This endeavour will require that you do a great deal of homework, as you have to find out how to win a battle – without ever walking onto the battlefield!

Find out as much information as you can about the profile of the individual in question as possible. Learn how the person dealt with similar situations previously, and if they’ve engaged in negotiation often, point out to him the ways in which he had failed. This would at least deter him from using those same processes with you. It’s also a smart move to brief your opponent about the possible chance of a “win-win” situation turning into a “win-lose” one, with him being the one on the losing side.

The vast majority of negotiations don’t turn out the way the parties want them to. Generally, negotiating can be a rather time consuming process which is quite strenuous, therefore, in some circumstances it might lead to both parties losing their interest and the motivation to continue. In addition, a lack of interest from either of the parties can rapidly lead to a breakdown, thereby removing any likelihood of an agreement later on. Sometimes, a third party can make out a deal with your suppliers or customers easier than you can, and as there is “no use crying over spilled milk”, why let such a situation ever occur?

Negotiation is certainly not something to run away from, but when it is known that the process won’t help much, it should be held back as a final option. For instance, if negotiation attempts with one of your suppliers or customers have not yielded enough in previous situations – stop negotiating, and try something new. In this kind of situation, one should proceed in a straight forward manner and put forth clear terms. Most business coaching experts agree that this will at the very least save the time and effort which would have been in vain had negotiation otherwise ensued.

Alan Gillies is the Managing Director of the L2L Group, specialising in supplying Executive Coaching, Training and Consultancy Services to Businesses around the World. Want to find out more about these comprehensive business building success strategies? Get Alan’s phenomenal FREE Business Pack right now!