Learning the Art of Negotiation

Last week, I attended my second seminar at CCE for my electives; "The Art of Negotiation." If you know me, you probably know how badly I am in need of Negotiation skills. My voice probably sounds like a squeak. I speak slowly and softer the more I get intimidated. Very disadvantageous in Negotiation situations.
I've tried to informally negotiate with my American Suppliers--- asking them for some discounts, promotions, concessions-- what have you.. Some they let me have but most of the time I don't really get exactly what I ask for. Maybe there's something wrong with my notion of what I deserve. You see, I don't like to haggle. I don't like asking for things. I assume that a price quoted must be a fair price. And a raise in price has reasons behind it. Meeting with Tita Edith and Tito Os a month back about my business-- me explaining to them how my COGS had increased by a huge percentage because of price increases and dollar fluctuations-- Tita Edith goes "You have to Negotiate, tell them that you cannot do business with these margins--- But you cannot do it yourself--- Kung magsalita ka parang baby! Maybe you can take Tito Os with you when you meet with him so that he can demand for you."
This is true, I know. Sometimes it gets to me-- My being too soft perhaps too trusting. I have been duped a few times. Sometimes I feel people try to manipulate and take advantage of me. It hurts, and i think-- I like the way I am I want to believe in people I don't want to be cut-throat and deceitful just to get my way around. Maybe business isn't for me-- I'd much rather be dealing with people that are honest caring and compassionate--kids, I thought. But then it dawned on me-- Its not that you're going to be evil and deceitful -- I just can't be naive, this is the real world Ina. You have to grow up.

The seminar taught me a lot. Negotiation is about preparation. I have to know what I am worth, what is a fair price for my business--- that way we can come to a compromise. A win-win situation with the other party. My idea before was Bargaining and not Negotiating. This way you come in confident knowing the situation and with the end goal of both parties happy. Really a seminar worth attending for the likes of me.

What I liked most about the seminar were the other participants. It was a full class. I was like a kid in a candy store watching everyone in class. For people like me who don't have "officemates"-- seeing how other people think and do their work and me getting to play a part in it is such a treat. Definitely a confidence booster that I can hold my own amongst them-- amongst people that actually work in REAL companies heheh :)) There were people from Aboitiz, Shell, Belle ( Tagaytay Highlands ) They were so open, and really talented people and I enjoyed so much being part of that group and just hearing their ideas, I really admire Ms. Cristina of Belle. She is very stylish, and carries herself so well. I also admired Warren of Aboitiz and Paul-- I'm not quite sure if he was from Belle. I loved the group.
I could perhaps be a seminar junkie because i'm kulang sa officemate hehe :)) Lynn shares this sentiment too!

The Amazing Group!