Getting down to brass tacks.

• Author: Fernandez, Eldonna Lewis
• Position: Negotiation strategies - Bargaining Table

WHILE EVEN THE WORD "negotiation" can evoke fear, stress, and anxiety for many, the intent is quite simple: to discuss--and ultimately agree on--a deal. Whether it is a multimillion dollar contract or just deciding where to meet for lunch, life is rife with negotiations, and--the negotiation process is a lot like a chess game where strategy reigns supreme--one thoughtfully considered move at a time. Make a careless, short-sighted, ill-conceived move and you will suffer the perilous consequences. Whether you are a seasoned negotiator or avoid wheeling and dealing with people altogether, you will improve your results vastly and be motivated to "get in the game" by knowing how to sidestep the prime pitfalls. Whether seeking to gain advantages in your business or personal life, the art of "thinking like a negotiator" profoundly will impact your ability to actualize your desired outcome.

Cited below are seven critical strategies for emerging victorious in any negotiation:

Project confidence through preparedness. Many people think they need to show a certain kind of confidence--like being loud, bold, or brazen--to negotiate a deal successfully. Others think that a lot of experience is required to be a good negotiator. Most of the time it merely takes tenacity and good old preparation to ensure you aptly are equipped to assert mutually desirable terms, anticipate objections, and discern what are the motivators or "hot buttons" that will resonate with your counterpart. Projecting confidence also means having heart, which is endearing to others whether or not you have years of negotiation experience. This also can result in the opposition having a less defensive stance, making them more amenable to your stipulations. Projecting a notable level of confidence, and backing that up with solid, well-researched information will help ensure you prevail.

Understand that everything is negotiable. It is a mindset you have to operate from in order to become not just a good negotiator, but a great one. When you decide that the terms for anything can be changed in your favor, a world of opportunity presents. Of course, as with most tilings in life, there will be rules to adhere to with each deal on the table. These are needed to evade chaos and keep discussions on track. However, even rules are negotiable. They can be modified if you simply propose an ethical, viable, and mutually beneficial alternative solution. Powerful negotiators are rule-breakers.

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