Negotiating Tips, Planning for Negotiations April 5, 2010

Do you have a pre-negotiation checklist?

Here on Negotiation Space we have often discussed that being prepared is one of the best ways to ensure success in any business negotiation. A checklist may make your pre-negotiation preparation easier. Checklists also have the advantage of reminding you of every thing you may need.

We've created a starter negotiation checklist for you:

1. Determine your goals/wants.
2. Prioritize your wants--distinguish " must" from "would like."
3. Think about some potential Both-Win scenarios.
4. Write out some 'time-out' scenarios that can be used to give you time to think.
5. Decide who will be on your negotiating team and why.
6. Consider the location where you plan to negotiate.
7. Determine what backup information and supporting materials (including presentation materials) you will need.
8. Think of how you will move forward if the other party says 'NO' to your demands.

For some further ideas, take a look at these additional resources from around the Web:

http://www.freshbusinessthinking.com 

http://businessmanagement.suite101.com 

http://www.entrepreneur.com

Do you use a pre-negotiation checklist? What would you add to the list?