Negotiation

I have extracted a few tips from property dealer Neville Spiers on how to negotiate. On my opinion these are concise and thought provoking, and that used correctly they can be of great use. They allow you to throw your "opponent" off balance and so allowing you to confuse him into where you want him to be.

Here are 10 Easy Tips to... Negotiation:

1. Do your homework. Know your subject well, understand the rules of the game, the people you are playing with and the people you are playing against.
   
2. Get your questions in order. Ensure your questions are in a logical sequence.
   
3. Watch the body language. Watch how they react and also watch your own body language, so that you don't give away more information than you intend. Listen carefully especially on the telephone.
   
4. Be prepared to lose. Know what you are prepared to give up in order to get the final results that you desire.
   
5. Keep your opponent off balance, until you can throw him/her. This is based on judo priciples. Don't let your opponent settle and think of the strategy they prepared beforehand.
   
6. Lull your opponent into a false sense of security.
   
7. Be flexible. Be prepared to change your tactic depending on how the situation evolves.
   
8. Be illogical, if necessary. For example, don't give round numbers but odd numbers. This will drive your opponents absolutely mad and completely unnerve them.
   
9. Use set pieces with care. The other side may work out what your strategy is, and do something to unsettle you.
10. Don't be afraid of opposing armies, even if you are alone. Look for differences between them, tap your wedges into those differences and use that to divide them.