10 Commandments of Negotiating: The Quick Start Guide

1.  Be Clear About the Difference Between What You Need and What You Want

2.  Know Everything You Can About the Other Side

3.  Get to the Bargaining Table!

4.  Prepare Your Opening Offer in Advance (write it down!)

5.  Don’t Take ‘No’ Personally (it’s not the end of the conversation, it’s the start of a new conversation)

6.  Silence is a Weapon

7.  Never, Ever Say “Yes” to the First Offer

8.  Be Patient (80% of the agreements come in the final moments of the process).

9.  Whenever You Give Something, Get Something in Return.

10. The Measure of a Good Negotiation is when Both Sides Are Willing to Do Another Deal Together.