No Compromise

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When it comes to negotiations, you can't always be nice. If you're too nice, people will walk all over you. It's counter intuitive. You think if you want to come to an agreement that you must be really nice and show your good nature, but unfortunately, that's not the way the world works. You have to hold your own. You must realize that your merchandise is good and be willing to let people walk away if they don't like what you're offering, or if they won't compromise. If they like what you have enough, if the benefits of your product meet their needs enough, they'll come up to the plate and accept your terms. If they're only remotely interested, they'll walk. Let them! There's someone else out there willing to pay the price for the valuable thing you offer.

You can't be too nice. You can be cordial. You can be respectful, but too nice does not gain respect. People will try to squeeze all they can out of you. You can't be nice, no--not when you're negotiating for money. You've got to have a different posture all together. As a Realtor, I have to be nice all day. I have great customer service, but when it comes to the sale, and dealing with buyers who want to purchase a property, I have to turn into a completely different person. Nice girl has to fly out the window... In comes the tough, strong, hard-nose, ball-buster. Anything less gets you raked over the coals.

In negotiations you have to be tough. You have to be secure. You have to know that you know that your merchandise is good, and that your terms are fair. Then, you have to stick by your terms and keep reiterating to the other party your position. You have to let them know, under no uncertain terms, what you will and will not tolerate. They can never sense an ounce of desperation, or else. Or else, they'll lose respect and try to take everything they can from you.

You can't be afraid to be cocky in negotiations. While the atmosphere is pleasant, you've got to be stern and not be afraid to say what is necessary to get your point across. If the other person walks, so be it. Let them walk without everything but the kitchen sink with them. Letting them go is better than going broke trying to please them.

People sense weakness. When you're unsure of the value of your product, or when you overreact to a mistake or give too much, people will see it as weakness and try to take advantage of the situation. It's human nature. Not everyone is compassionate or willing to reciprocate. Some just want to get all they can.

In negotiations you have to put a stop to all the getting and stand firm in terms that are most beneficial to you. Of course, everything is relative. Your negotiation ability rests on the current market conditions, supply and demand, and other factors, but within your realm of ability, you've got to give it all you've got.

Why am I talking about negotiations? Because it reminds me so much of boundaries. Boundaries are very similar to negotiations. With boundaries you're telling people, "This is who I am, this is what I will tolerate, take it or leave it." The price being paid is the respect and honor. The terms you require is the treatment you tolerate.

Never be afraid to hold your own with your boundaries. You are worth it. Never be afraid to be hard nosed when it comes to defending your right to be treated well. You deserve it. Nobody will respect you, love you and treat you right if you don't hold your own. How others treat you is totally dependent upon what you tolerate. No more, no less.

There is a line that you must draw with other people and how they treat you. You get to decide where that line is. There must be a place inside of you that will never bend. No compromise.