× FreshBooks App Logo
FreshBooks
Official App
Free - Google Play
Get it
You're currently on our CA site. Select your regional site here:
8 Min. Read

What Is Business Negotiation? Top 10 Successful Tactics

What Is Business Negotiation? Top 10 Successful Tactics

Negotiation skills can be learned by anyone. It involves two or more parties that resolve an issue in a way that each party finds acceptable. This article will discuss the top 10 tactics for successful business negotiations and other key topics like how to negotiate, the phases of a negotiation and more. Good negotiation skills have a wide range of uses.

If you are looking to learn new skills, this article will help you become a better negotiator. You’ll also get tips on how to handle difficult situations with ease using these simple techniques! By the end of this article, you’ll have plenty of excellent strategies for future negotiations.

Here’s What We’ll Cover:

What Is a Business Negotiation?

The Phases of a Negotiation

The Top 10 Negotiation Strategies for Successful Business Negotiation

Key Takeaways

What Is a Business Negotiation?

A successful negotiation can be defined as an interaction with the aim of reaching a beneficial outcome. It is considered one of the most effective business skills. It’s used by people who want to achieve their goals without compromising too much (or at all!). It helps you get what you want and need from a situation or individual.

Business negotiations can occur in various environments, including business to consumer (B2C), business to business (B2B) and even used for sports.

When you negotiate with someone who is just as skilled as you are in the art of negotiation, you should aim for a win/win outcome. This means that both parties benefit from the outcome.

Business negotiating can be used outside the workplace too! Anyone who wants to improve their practical skills can benefit from learning how to negotiate.

The Phases of a Negotiation

Phase 1 – Preparation

The first phase of negotiation begins with preparation. It’s important to have a good understanding of your goals before starting a negotiation so you can identify any opportunities that may come your way. Identify what you want to achieve from the conversation and whether it’s possible to do so. Preparation involves making sure you’re as informed as you can be about the topic and environment.

Make sure to know what the other party wants! This will allow you to gain an understanding of their motivations, interests and needs.

Phase 2 – Opening Up

The opening stage is where both parties present their case. This is also the time where both parties negotiate. The opening up stage may involve a lot of talking and it’s important to listen to what the other party has to say. It’s good practice to prepare questions in advance.

Phase 3 – Middle Negotiations

The middle stage of negotiation is where you attempt to resolve the more complex issues. This may involve something more than just direct bargaining. If you come out on top in this phase of the negotiation, it’s likely that the overall outcome will be positive.

Phase 4 – Closing Negotiations

In order for a business negotiation to be successful, it’s important that both parties agree on a final deal. This is the closing stage and it’s often where you’ll find out whether you’re successful or not. Try to avoid making concessions too soon as this may remove any chance of negotiating successfully!

The Top 10 Negotiation Strategies for Successful Business Negotiation

1. Make A Comprehensive List Of Objectives And Priorities

Before getting involved in any discussion, you must know what you want to achieve from it. You should identify your priorities and set goals that will help you reach them. By doing this, you’ll be less likely to make concessions they may not necessarily need to make. When you understand your own goals, you can use a variety of tactics to help you achieve them.

2. Know Who You’re Dealing With

Take the time to learn as much as you can about the other party. Discover their motivations and interests so that you know how they will react in certain situations. This will allow you to identify any potential opportunities or threats. By understanding the other party in this way, you can attempt to use their interest against them and in your favor (in a nice way of course)!

3. Use Tactics That Will Make Others See Your Point Of View

You don’t necessarily need to convince everyone in order for your argument to be successful. There’s no need to worry if some people on the other side don’t agree with you. Therefore, you shouldn’t be afraid of using tactics that will make others more inclined to see your point of view. Positively framing your argument and appealing to self-interest are a couple of great ways to do this.

4. Don’t Concede Too Soon

Concessions can be used as a powerful negotiation tactic. If you give in too soon, however, you’ll weaken your position. Rather than conceding too quickly, consider what the other party will be willing to concede instead. You can use concessions to improve your own or negotiate entirely new terms.

5. Don’t Act Desperate

Never act desperate if you want to make a deal. This will make you appear vulnerable and likely to agree to unfavourable terms. If the other party senses this, you’ll be left with little room to negotiate successfully. Also, don’t make concessions if it seems like they’re trying to take advantage of your situation!

6. Remember That Negotiation Is Not An Argument

Negotiation is not an argument. It’s important to remember this as you may see it differently depending on your culture and current mood. Always stay calm, even if the other party loses their cool! Staying polite throughout negotiations is vital. Remember that negotiation takes two, both parties must be willing to compromise for success.

7. Avoid Making Decisions During The Negotiation Process

Never let the other party know that you need to use a tactic. If they sense a potential threat, they’ll be more likely to resist your demands. You should always keep them guessing as to what will happen next. Keep them on their toes! The unknown is a powerful tool in negotiation because it adds tension and can help make you look like an even more favourable deal.

8. Make The Other Party Feel Like They’re Getting A Good Deal

People like to think that they’re making a good deal and will avoid anything that suggests otherwise (even if it really is!). If you make them feel as though they’re getting a good deal, they’ll be less likely to back out. If you want to make the other party feel like they’re getting a good deal, I recommend using tactics such as ‘fogging’. This is when you deliberately avoid giving them any significant information about your own goals and objectives.

9. Negotiate Based On What Will Work Best For Both Parties

As a negotiating team, always keep in mind that the other party has their own motivations and priorities. You should consider these when making decisions about how to achieve your goals too. By doing this, you’ll be more likely to find a mutually acceptable agreement that will benefit everyone involved.

10. Use Tactics That Will Help You Control The Situation

When negotiating, it’s important to always stay in control of the situation. This can be difficult if you’re dealing with an irrational and dominant opponent, but it’s possible to do so through tactics such as ‘anchoring’. This is when you first claim a high value for your goals without revealing what they are. The other party will then attempt to negotiate based on this figure, allowing you to reap the rewards.

These are just a few of the many tactics you can use to successfully negotiate for what you want. These tips will come in handy at home, school or work so make sure to practice them if you want to be successful!

Key Takeaways

Negotiating is a key business tactic for any successful enterprise. Understanding how to negotiate from a position of strength, using the proper negotiation skills, and being prepared will help any professional achieve success! During a negotiation, it is important to remember that they are not an argument. Never let the opponent know you need something from them. Making the other party feel like they are getting a good deal can be done through tactics such as ‘fogging’. Always negotiate based on what will work best for both parties and not just yourself. By using these negotiation tactics, you’ll successfully come to an agreement that benefits everyone!

If you want more information like this, check out our resource hub!


RELATED ARTICLES