Negotiation – King of Skills

Negotiation 101

Negotiation in a business setting is in many ways the king of skills.

A master negotiator has strong presentation skills, requires good communication skills, and in every successful negotiation there is an element of sales skill needed.

However, aside from the mechanics of the negotiation itself, it is important to remember the strategic implications of any negotiation.

When you negotiate, you are not really just talking about prices or terms and conditions.

What you are actually doing is setting parameters for a new or ongoing business relationship. A successful negotiation, leading to a deepening and strengthening of a business relationship (and therefore ongoing profitability) is one where both/all parties leave the negotiation feeling satisfied with the outcome.

Win-win is the aim, where each party has what it needs and some of what it wants, and will therefore continue to do similar business in future.

“Always leave a little salt on the bread”

Ike Solomon from Bryce Courtenay’s: The Potato Factory