Negotiation tactics: How to get what you want in business and life

Negotiation is a crucial skill that can help you in both your personal and professional life. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most effective negotiation tactics that you can use to get what you want.

1. The Flinch
The flinch is a tactic that involves reacting to an offer or proposal with shock or surprise. This can make the other party feel like they are asking for too much and can lead to them lowering their demands. For example, if someone offers you a salary that is lower than what you were expecting, you can react with a flinch to show that you are not satisfied with the offer.

2. The Nibble
The nibble is a tactic that involves asking for a small extra item or benefit after the deal has been made. This can be something as simple as asking for free shipping or a discount on future purchases. By asking for something small, you can make the other party feel like they are getting a good deal while still getting something extra for yourself.

3. The Door in the Face
The door in the face is a tactic that involves making a large request that is likely to be turned down, followed by a smaller request that is more reasonable. This can make the other party feel like they are making a compromise by agreeing to the smaller request. For example, if you want to work from home, you can first ask to work from home every day of the week, and then follow up with a request to work from home one day a week.

4. The Foot in the Door
The foot in the door is a tactic that involves making a small request that is likely to be accepted, followed by a larger request that is more difficult to turn down. This can make the other party feel like they are obligated to agree to the larger request because they have already agreed to the smaller one. For example, if you want to borrow money from a friend, you can first ask to borrow a small amount and then follow up with a request to borrow a larger amount.

5. The Anchoring Effect
The anchoring effect is a tactic that involves making an initial offer or proposal that is higher or lower than what you actually expect to get. This can influence the other party’s perception of what is reasonable and can lead to them making a more favorable offer. For example, if you are selling a car, you can first ask for a price that is higher than what you actually expect to get, and then follow up with a more reasonable offer.

6. The Red Herring
The red herring is a tactic that involves introducing a distracting or irrelevant issue into the negotiation. This can divert the other party’s attention away from the main issue and can make them more likely to agree to your terms. For example, if you are negotiating a salary, you can introduce a discussion about the company’s culture or values to distract the other party from the actual negotiation.

7. The Salami
The salami is a tactic that involves breaking a large request into smaller, more manageable pieces. This can make the other party more likely to agree to the request because it seems less daunting. For example, if you want to take a long vacation, you can first ask for a few days off, and then follow up with a request for a longer period of time.

8. The Good Cop/Bad Cop
The good cop/bad cop is a tactic that involves one negotiator being friendly and cooperative while the other is aggressive and confrontational. This can make the other party more likely to agree to the friendly negotiator’s terms because they seem more reasonable in comparison. For example, if you are negotiating a contract, one negotiator can be friendly and understanding while the other is tough and uncompromising.

9. The Emotional Appeal
The emotional appeal is a tactic that involves appealing to the other party’s emotions to get what you want. This can be done by using personal stories or anecdotes to create a connection with the other party. For example, if you are negotiating a raise, you can talk about how much you love your job and how important it is to you.

10. The Take It or Leave It
The take it or leave it is a tactic that involves making a final offer that is non-negotiable. This can be effective if you are in a position of power and the other party has no other options. For example, if you are selling a rare item, you can make a final offer and tell the other party that it is non-negotiable.

Negotiation is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. By using these tactics, you can increase your chances of getting what you want while still maintaining a positive relationship with the other party. Remember to always be respectful and professional, and to never make personal attacks or threats.