Shark Repellent

Keep bullies at bay with these negotiating tips.

By Marc Diener • May 5, 2006 Originally published Aug 8, 2005

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

If you react to intimidation by counterattacking, walking awayor caving, there's a better way: Stand your ground, andnegotiate.

Stay cool. Above all, relax. Ignore the theatrics. Ifyour opponent keeps interrupting, politely ask him or her to stop.Create a tactful timeout, such as another appointment. Not reactingmay take supreme self-control, but your maturity will pay off.Also, don't allow experts, celebrities or business leaders topsych you out.

Refocus on the issues. Intimidation is not the issue.Your deal is. No matter how long it takes, keep bringing thediscussion back to the real concerns: price, services, time periodsand so on.

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