In the last post Negotiation Nugget, we debunked the myth that negotiation skills are an inborn skill, and I gave you 7 tips to start training your inner negotiator.
Now, it’s time to take your negotiation game seriously and join our 8-week workout plan* to build your negotiation muscle and turn you into a negotiation powerhouse.
WEEK 1+2 – Warm-up Program: Boosting Comfort Levels
Objective: Increase comfort levels, view everything as negotiable
In this warm-up phase, treat negotiations like a daily workout. Start with small, inconsequential matters:
– Leave work early for an event.
– Personal coffee machine/printer/whiteboard in the office.
– Discounts at the supermarket/clothing store.
– New case/partner/team at work.
– Conference/training attendance.
– Neighbor cat-sitting during your vacation.
– Coffee discount (or free cake).
Remember, the goal is to make negotiation a part of your daily routine, gradually building your comfort and confidence.
Try to ask for at least one extra thing a day!
WEEK 3+4 – Ask for More: Set High Goals, Conquer Fear
Objective: Set ambitious goals, overcome fear of asking too much
Now it’s time to push your boundaries and ask for more than you think is acceptable:
– Instead of a 10% discount, ask for 20%.
– Request 4 weeks of vacation instead of the usual 2.
– Negotiate for both a new phone and Airpods at work.
– Upgrade from one screen to two.
– Extend remote work in Bali to 2 months.
Challenge yourself to ask for double what you expect, breaking through your comfort zone.
WEEK 5+6 – Go for “No”: Embrace Rejection, Fuel Creativity
Objective: Aim high, expect rejection, overcome fear of being turned down
Creativity is the key in this phase. Ask for things you believe are impossible and embrace rejection as a part of the negotiation process:
– 1+1 free at the coffee shop.
– Free inspection for the second car.
– 50% off dental cleaning for you and your partner.
– Discounts on your insurance or mobile subscription.
– Free upgrade on a flight or access to the business class lounge.
Remember, a rejection is just a stepping stone to a successful negotiation. Get comfortable with the word “No.”
And you would surprised, how often I have gotten something whenever I ask in a situation I expected a sure no.
WEEK 7+8 – All In / Final Sprint: Get What Matters
Objective: Pursue what’s important, negotiate for life improvements
In the final stretch, focus on negotiations that truly matter to you:
– Work-break e.g. from 6-8 PM.
– Guaranteed night blocked for yourself every week.
– Secondment to a desired location.
– Specialized training in a specific area.
– Childcare flexibility.
– Salary increase.
– 50% contribution to evening meals from your partner.
Whatever it is that will make your life easier, now is the time to go all in and secure what will make a significant impact on your life. You’ve built your negotiation muscle—time to flex it!
Let’s do this!
Are you ready to take your negotiation skills to the next level over the next 8 weeks?
Comment “I am in” below to join our workout group so we can keep each other accountable. Research shows that we are 10 times more committed to following through with something if we do it with other people and commit to it publicly. I will personally check in with you every 2 weeks to see how it is going and if you need any help!
To your negotiation success!
Your Negotiation Whisperer
