We have all been there at some stage in our business lives the dreaded negotiation with your most awkward client. He regularly screws you to the floor each year on price and everything else you have to offer! Pretty quickly you see every negotiation as a battle and all your self confidence goes.
There are a lot of myths surrounding negotiating which dont help if you are faced with handling such a situation for the first time. But as with many myths, there is usually a very different reality.
Myth: It can be a daunting ordeal
You mention to your trusted partner or member of staff that you are off to negotiate next years big contract. What do they say? Good luck! The majority of people think that negotiating is a dirty and tough task, a necessary evil.
Reality: Not if you plan
As with all things in life, we fear the unknown, especially if we are unprepared. The reality of negotiating is that with adequate preparation comes confidence. Before your meeting sit down and ask yourself the following questions:
1. What do you want out of this negotiation?
2. What is your lowest, acceptable and best price?
3. What are...