When negotiating with business deals, do you look for mutual benefits with the other companies? If so, explain.
Kristen: I do. I feel that mutual benefits are a way that allows both companies to grow in the industry. By allowing both companies to benefit from the business deals, you are actually creating a bond that will guarantee you business in the future. Technomedia is a strong growing company that has been known for doing multiple business deals with multiple worldwide companies. We are strong because of our repetitive contracts with Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister Co, Hard Rock, and many more. These companies tend to continue with our services not only because of our level of service that we provide, but also because of the benefits they also receive by negotiating with us. When creating new business deals with old cliental, I aim to keep it that way.
What are your personal techniques when dealing with negotiations that get heated too quickly? What do you do to separate the people from the problem?
Kristen: When creating business deals that are worth millions and millions of dollars, it can sometimes become heated quickly. Obviously, there are going to be things that both companies both agree and disagree upon. The main thing to remember when negotiating is that it is always okay to take a break. Sometimes I find that giving people the chance to calm down and relax allows them to be able to negotiate more realistically and calmly. For me personally, separating the people from the problem has always been a huge factor. We always have to remember that just because someone feels differently then we do, doesn't mean they are necessarily incorrect. For example, if we wanted to charge one hundred dollars for a certain service, and they only wanted to pay us seventy five, it would just be a matter of discussing why we both felt the way we did then coming to some sort of agreement. With negotiating people should always remember to pick their battles wisely.
Do you often use objective criteria when negotiating? Why or why not?
Kristen: Absolutely. I feel that anyone who wants to be taken seriously when conducting any sort of negotiation should be fully prepared and have objective criteria ready for use. From experience, objective criteria is often a huge role in the outcome of a negotiation. People in today's society build their beliefs on facts. If you can prove that "9/10 people enjoy this product over this one", most people would take your word for it. My best advice to those who wish to enter the world of negotiating would be to always be one step ahead and always know more then what you think you should, you never know when it'll be handy.
