Monday, November 25, 2013

9 Bargaining Tactics All Women Should Know

By Martin P S Collins


Try: Rather than looking for opportunities to negotiate, most women often simply accept things as they are. When it comes to business, you should consider that almost everything is negotiable - you only have to go and try. Most negotiation tactics can be easily learned.

Prepare yourself: When you come prepared, you're likely to be more confident and more convincing. Take the time to review your costs, trends, statistics, or whatever other details you need to familiarize yourself with before stepping in the door. This is especially relevant in salary negotiation.

Watch your body language: Your words may be saying one thing, but your body language may just be saying something completely different. Your ability to keep direct eye contact will reflect your current level of engagement and focus. Sit up and maintain body language that shows that you are confident and that you need to be taken seriously.

Don't be taken over by your emotions: Women are much more emotional than men by nature. Dirty negotiation tricks or bargaining tactics by your negotiation partner can easily bring out emotions such as anger, frustration, unhappiness, or even disbelief, and it's key to stay calm and learn to set these feelings aside. If you have to, ask for a quick break so you can re-compose yourself.

Expect and master criticism: If you're negotiating for a higher salary or position, it's highly possible that criticism may come your way. Issues regarding your tardiness, short work hours or even work ethic may come up, and so you should anticipate these scenarios and formulate your responses ahead of time. The last thing you want is to come up with the perfect answer as you're driving home.

Learn to say "no": Women don't like conflict and try to keep everyone happy. However, being liked shouldn't be your main concern in a negotiation. It's a good negotiation skill to know when to put your foot down and say "no".

Know when to stay quiet: One of the most effective negotiation techniques is to remain quiet in two situations: After you make your offer, and after your counterpart answers. You should not even attempt to soften the blow or take back your position once you have said it.

Determine your worth: Women tend to underestimate themselves in the workplace. If you're dealing with salary negotiation, find out how much you truly deserve for all your efforts and hard work, whether as an employee, supplier, or contractor. If they truly value you, they will quite likely take you up on your offer. If they say no, thank them politely, walk away, and try to find someone who appreciates how much you're worth.

Stick to who you are: A good negotiation tip is to avoid choosing a bargaining style that makes you feel uncomfortable. If you're merely putting on an act, especially when you haggle price, people may just see right through it and all is lost. If you want to be successful at any form of negotiation, it's important to be true to who you are.




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