The BBC follows where MD2MD led – on negotiation skills

At our Managing Directors’ meeting this month we decided, in the current economic climate to focus on ensuring the deals we do get are the best possible deals we could get and so the topic this month was Advanced Negotiation Skills.

Given that some members of the group are, I know, already advanced negotiators, I was worried that the speaker would struggle to bring new thinking to bear on the topic.  But I needn’t have worried.  The speaker Derek Arden went down very well and I’m delighted to see the BBC have followed where MD2MD led and have featured him in an article on haggling today.

Here is a summary of what Derek had to say:

Personnel and Place

Choose the right person to negotiate and try to do it at the right place. The person with the best skills and not someone emotionally involved in the outcome.

Preparation

Make sure you are well prepared. Know your most favourable position, your walk-away position and assess their likely initial stance? Research everything you have that might be of value to them that you can trade for concessions – and do the reverse.

Introduction

Social chat can build rapport.

Opening

Ask open questions. Avoid making statements. Listen to how things are said. Watch body language an eyes for hints. Listen for key words that suggest flexibility.

Empathy

Understand what the other party’s objectives are. Look for the win:win opportunity. Be friendly and use humour to build the relationship.

Bargaining

Reduce expectations first. Don’t accept the first offer. Give concessions gracefully and positively. Strike a balance. Giving away nothing may not build to a deal. Give away too much too soon and you’ll be seen as a soft touch… and interestingly research shows the deal will be less secure as they may feel they’ve not got the best deal.

Creativity

Explore all avenues. Brainstorm & be creative to find ways forward. Think outside the box.

Confidence

Dress the part. Look the part. Feel the part. Be confident. Relax. Use deep breathing & visualisation techniques.