Negotiating is as much a part of business as it is life. Negotiating can be difficult, frustrating, and stressful; but once you learn how to negotiate effectively you will be unstoppable. Here are 7 tips on how to negotiate successfully like an African Mother
- PREPARATION AND RESEARCH: African mothers always had a long list of things they wanted to buy with the prices next to them. If the intended market was new to them, they will ask about them market and the prices of goods, the kinds of goods that are sold, how much they can bargain, and so on. They never go into any negotiation unprepared, emulate this attribute and prepare adequately for every negotiation session.
- BUILD A RELATIONSHIP: My African mom always starts by saying hello to the seller, especially if they speak the same language. She will then talk about Nigeria or some other common subject, depending on what is going on. Don’t start talking about your product or service as soon as you walk in the room. Instead, make friends with the other person, get to know them, and earn their trust.
- LISTEN ATTENTIVELY: If there is one thing that African mothers are good at, it is listening. They don’t just listen to what the seller is saying, they also pay attention to their body language and countenance. You must pay attention to the other party to enable you figure out how much bargain you can make.
- BE WILLING TO COMPROMISE: This is something that the African mother understands very well. Negotiation is about give and take, so you must always be prepared to make concessions.
- FOCUS ON INTERESTS: The African mother’s goal is to buy the most goods for the least amount of money, while the seller’s goal is sell the most quantity of goods for the highest amount of money. The African mother knows this and properly applies it in her negotiations.
- CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS: The African mother doesn’t get upset or discouraged during the negotiation if she’s insulted because she knows that if Mr. A doesn’t sell, Mr. B will. She lets logic rule; hence, don’t let your feelings get in the way when you’re negotiating always remember that its never about you.
- BE HONEST: It’s better to promise less and deliver more than to promise more and fall short. This is because for every customer you under deliver to, you loose future transactions and referrals and for every satisfied customer, you gain future transactions and referrals. To avoid misunderstanding, ensure that during the negotiation, make sure you and the other person are always on the same page.
- PATIENCE: When you’re negotiating, you need to be patient so you don’t appear desperate to the other party. Patience is also important to avoid making hasty decisions.
