The Secrets That Negotiator Won’t Tell You - Part 1
Remember the time when the movie “ The Negotiator” came blasting onto the big screen? You bet, it co-starred two of my all-time favourite movie heroes – Kevin Spacey & Samuel L. Jackson. Their riveting acting was memorable, exciting and most of all, thrilling. I thought that was the best movie on the subject of negotiating ever filmed by any screen director. Grab your popcorn, sip your Coke, sit tight and watch it ……it’s not just about the action, it’s about people solving a common problem using powerful negotiation!
How do you know that you have started to negotiate with someone? What are the evidence to suggest that you are negotiating? Is it the long wide table, the high chair of the opposite parties, the agreement forms lying on the edge of the table, the bright lights, the heavy smokes, the daunting clock, the suits, or the Chinese Poker face?
Well, it’s nothing like you see in the movie really.
The real negotiating process starts when you have thought about exchanging your unsatisfied needs with someone whom you believe have control over what you want. Like a product that you desire, a service that you require to help you get to your objectives, or other vital information that will change your outcome. Whatever you want, if you don’t have it, you need to negotiate.
Centres of Influence
A Centre of Influence is a fancy way of identifying people that have a hugely positive impact on your business. They often refer people and business to you, and are actively glowing about what you provide and how you provide it. Every business needs a couple of these gems, and once you have them, you should bend over backwards to make sure they continue to think positively about you.
But how do you find and connect with these people? Here’s an Action Plan that will help make things move faster.
1. Let them know they are special
Tell them they are a top client, and let them know about any special treatment or offers that entitles them to.
2. Keep them updated about your business
If you want them to continue to refer ideal business to you then you need to let them know what a perfect client or opportunity looks like. If you take on a new direction, or change your products and services, why not take them out for coffee and update them on what’s happening.