8 tips to help you negotiate effectively

Knowing how to negotiate will save you money, help you influence others, and get what you want faster.
Our whole life is a series of negotiations. It does not matter what we do: buy a car, or choose where to study, hire new employees, decide what movie to watch in the evening, or notice signs that it is time to switch paystub generators. Every situation in life becomes an occasion for negotiation. Our ability to negotiate is inextricably linked to our capability to make decisions. And this is at the heart of a successful life.

1. Learn to listen

Listening is a skill that is often underestimated. But it is through it you can learn a lot about the goals, desires, and fears of the person.
During the next negotiation, do not try to think up your answer while he speaks, and listen carefully. Pay attention not only to the words but also to intonation, gestures, and facial expressions.

2. Develop emotional intelligence

Usually, our decisions are based on our fears, selfishness and greed. Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand your feelings and the feelings of other people. During a negotiation, it will help you curb your emotions and approach a problem rationally, as well as manage the feelings of others.
Approach feelings in a smart way. During a negotiation, try to stay focused and calm, even if everyone else is nervous and freaking out.
Remember: negotiation is a constructive discussion between two parties seeking for an agreement. As a professional, there is no place for anger and irritation. Attacking the other side will only cause your interlocutor to shut down and become defensive. Your emotions can be easily used against you.

3. Seek mutual benefit

Your main goal is to get people what they want, this way you can achieve what you want.

For example, a car salesman needs to sell a certain number of cars and pay the bills. And you want to buy a car at a profit. During negotiations, think not only about the price you are willing to pay but also try to help the seller. The result will be a profitable one for both sides.

4. Be curious

This is another underrated skill. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; let the other side speak up. That way you’ll have less chance of screwing up yourself.
We usually feel uncomfortable asking a lot of questions, but it’s a very important part of effective negotiation. Try to be curious and genuinely interested in people next time. Ask questions such as:
• Why is this important to you?
• Could you explain what you mean?
• How would you feel about …?

4. Speak clearly

It’s very important to keep your discussion straight, know what to say and when to say it. So get your thoughts together before you start to speak. Don’t speak too fast, you’re not Eminem. If you speak clearly and without rushing, you’ll give the impression of a confident person.
Also, try to get rid of parasitic words and phrases like “Honestly,” “Sorry to ask, but…,” “I’m sorry, but…,” “Unfortunately.”

5. Take pauses

Use pauses to emphasize a particular sentence or question.

Also, this strategy works when someone is trying to force a deal that’s not good for you. So give your answer and pause. The situation can get awkward, but don’t lose your temper. Don’t show that you are worried.

6. Prepare ahead of time

Preparation is the cardinal rule of effective negotiations. Learn as much as you can about the negotiators, then you will be prepared for all the unexpected turns of events.

Also, prepare a plan that will be beneficial to both parties. It doesn’t hurt to have a plan B in advance in case the first one doesn’t work.

7. Do not let yourself be intimidated

We quite often get excited in front of people with high status, forgetting that they have their fears and problems.
It doesn’t matter which side has the advantage. Never let the other side push you around or impose their terms on you, no matter how powerful the person you are talking to maybe. If you are confident in yourself and can prove your worth, you can always walk away from a deal.
Conclusions
Learning to negotiate effectively is not that difficult. Understanding people’s needs is the key: their aspirations, fears, and motives. When you understand the other side, you’re halfway to a lot of your dreams.