Have you ever negotiated a deal where you got exactly what you wanted?

Did you stop to ponder what aspects of your negotiation let you succeed?

A few weeks ago, after a few minutes of bargaining, I negotiated a 30% discount on a pair of headphones that suited me perfectly. Surprisingly, the skills used in the negotiation of such a deal can be used in both your personal and professional life.

Within the workplace, being a good negotiator will let you reap benefits that allow  you to more easily achieve success. Not only that, but good negotiation skills will also benefit your business or employer, meaning that your good negotiation skills will make you a far more valuable worker or leader.

After my successful negotiation, I sat down to figure out what I did that allowed me to get myself a great deal.

Here are 5 simple things that I did that you can follow in order to be a successful negotiator.

#1. Do your homework

It is important to have detailed information and a solid plan when coming to the negotiating table. Research the important details and facts. Investigate the history and then put all your knowledge to use and come up with your estimated value.

Before my purchase, I checked prices offline and online. I compared features and determined the value of the benefits to me. I had a solid platform on which to present a reasonable argument for the price I wanted to pay.

#2. Be realistic

It is important to be realistic when negotiating. Overconfidence may cause you to push too hard and make unrealistic demands. You do not want the opposite party to walk away from the negotiation due to your unreasonable request.

Although the deal must be beneficial to you, it is also important to ensure that the other party gains some benefit with your offer as well. You go for a win win situation.

I didn’t try to present an unreasonably low price when negotiating my purchase. Instead I offered what I considered to be reasonable based on my research results.

#3. Act with confidence 

Confidence is an essential trait to have in order to be a successful negotiator. To show confidence, ensure that you are never desperate. Do not be nervous or appear nervous or uncomfortable while negotiating. And make sure you display a positive and confident body language such as looking people in the eye and having an upright posture. Being well prepared will help you to be more confident.

I achieved a successful outcome for myself because I was willing to be confident and not waver on the offer that I made.

#4. Be a good active listener 

What does it mean to be a good active listener? Active listening includes being able to notice and interpret both verbal and non-verbal communication. Being a good active listener will allow you to find areas of compromise and figure out which aspects of the negotiation you will be most likely to win.

Active listening is a good skill to have and it will help you improve your relationships at home and at work.

#5. Don’t get too emotional

Don’t allow the cut and thrust of a negotiation to affect you emotionally. At times, people may use tactics that will affect your emotions in order to override your logic and get you to agree to their deal. Don’t let yourself get too emotionally involved  in the deal, as this may lead to a negative outcome for you.

When my initial offer was rejected, I didn’t get dejected or take it personally. Instead, I continued the negotiation until my position was accepted.

There are some natural bargain hunters who will always ask for a discount or negotiate a more favourable price. If you do not consider yourself good at negotiating, you are not alone as I did not consider myself good at getting discounts. With a little training, you can develop your skills and be more effective in coming to agreements that work for in your favour.

Negotiation skills are useful in every area of life, from buying a car to arranging a pay raise.

When next you find yourself negotiating a deal, put some of these tips into practice and increase your chances of achieving success.

Why not leave a comment about your tip for better negotiation.