Ben Franklin’s 5 Tips for Negotiating Success

Ben Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the US, was full of sage advice, including his five tips for better bargaining. I believe that these would be helpful for you, so I share them here.

1. Be clear, in your own mind, about exactly what you’re after.
You need to have a goal in mind, or how are you going to achieve it?

2. Do your homework, so that you are fully prepared to discuss every aspect and respond to every question and comment.
When entering negotiations, you need to come from a place of confidence and strength. Doing your homework in advance is the best way to accomplish this.

3. Be persistent. Don’t expect to “win” the first time. Your first job is just to start the other person thinking.
This is where “good” manipulation comes in. Basically, you are gently nudging the other party into a position where they can see your perspective and therefore be more open to a win-win outcome.

4. Make friends with the person with whom you are bargaining. Put your bargain in terms of his or her needs, advantages, and benefits.
This is very good advice. When you think in terms of service, you almost always get what you want in the end.

5. Keep your sense of humor.
Nobody likes a sour puss!