Attempting to conduct a negotiation over the phone is never an ideal scenario. Whenever I’m negotiating face-to-face with someone, I’ve got more control of the situation – I’ve usually got a team with me and can physically see the other side of the negotiation to gauge their responses and reactions to my suggestions. When I’m […]
How to level the playing field when conducting negotiations via phone Read More »
I once used to work with a chap who was a consummate salesman. Everyone’s best friend, he knew people all over the country; all over the world in fact. No matter what the problem was, he ‘knew a guy’ who could help fix it. This colleague would come out of the boss’s office with an
I’ve often had friends tell me that their approach to buying is to find something they like and then find the cheapest place that sells it. Whilst this might initially seem quite sensible, I believe it represents a false economy. Cheaper might save you money initially, but you’ll usually find that what you’re buying is
Moving properties is a stressful experience. From viewing endless unsuitable properties, handling snooty estate agents and keeping an eye on your approaching deadline to move out of your current property, tensions run high. Alongside this, tenants also have the stress of trying to find somewhere they can afford. Knowing how difficult negotiating rent can be, I’ve
Several years ago, I was asked to help a friend prepare for a sensitive negotiation and found myself perplexed by their mental state. Under most circumstances, I try to remain calm and focused on achieving the best possible outcome – rarely more so than in negotiations. Staying calm, well rested and focused helps me to
Writing a contract and successful negotiation can be a source of strength for building a relationship, but can also cause seemingly promising partnerships to collapse. I’ve negotiated my share of contracts and have written 5 things to consider for a successful contract negotiation. In a world where more and more people seem to be struggling
Anyone that has ever watched Dad’s Army will recognise these famous words, usually frantically yelled by the blustering Private Jones as a situation dissolved into chaos… Now, I’m not usually one to advocate panicking. Indeed, it’s usually a complete waste of time. In most situations of adversity, I tend to lean towards an attitude of
In early 2016 I started working for a company in Windsor when I lived in Oxford. It meant that I needed to get up at six in the morning, Prior to this, I was working for a company who were located in Oxford. I used to get around at 8, leave the house at about
I’ve written previously about information overload and about some of the systems I try and implement to keep on top of my work. One of my favourite tools is (and has been for some time), a productivity tool called Evernote. Loads of people have heard of Evernote, but aren’t quite sure what to do with it. I
One of the greatest traps in business, micromanagement, is also a recipe for disaster in personal productivity. If you don’t trust your system, you’ll never let go of everyday minutiae, limiting your overall effectiveness. Essentially, a lack of trust can stop you from having a productive mind. Although it’s not a trait I find particularly
Managing expectations is an important part of any deal. Successful deal makers work to ensure that when a negotiation is concluded, all sides feel satisfied with an agreement. Studies show that satisfied negotiators are more likely to uphold the terms, and more importantly ‘spirit’, of an agreement. As contracts may not cover every possibility, having partners
PING! Off goes your phone. You have another email. You reach over and glance at your screen to see the little orange circle has ticked up again. Does it make you wonder how anyone is handling email overload? If you’re struggling to keep on top of your email, you’re not alone. Although I do my
There is more information available to the average UK citizen than at any previous time in history. With just a few taps of a screen we can now access information on a whole range of retail investment opportunities; information on savings accounts, stocks, ISAs, PIPs, bonds, investment trusts and REITs is readily available and more
Are you missing the best investment opportunity? Read More »
To those of you that know me well, I doubt you’ll disagree with the statement that my ability to organise my calender leaves something to be desired. I’m often presented with numerous opportunities – whether personal or professional – and being the optimistic person that I am, often jump in head first to try and
Today, it was announced that the Greek government and the institutions of the EU had finally come to terms over a third bailout for the heavily indebted country. As an outsider with only limited information on the negotiations available, I can only speculate at the exact contents of the negotiations, but it seems clear that
Negotiation in the Eurozone; a failure of leadership Read More »
