Starting a business venture is only one part of the equation for all entrepreneurs. To be successful at it, having business negotiation skills is vital. Businessmen need to negotiate with various people involved in the business like suppliers, employees, customers, etc. on a daily basis. Without negotiation, it is difficult to keep the opposite party interested and coming back to do regular business. In this article are listed some of the skills a successful negotiator should have.

Planning skills

The first and foremost thing to do before entering any negotiation is planning and preparation. One should do a thorough research about the other party. Understand the nature of their business, talk to others who have worked with them, and understand their strengths and weaknesses. If you don’t know what they want, you won’t be able to put forth an offer to them. Once you know their needs and pressure points, you can present a clear plan on what you want out of the arrangement and what you are willing to offer.

Listen attentively

Very often, people lack this skill. It is important to be a good listener. Not only are you able to understand the opposite party’s needs, but it also puts a good impression on them. An effective listener does not interrupt the other person while they are talking. This makes the other party feel like you are paying attention and are interested in what they have to say. It also helps you take note of important information that you can use when it is your turn to talk. To be a good listener, you should patiently let the others put across their points and only offer a rebuttal after they are done.

Know when to walk away

It is important to remember that when you enter a negotiation, things will not always go as per plan. That is the time you should be willing to walk away. When you stay neutral and don’t let your ego override your sensibilities, you will be in a positing of strength. When you make yourself believe that this deal is everything to you, you will find it difficult to control your emotions and will end up getting the shorter end of the stick. You have to enter a negotiation with the mindset that if the deal falls through, it is not a lost opportunity and that there will be better offers. You should be ready to walk away from a deal that doesn’t fit the bill for your business.

Emotional control

In a conversation, there are bound to be many emotions that come to the fore. However, as a successful negotiator, it is important to keep your emotions in check. If you have done your research and are confident while entering a negotiation, don’t let it transition into overconfidence. Similarly, if things are not going your way, don’t let your agitation and ego override your ability to think objectively and make informed decisions. It is important to stay neutral, be flexible and strike a balance when in a negotiation.

Know how to close.

When you enter a negotiation, you must know what your end goal is. How much are you willing to offer and how much you are willing to let go. If both parties have done their research, they know what each one is looking to get out of the said deal. If both have been able to strike a bargain that is acceptable even if not perfect, it is advisable to shake hands and close the deal. If you try and push for more, there are chances that you will create a shift in balance and might not get a deal at all. It is vital to know how to close the deal at the right time when you have got what you were hoping for.