The art of negotiation or horse trading is nothing new. However, like many other basic skills, it is often forgotten or neglected by many people. Those desiring a self reliant lifestyle are rediscovering and embracing it in this current economy. Nowadays, it isn't just the big ticket items that are negotiable, but even smaller items, as retailers’ battle for your business. These skills work well in bartering situations too.

This single post is not an all encompassing course on negotiation, but it will get you started or at the very least thinking . . .

Here are some of my tips for negotiation success (in no particular order):

• Remember, it never hurts to ask-- The worst you will likely hear is "No".
• Don't forget, there is more than one way to skin the proverbial cat.
• Always know what "they" want-- Give them what they want and you ill almost certainly get what you want.
• Nothing is carved in stone-- Be flexible.
• Seek win/win situations for all parties involved-- The relationship may have more value than a single transaction.
• Don't get emotional-- If you do, you lose the power to walk away.
• Be sure all parties have something everyone wants.
• Stay open to ideas and suggestions.
• Use an agenda to stay focused in more complicated deals.
• Communicate and understand everyone's position and situation.
• Avoid ultimatums-- You don't want to paint yourself or others into a corner.
• Don't negotiate with yourself-- Make a proposal and wait for a response. Do not make a second proposal before you have a response (counteroffer) from the other party.
• Be sure you are dealing with the decision maker.
• Ask for more-- Shoot for the moon, accept the sky.
• Prepare a Plan "C"-- Have a back pocket last ditch proposal.

These tips will not guarantee negotiation success, but they should put you on the road to a good transaction. Like anything else, you will get better with practice-- start at garage sales and then move up to bigger and better.

Good luck!

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

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Related Posts:
DDFD's Views on the Self Reliance Workshop and What's to Come . . . 
There is a Solution to Every Problem . . .  
Self Reliance is About Power . . .  
Self Reliance Builds Self Esteem . . .  
Are You a Sheeple? 

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DDFD believes that self reliance and self sufficiency are the roads to individual freedom.  He is dedicated to living a quality life through frugality, personal growth and productivity, and defensive entrepreneurship.  He also enjoys cooking from scratch and fishing.