.
2) Know your Budget, the market range and value.
3) Be reasonable – Think Big – But be real.
4) Know your opponent’s objections.
5) LISTEN
Look.
Inquire.
Summarize.
Take Notes.
Encourage.
Neutral.
6) Close the deal or walk away (The ABC of Business – Always be closing).
7) Code of Ethics – Do you have one? Or is it dog eat dog?
In reality, I have found negotiations to be like from the film Apocalypse Now – “The Horror. The Horror.”
Feel free to send me some of your negotiation stories. I look forward to reading them.
Best,
Vincent C. Torrieri