Negotiation is a skill that can always be improved upon, no matter how experienced you are. There are countless books and articles written on the topic, but sometimes the most effective tactics are the ones that are underrated and not talked about as much. This article will explore 5 of those underrated negotiation tactics and explain why they’re worth your time to learn.

 

Prepare Your Opening Offer

When you’re going into a negotiation without an idea of what your opening offer is, it’s extremely difficult to prepare yourself to get what you want. As a result, it’s vital that you have an idea of what your ideal outcome is before entering into the negotiation.

This will allow you to get an idea of what the other side is likely to offer and how far apart the two sides are. If your opening offer is reasonable, you’ll be able to make a counteroffer that could ultimately lead to getting exactly what you want.

 

Be Flexible

Your opening offer is just that — an opening offer. You don’t necessarily have to stick with it, but you should know what it is. Most negotiators will try to get you to make concessions in order to get closer to their ideal outcome. It’s important to be flexible because you don’t know what you’re going to get out of a negotiation until it’s over.

If you can give a little in some areas while holding firm in others, the other side will have more incentive to negotiate with you and meet in the middle.

 

Be Prepared to Walk Away

When you’re negotiating, it’s important to be prepared to walk away from a deal if the terms aren’t good enough for you. It’s not about being impolite — it’s about making sure that your needs are met. You should think about your bottom line, and how far you’re willing to go to get what you want. If the other side asks you to agree to something that’s just not in your best interest, don’t be afraid to speak up.

Know Your BATNA

BATNA stands for “Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement,” and it’s an important concept in negotiation. Essentially, your BATNA is the next-best option you have if you can’t reach an agreement with the other side.

For example, if you’re a job candidate and you negotiate for a higher salary but can’t reach an agreement with the hiring manager, your BATNA might be to walk away from the offer and go looking for other opportunities.

Be Confident

Karrass negotiation seminars can help build the skills and confidence needed for successful negotiations. The key is to be comfortable and act like you know what you’re doing. This can be easier said than done, but it’s important to remember that the more confident you appear, the more likely you are to get what you want.

One way to build confidence is to practice beforehand. Know your negotiating points and be prepared to back them up with data or examples. It’s also helpful to role-play with a friend or colleague so that you can get used to expressing your needs clearly and confidently.

Another tip is to dress the part. Wear clothes that make you feel powerful and in control. If you look good, you’ll feel good—and that will show in your negotiation style.

Conclusion

Have you ever gone into a negotiation not knowing what to expect? Feeling like you’re at a disadvantage because you don’t know all the tricks of the trade? Well, you’re not alone. Many people go into negotiations feeling unprepared and unsure of themselves. But there’s no need to feel that way. These underrated negotiation tactics are so worth knowing. And once you know them, you’ll be able to approach any negotiation with confidence.