How Do You Feel About Negotiating?

Currently I’m negotiating with someone about a used car.

We’ve been at it for a while now, but I have price range in mind and so does he.

Not sure how it will turn out (but will keep you posted, just ask!)

When you think of negotiating, it can be an intimidating word.

Salary discussions are top of mind, but negotiations are a part of life.

Negotiations tend to result in 3 ways:

• Yes, you get what you want

• No, you get rejected (for now at least)

• Compromise and continue to discuss towards an agreement (kind of like my car example above)

Of course yes is ideal, but the goal in most negotiations should be to continue to talk until you reach a desired arrangement.

Why is that?

Because rarely does each side get exactly what they want.

If you’ve ever negotiated with your kid as a parent, you know there’s a bit of give and take (don’t give up parents!)

So how do you get what you want if you don’t ask for it?

You don’t.

It’s not as simple as asking then receiving, but if you’re too scared to ask there’s a zero chance of getting what you want.

When you think about it you negotiate with yourself every day: what to eat, what to do after work, how to spend your weekends, etc.

But the ones that cause us anxiety are: rent, time, salary, bills, etc.

Negotiating is a life skill (count it as part of adulting).

For instance, did you know you sell something daily?

Between friends to co-workers to managers, plus family and businesses you buy from.

It’s like a tug-of-war of value propositions.

If you think about how many times a day you practice this skill, it’s not so intimidating anymore.

And the same principles you use daily can be applied to salary negotiations.

It’s about proving to the other party why reaching an agreement is beneficial to both sides.

If you can look at each perspective and recommend a solution that provides value both ways your chances of finding acceptance is high.

Take for instance my pitch to tech companies about the importance of soft skills (70% of people leave jobs because of a poor manager).

It’s something overlooked on interviews and promotions, but ends up costing companies drastically with it comes to turnover.

The dilemma is: invest now or pay later.

Now let me make it more personal.

I can’t force you to see the importance of soft skills in your career.

But I can help equip you with real world skills that will advance you regardless the industry.

There’s no negotiating here.

Just real talk.

If you’re concerned about being replaced by Ai at work and want to differentiate yourself reply to this email now.

God Bless,

Scott

P.S. Watch my interview with Christina Hepburn on “Negotiating Your Success” below!