Must-Have Negotiation Tactics to Get Whatever You Want

Know someone who seems to just get everything they want? Negotiation isn’t just for boardrooms and big deals; it's a skill that can give you THE edge in your daily business and personal life, whether you're running a side hustle, launching a startup, or negotiating day-to-day interactions.

By using smart psychology, and some lessons from an iconic book, you can start getting everything you want, today. Chris Voss’s book, "Never Split the Difference," is packed with down-to-earth strategies drawn from his experiences as an FBI negotiator.

With a blend of some of the lessons in this book and a bit of our smart psychology, here’s 12 tips you can put to action today, to help you nail negotiations with ease and finesse.

1. Listen Like Your Business Depends On It: Really hear what the other person is saying. When discussing salaries, for instance, tune into the employer's budget worries. Oprah Winfrey’s knack for active listening has made her a media legend, building trust that opens doors.

2. Mirror to Engage: Echo the last few words your counterpart says. This simple trick keeps the conversation going and reveals more than you’d expect. Sales pros do this all the time to dig deeper into customer needs, making their pitches spot-on.

3. Tap Into Emotions: It's not all about the cold hard facts. Acknowledge feelings—like a client’s frustration—before pitching your fix. Steve Jobs was a master of this, captivating people by tapping into what moves them.

4. Show You Get Them: Use empathy to connect. If a client is rushed, say, "It sounds like quick action is important here." Nelson Mandela used empathy like a pro to bridge deep divides during his negotiations.

5. Label Their Feelings: Sometimes just recognizing someone’s stress, like saying, "It seems like you’re really stretched," can ease tensions. Therapists use this approach to open up honest dialogues—it works just as well in business.

6. Get Ahead of Accusations: List the negatives someone might throw at you, and address them early on. Politicians do this before debates to cut the edge off criticisms.

7. Know When to Walk Away: If a deal doesn’t feel right, be ready to step back. Warren Buffett doesn’t hesitate to walk away from investments that don’t meet his standards, focusing instead on those that do.

8. Ask ‘How’ or ‘What’: Instead of demanding a better price, ask, "How can we make the pricing work for both of us?" Consultants use this technique to make clients part of the solution, which often leads to better deals.

9. Fair’s Fair: Stress fairness in your talks. Saying "I just want what’s fair for both of us" can make a powerful impact, especially in salary negotiations. Union leaders use this tactic effectively to push for better conditions.

10. Do Your Homework: Know everything you can about the deal before you start talking. Lawyers don’t step into negotiations without a solid grasp of the facts—neither should you.

11. Set the Stage: If you’re aiming for a $100,000 salary, start the talk at $120,000. Real estate agents show the priciest homes first to make other options seem more reasonable by comparison.

12. Respect Their View: Always acknowledge where the other person is coming from. This builds mutual respect, which is essential in any negotiation. Diplomats use this tactic to foster understanding and cooperation in tense international talks.

Using these negotiation tactics can help you get better deals, resolve conflicts, and even manage your team more effectively. Whether you're negotiating for a new project, dealing with suppliers, hiring talent, or just trying to win an argument with bae, these tips are your secret weapon to winning in business and beyond.

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Until next time, rooting for you!

-Profit Nic