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Can They Find YOU?

Michael Bennitt
Editor
March 2014
Volume 4, Issue 4
downloadable .pdf version
I'm Social Now 
Newsletter 
How to Negotiate Like a Boss

April 2014 Newsletter
 

Negotiations happen on a daily basis. We start bargaining our way out of or into situations from an early age - getting an extension on homework assignments, or promising to do chores so your parents will let you go to the movies. Negotiations are fundamentally simple; each person has something that the other wants. But business negotiating can take these variables and make them extremely complicated.  

 

Know What You Want

This might seem obvious, but having a clear objective in mind is not always as easy as it sounds. If you plan to bargain with another party, you should also know what you are willing to give up. Have limits on what you will and won't compromise and be firm when you have to draw the line. Entrepreneurs are frequently asked to make adjustments to their business ambitions. Are you willing to sacrifice the integrity of your product or brand?

 

Listen To Your Audience

Some people feel compelled to start bargaining right away in a negotiation, or play all their cards too soon. This could work to your advantage. Listening is a powerful tool in any leadership position, but especially in business negotiations. If you can pick up on any underlying objectives that might be at play in the negotiating process, you are that much more likely to successfully make those factors work for you rather than against you

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Be The Best-Prepped Person In The Room

Walking into negotiations with as much information as possible gives you the upper hand. It makes you more confident, and confidence is key. Of course, in some situations it's a group effort. But even then, make sure your team is prepared. Operating like a well-oiled machine means no detail will be overlooked.  

 

Know The Value Of Taking Risks

You may be able to get what you want without having to make any compromises, provided you keep a level head. There will also be times when you have to take a gamble in the negotiating process. Being bold and assertive generally pays off in the world of business.  

 

Set The Bar High

What makes a great business leader? How do some people become the powerful figureheads that we see in boardrooms and press conferences? If you have a vision, focus on delivering that and achieving nothing less than extraordinary results. Being an entrepreneurial leader isn't about being a bully. There are times when you will need to stand your ground and take firm action, but it's not all about exercising that authoritative muscle. Good negotiating skills are a balancing act and experience is the best teacher.


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I'm Social Now works with business owners (like you) to grow and increase their profits by doing their online marketing for them.

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May events and holidays for your marketing calendar:

May 1: Loyalty Day

May 3-9: National Pet Week

May 3-9: Teacher Appreciation Week

May 5: Cinco de Mayo

May 6: Nurses Day

May 8: Child Care Provider Day

May 20: National Employee Health and Fitness Day

May: National Family Month


 

 


What specials, deals, and packages can you create with these events in mind?

Hashtagging with the Best of Them      
Following and tracking discussions across social networks is easier when you understand the value of the #hashtag.

A hashtag is an earmark on the topic of conversation. They update constantly and new subjects are always trending. Some are broader, such as #fitness, but this doesn't deliver results for businesses.

The most powerful way to use a hashtag is to create a phrase unique to your business, product, or a special promo offer that customers are interested in. This helps businesses stay up to date on what's popular with the public, what's developing in their market audience, and how to participate in the dialogue to
generate higher levels of brand and product awareness.

Need help with this? Just ask us!
Don't Be THAT Boss  

The trick to being a good boss? There isn't one. Effective leadership encompasses a range of qualities and attributes and it can be challenging even if you are actively working to improve. But any way you slice it, there are some things that bosses should never do no matter how inexperienced, desperate, or tempted they might be.

 

Here are a few behaviors to avoid regardless of what kind of business you manage:

 

Don't Shirk Responsibility.  

Even when your employees mess up, you can't throw them under the bus.  Besides being a lousy thing to do, it looks weak and minimizes your authority.  Your employees are your purview; controlling them means being aware of their work and at the end of the day, accepting accountability for their performance. 

     

Don't Set Anyone Up For Failure.

When it comes to floating a risky idea up the chain of command, it might be tempting to use a lower ranking employee as your test dummy.  This will only create tension and resentment among your employees. 

 

Don't Avoid Confrontation.   

If you employees are making demands, meet them with a decisive response. Don't drag your feet because you are reluctant to have the conversation or worried about their response. 

 

Don't Make Unreasonable Demands or Promises.

Asking too much from your employees will endanger the quality of their work and performance. It will also make them resentful. Likewise, making promises you can't keep is going to come back to bite you.
     

Don't Make Threats.

Job security is a big deal and it should never be a bargaining chip unless your employee is actually in danger of losing their position based on bad reviews or persistent issues. Don't casually trot out the idea of firing someone to keep them in line.  

 

 

Becoming a great boss takes practice, feedback, and determination - but the results make it worth the effort. 


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