People negotiate everyday. The art of negotiating is part of life. People start negotiating since they are small. Every decision taken as long as some else is involved is a negotiation. People negotiate because they need something, so it is important to learn how to negotiate properly and how not to get the other person upset. In the business world the difference between winning and losing has to do with the way business people negotiate.
Negotiating is placing a request not a demand. When business people demand something they might get it at that moment, but it will certainly come back with an unreasonable demand from the other party. Learn to request and you will notice how your negotiating skills improve.
Negotiating is learning to listen. Businessmen have to attempt to understand the other party and find out what they need and what their expectations are. When negotiating listen and do not interrupt, and most important understand what is being said. Telling people what to do will eventually have a payback: people will do what ever they want and not listen to you as well.
Before negotiating it is very important that you understand what you need. If you do not understand your needs you cannot request others to do something. When you understand what you need and not what you want, you will certainly have an advantage for you in the negotiating process.
Do start negotiating if you are angry. When you are angry you loose. When you are angry you might not even know what you need, so it is very unlikely that your needs will be met. Anger reduces your ability to think clearly and your reasoning skills.
As mentioned before it is important to listen. When you listen properly you will understand the needs of the other party. When you understand your needs and the needs of the other party then you have a huge advantage in the negotiating process.
During the negotiation it is important to be calm, show interest and show empathy. Be prepare to ask question, when you do you will in turn receive answers and will better understand the issues involved.
Place yourself in the chair of the other person. When you do so you will better understand what is going on, you will ask the right questions and most important you will get their cooperation.
Be interested in the person and in their concerns. When you are really interested it is easier to listen, you will understand them better and in turn will come out with an effective negotiation.
It is very easy and simple to negotiate, as long as you make a conscious effort and follow the points mentioned above you will be able to fulfill your needs and come ahead in the process.