Never Compromise

Pack the right tools to win

PRE-NEGOTIATION TOOLS

1. Preparation

You absolutely must prepare for each negotiation. Proper preparation is the tool that will provide you with the single largest competitive edge. Not only do you need to know your own targets, interests, and reservation points, but you'll need to do your best to estimate the other party's.

2. BATNA

While it's not always possible to find a great BATNA, or any at all, it's important to search out every opportunity. A particularly good BATNA turns into a tool that give you strong bargaining power.

DURING-NEGOTIATION TOOLS

3. Strategic offense

Your offense should be strategically planned to maximize your gain. This includes convincing the other party their offer is less valuable than they think it is, persuading them that it would be costly to not reach an agreement, and pushing them to their reservation point.

4. Concessions

When used properly, concessions are a unique tool that can garner reciprocations that benefit you. Strategically implementing concessions with clear labeling + identification of personal cost can open up new doors with the other party.

5. Clever thinking

If you employ this tool, you can quickly surpass the fixed-pie myth. Clever thinking gives you the power to come up with creative solutions and proposals that go above and beyond, able to meet the needs of both parties better than previously thought possible.