🎙 How to Get What You Want, Every Time.

Assalāmu ‘alaykum 👋

Faisal here.

Welcome to the Freshly Grounded newsletter, a five-minute read that gives you a week's worth of dinner table conversation topics.

Here’s what’s on the menu today:

• How to negotiate like a boss

• Pic of the day 🤣

• New episode of the pod has dropped 🔥

🔓 Negotiation: Get What You Want, Every Time

Last year I had to deal with my first decent-sized business negotiation and so after scanning the internet for pointers, I decided to get lost in the pages of a book called 'Never Split the Difference' by Chris Voss.

This book is no ordinary read. It’s written by a former FBI hostage negotiator and serves up a bunch of wisdom around how to negotiate anything. Here’s just 3 of the tips and benefits I got from the book.

ps: my negotiation went great for me!

Labelling: Put a Name to That Emotion

Labelling is about pinpointing and vocalising the emotions that the person across from you is feeling. Phrases like, "It seems like you’re disappointed by what’s being offered," can not only diffuse tension but also deepen understanding. In essence, you're holding up an emotional mirror, saying, "I see you and understand what you're going through."

The Accusation Audit

Here's another nugget: the 'Accusation Audit'. The idea is to clear the air before diving into any negotiation by addressing the negatives the other party might be thinking about you. Say things like, "You probably think I'm just another salesperson," or "You might find this too expensive." It disarms the other party, making them more receptive to your ideas.

The Power of Patience: Why Slowing Down is the Fast Track to Getting What You Want

Chris Voss offers a counterintuitive yet highly effective strategy in negotiations: slow it down and don't compromise so quickly. Most people think the faster you agree, the more harmonious the deal. But in reality, hasty compromise often leaves both parties dissatisfied.

Voss advises that slowing down the negotiation process gives you the upper hand. It creates a tension that the other party will want to resolve, often leading them to reveal more than they intended—information you can use to your advantage. Also, it allows time for you to implement other techniques like labeling or mirroring effectively.

Moreover, Voss warns against splitting the difference or meeting in the middle just for the sake of a quick agreement. This sort of compromising tends to water down the solution, making neither party truly satisfied. Instead, strive for a negotiated agreement where both sides feel they've gained something valuable.

One last gem cos i cant help myself and sorry this article has become so long but whatevr:

In "Never Split the Difference," Chris Voss introduces the tactic of posing the question, "How am I supposed to do that?" when faced with an unworkable or unfavorable proposal. This open-ended question is a form of gentle pushback that places the burden of problem-solving back onto the other party without inciting conflict or damaging the relationship. It has the psychological effect of triggering a rethink in your counterpart, making them question their own demands or offers. By doing so, you not only challenge their position but also invite them to come up with a more reasonable solution.

The Big Takeaway

The key lesson here is that life is one big negotiation. Whether you're haggling prices at the market, asking for a raise, or convincing your toddler to eat their veggies—you're negotiating. So why not arm yourself with skills that can tip the scales in your favour?

Remember, every word you say is a step closer to the outcome you desire. So pick your words wisely, my friends.

Pic of the Week

what my kids are gonna say about me

This Weeks Episode

In this weeks episode of the pod, we sit down with Abu Musa to talk all things business, money and freedom.

☕️ The Black Coffee Briefings:

Bullet-point rundown of news, updates, and caffeinated contemplations:

• The key word micro-wedding is up 508% since 2019 according to explodingtopics.com, another reason to have your simple nikkah?

• Want a business idea delivered to your inbox every other day? Check out https://oddnight.com - a brand new newsletter biz I helped get off the ground

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