Sometimes it seems like negotiation is a man's world, but there are many powerful women who are skilled at negotiation, too. The difference is that men and women have contrasting styles. Men tend to approach a negotiation in a more persistent and aggressive way, while women generally stay calmer and take a patient approach.
When negotiating, women tend to feel nervous and icky. They're just uncomfortable and that feeling makes them feel insecure. That's because the mere thought of them claiming money and self advocating contradicts with the feminine ideal. A woman's fear of how an audience may perceive them in a negotiation is not just a product of their imagination, though. Here are some secrets for women who want to succeed in negotiations.
1. Focus on the end result
Men sometimes have a stereotype in mind that women are sensitive, ruled by emotion, and give in easily. These men are often in for quite a surprise when they encounter a skilled female negotiator. The key is to do your homework, be well prepared, and then focus on facts and the end result.
To make sure people take you seriously, you need to keep the discussion centered on facts. Make your case and state your goals up front. Be open to discussion, but make it factual and keep emotion out of it. Be prepared with facts and figures, so that you can substantiate your arguments, and bring the discussion back to the end result.
2. Use body language to your advantage
Be aware of what your body language says about you. Other people in the room will probably form an impression of you based on this. If you're nervous, do your best not to show it. Stay calm, control your emotions, and remember that you have nothing to fear.
Now you can use body language to your advantage. Always look the other person in the eye and speak clearly as you discuss your position and demands. Eye contact shows that you are open and not afraid. Strive to look decisive and determined, not fearful and weak. Sometimes you may use gestures if you want to distract the other party at a key point in the deal, but don't go overboard with this.
3. Stay strong
It's normal for women to be more tolerant than men, and sometimes men will use that against a woman in a negotiation. However, you can turn this to your advantage as long as you stay strong and don't give in. Even if you're feeling anxious or frustrated, just keep your cool.
Patience and strength can be your secret weapons in a negotiation, along with the facts that you prepared in advance. Remember that you are strong, and stay determined to get a good deal. Don't let anybody bowl you over. Stand your ground, state your case, and back it up with facts.
4. Talk about shared interests
Point out the ways in which your interests align with the other party's interests. Discuss ways in which the deal you are proposing can benefit them, not just you. Your goal is to end up with a win-win agreement that both sides can feel good about. Women can be excellent negotiators when they negotiate on others' behalf. Studies have shown that when women advocate for a colleague and not for themselves, they can achieve greatness. To some extent, that makes perfect sense because advocating for other people fits perfectly with the feminine ideal.
Don't let an aggressive male negotiator get under your skin if he comes on strong. Don't take it personally, and don't let him raise your emotions. Stay on course, bring up the facts, and get back to discussing shared interests and a positive outcome. With these secrets, women can be master negotiators.
Women should be themselves when negotiating. There's no reason to be aggressive if your opponents showcase a hostile attitude. Keep your cool and prove them wrong; patience can be your best weapon when dealing with buyers and investors. A thorough negotiation training session can be of great assistance. Ask for help if you think you can't handle your nerves and you'll eventually master the art of negotiations, even if you're a woman.
When negotiating, women tend to feel nervous and icky. They're just uncomfortable and that feeling makes them feel insecure. That's because the mere thought of them claiming money and self advocating contradicts with the feminine ideal. A woman's fear of how an audience may perceive them in a negotiation is not just a product of their imagination, though. Here are some secrets for women who want to succeed in negotiations.

1. Focus on the end result
Men sometimes have a stereotype in mind that women are sensitive, ruled by emotion, and give in easily. These men are often in for quite a surprise when they encounter a skilled female negotiator. The key is to do your homework, be well prepared, and then focus on facts and the end result.
To make sure people take you seriously, you need to keep the discussion centered on facts. Make your case and state your goals up front. Be open to discussion, but make it factual and keep emotion out of it. Be prepared with facts and figures, so that you can substantiate your arguments, and bring the discussion back to the end result.
2. Use body language to your advantage
Be aware of what your body language says about you. Other people in the room will probably form an impression of you based on this. If you're nervous, do your best not to show it. Stay calm, control your emotions, and remember that you have nothing to fear.
Now you can use body language to your advantage. Always look the other person in the eye and speak clearly as you discuss your position and demands. Eye contact shows that you are open and not afraid. Strive to look decisive and determined, not fearful and weak. Sometimes you may use gestures if you want to distract the other party at a key point in the deal, but don't go overboard with this.

3. Stay strong
It's normal for women to be more tolerant than men, and sometimes men will use that against a woman in a negotiation. However, you can turn this to your advantage as long as you stay strong and don't give in. Even if you're feeling anxious or frustrated, just keep your cool.
Patience and strength can be your secret weapons in a negotiation, along with the facts that you prepared in advance. Remember that you are strong, and stay determined to get a good deal. Don't let anybody bowl you over. Stand your ground, state your case, and back it up with facts.

4. Talk about shared interests
Point out the ways in which your interests align with the other party's interests. Discuss ways in which the deal you are proposing can benefit them, not just you. Your goal is to end up with a win-win agreement that both sides can feel good about. Women can be excellent negotiators when they negotiate on others' behalf. Studies have shown that when women advocate for a colleague and not for themselves, they can achieve greatness. To some extent, that makes perfect sense because advocating for other people fits perfectly with the feminine ideal.
Don't let an aggressive male negotiator get under your skin if he comes on strong. Don't take it personally, and don't let him raise your emotions. Stay on course, bring up the facts, and get back to discussing shared interests and a positive outcome. With these secrets, women can be master negotiators.
Women should be themselves when negotiating. There's no reason to be aggressive if your opponents showcase a hostile attitude. Keep your cool and prove them wrong; patience can be your best weapon when dealing with buyers and investors. A thorough negotiation training session can be of great assistance. Ask for help if you think you can't handle your nerves and you'll eventually master the art of negotiations, even if you're a woman.