“You don’t get what you deserve—you get what you negotiate.”
I learned this the hard way. Early in my career, I was offered a salary that seemed fair—until I found out my coworker, with less experience, was making $10K more. Why? Because he asked.
Negotiation is one of the most valuable skills you can develop, whether you’re closing deals, securing a raise, or even getting a better price on a car. Let’s break down the strategies that work.
Before diving in, check out Mastering Personal Finance: A Comprehensive Guide for Modern Men to understand how financial confidence enhances negotiation power.
1. Know Your Value—And Prove It
Before any negotiation, you need leverage. That means knowing your worth. In job negotiations, this means researching salaries on Glassdoor or LinkedIn Salary. In business deals, this means having a track record of results.
Recommended Reading
If you want to master negotiation, start with Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator.
2. Master the Power of Silence
Silence makes people uncomfortable. After you make an offer, shut up. Most people can’t handle silence and will negotiate against themselves.
I once negotiated a freelance contract where I proposed a 20% increase. The client hesitated but said nothing. I held my ground, and after a few seconds, he said, “Okay, we can do that.”
3. Use the “Feel, Felt, Found” Technique
This technique is magic. If someone pushes back, say: “I understand how you feel. Others have felt the same way, but what they found is…” and then explain how your offer benefits them.
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Want to look the part? Make sure to check out our modern man’s style guide to make you look masterfully and comfortably confident in business meetings.
Conclusion: Everything is Negotiable
From salaries to real estate to everyday purchases, everything is negotiable. The key is confidence, strategy, and patience.
For more on building financial confidence, check out our next guide: Building Multiple Income Streams: The Modern Man’s Guide to Financial Freedom.
