How Staying Quiet Can Help During Business Negotiations (And 2 Other Unexpected Tactics)

Published on October 9, 2019 Written by Creative Niche

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Creative Niche Blog

When the stakes are high, don't let your nerves get the better of you.

Negotiating is part of our everyday lives. Whether we’re determining a new employee’s salary or trying to get our kids to eat their veggies, this skill is something we fall back on to get what we want. Just like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. Eventually, you’ll become a master at it. It just takes one thing: practice.

I used to dread going into negotiations with a colleague or client. I would get nervous and my voice would start to shake. It’s easy for people to get caught up in the emotion of the moment and ignore their instincts. Especially when the stakes are high and nerves get the better of you.  

During my 17 years of owning two successful businesses and dealing with countless clients, I’ve learned a thing or two about the art of good negotiating. So I’ve come up with three effective hacks to help you on your way to becoming a better negotiator.

 

1. Silence is golden.

Most people tend to talk a lot when they get nervous — myself included. But when you’re busy talking, you miss a lot. Be patient when you’re in negotiations, and let the other person do most of the chatting. When you do speak, try to ask open-ended questions like, “What part of my proposal gives you concern?” This will help you better gauge what the other side is looking for.

Keep in mind that the purpose of negotiating is to find an outcome that benefits both parties. If you don’t take the time to listen to what the other side needs, your negotiation is bound to fail.

2. Swallow your fear and make the first offer.

People are usually afraid to make the first move. This is probably due to the fear of missing an opportunity or getting lowballed. I get it; you don’t want to show your hand right off the bat. The truth is, if you’ve done your research and have a good understanding of the value on both sides, making the first move can actually be quite beneficial.

By taking the lead, you get to be the one to set the parameters of the negotiation. In other words, you can manage the other person’s expectations and set the terms of the discussion. This puts you in control of the conversation, giving you the confidence to stand your ground.

3. Time is on your side.

We’ve all heard the expression “Slow and steady wins the race.” The same can be said when it comes to negotiating. Never try to wrap things up as soon as possible. Don’t rush it. The more time each side has to weigh in, the more likely you will both be able to close the deal.

 

Remember, it’s OK to take a break and walk away from the table to process what’s been said and what adjustments you need to make. Negotiating is a fine balance between need and compromise that should result in an outcome that will work for everyone involved.

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Creative Niche was founded on land that is the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that we are all treaty people and accept our responsibility to honour all our relations.

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Creative Niche was founded on land that is the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that we are all treaty people and accept our responsibility to honour all our relations.

To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory we reside on, and a way of honouring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. Land acknowledgements do not exist in a past tense, or historical context: colonialism is current and ongoing, and we need to centre reconciliation in our actions and in our work. We encourage our team, partners, and clients to learn about the lands in which they live and to work towards reconciliation.

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Creative Niche was founded on land that is the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that we are all treaty people and accept our responsibility to honour all our relations.

Read more

Creative Niche was founded on land that is the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that we are all treaty people and accept our responsibility to honour all our relations.

To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory we reside on, and a way of honouring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. Land acknowledgements do not exist in a past tense, or historical context: colonialism is current and ongoing, and we need to centre reconciliation in our actions and in our work. We encourage our team, partners, and clients to learn about the lands in which they live and to work towards reconciliation.

Read Less

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