Practice Boldness in Every Negotiation

Negotiation is a game – and like all games of skill, you get better at it with practice.

A big part of negotiation success is having the gumption to ask for a better deal (even when you feel you are getting a good deal). Most people are too polite to ask, so they fail at the very start.

So next time you go to buy a suit or a TV or a piece of furniture – practice asking for a discount. Not because you need the money but just so you can exercise your BQ, your Boldness Quotient.

What’s the worst that can happen? They can say no and you can decide to buy the item anyway. No downside.

The more awkward you feel to ask for a discount, the more important it is that you overcome the resistance and just do it.

One way I learnt to overcome the resistance was to tell myself that whatever money I saved in a small scale negotiation, I would deposit in my children’s savings account.

Ten years later, I’ve added a little over $25,000 to each of my two kids’ saving accounts – and I’ve gained a lot more practice at asking the bold question (politely of course).

The biggest payoff is not the money saved but the lessons and family laughter along the way.