Everything can be negotiated by simply asking for what you want, a Women’s Global Leadership Seminar guest speaker told an audience Nov. 30. Whether it’s that fancy new car, getting kids to do their homework or whatever else in life that’s desired, it’s all about how to ask.

Speaker Michelle Martin spoke to faculty[SS1]  and students at the student leadership room in Bertolini Student Center. Martin gave an overview of her four steps of negotiation, the first step being preparation.  “If you’re not prepared for battle, what happens? You’re going to lose. It’s like if you show up without your sword, what happens?” she asked.

Martin stressed the most important part of preparing to negotiate is figuring out what to ask for. Then know exactly what to ask the other person and try to understand their point of view. Also try to learn the driving factors behind the other person’s actions. What Martin does before she begins to negotiate is not only prepare what she will ask for, but also what she is willing to give up.

Essentially, that’s all negotiation is; what people are willing to give up to get what they want. For example, getting the kids to do their homework. Perhaps they want something in return? Maybe they want to stay out later at night. Now the negotiating can begin.

The next step is bargaining, the exchange of wishes. “Negotiation is about helping them get what they want so you can get what you want, and maybe you don’t get everything you want, maybe they don’t get everything they want, but you get some of what you want,” Martin said, “which is better than what you have.”

The last step is settlement and commitment. Understand the importance of deadlines, but also be flexible and feasible. Martin said once you reach an agreement, don’t delay finalizing the negotiation process. Set a date for your agreement to be set in motion and cease negotiations. Take the money and run, as some would say.

Martin touched upon how these negotiation tactics can be used in real world experiences to help them succeed in the workplace and in their personal lives.

“I liked it,” said SRJC student and audience member Katie McGinnis. “There was a lot of information to absorb and I’m going to take her advice and read the books she suggested.”