Negotiating Your Way to Success With Fire Pits
June 28th, 2010 Filed under: Negotiation Tips — Negotiation Author
Do you work in an industry that depends on the skill of negotiation? Perhaps you are a lawyer and are always hosting guests at your home. Maybe you are an investor and always interviewing start-up business owners at your home as a potential investment. Maybe you are a real estate agent that needs to negotiate a deal with a buyer in town. Whatever you do, there is probably some aspect of negotiation that takes place in your field. It is important for you to understand how to negotiate, as well as the kind of setting negotiation should take place within.
Due to an economy that has been rough on businesses, many professionals are opting out of negotiating with individuals at fancy restaurants. There once was a time when businesses would lure others into business deals with fancy meals that cost hundreds of dollars. These days, that type of behavior merely signifies corporate irresponsibility.
Many business professionals are finding themselves in the position of hosting cocktail dinners at their own home. While this may seem like a daunting or stressful task, it does not have to be. In fact, hosting a cocktail dinner with other people you will negotiate with can actually be fun. If you run a household that is organized, clean, and has great style, then you can even give other business professionals a favorable insight into your character.
If you are only holding the beginning stages of a large business deal, then you may want to simply hold a social cocktail hour at your home. Light up a fire pit on your deck and hire a bartender to work for the evening. Since cocktail hours only last a couple hours, it should not be ridiculously expensive. In addition, your company will often reimburse you for the money spent on any alcohol if it is a productive event that benefits the business. At a social hour, you will then have the opportunity to approach the other person you hope to negotiate a deal with. This social time is priceless!
Another idea is to host a private dinner at your home with the people you wish to pursue negotiations. You can light a fire pit on the deck and purchase a nice bottle of champagne for the dinner. Cook up some steaks and asparagus, and you have just become the host of a fine dining experience!
Businesses respect other businesses that take this approach to negotiating. The next time you want to save money for your business, try hosting a cocktail hour at your home rather than at a fancy bar or restaurant.
Geoffrey F. Moore Fire Pit
