Many times I find old content to be just as good if not better then latest content. The following is one such article.
Via Web Worker Daily:
In the new world of web work, you might find yourself negotiating by email over a job or project. Most of us know how to screw up phone or face-to-face discussions. Scotching plans by email requires a completely new approach.
Remember that email is asynchronous, impersonal, and only seemingly private. Use these characteristics to best advantage and you’ll never have to deal with a pesky email-negotiated business deal again.
Here are five unbeatable ways to screw up.
The five listed (see details by clicking link above) are:
1. Make your emails as long as possible.
- Agree
2. Don’t respond in a timely manner to emails you receive.
- Timing is a strategy. There are times to answer fast, times to answer slow. I would not consider it a “do” or “don’t” issue.
3. Learn to stalk, if warranted.
- Agree
4. Never resort to synchronous means of discussion like instant messaging or god forbid, the telephone.
- Again, a matter of strategy
5. If you suspect you have been insulted, you probably have–respond immediately in kind.
- I don’t like insults in my life. It makes the whole process tense and adds a whole new negative dimension to the interaction, one I would rather avoid.
In 2002 (or 2003) or so I wrote a guide for negotiation and gave it to members of Rick’s board members. If anyone has a copy please email me as I can’t find it.
Some points I wish to add:
1. Honesty: Still is the best policy
2. Transparency: From anonymous inquiries to fully disclosed. It depends how you feel at the time about the other side, about the circumstances. both methods can work.
3. Respect: I find it most important. Create a level of respect and rest will follow, for good or for bad. Without respect you are already losing no matter how it ends.
How do you do email negotiation? Do you have any examples? I will also have more expert posts about this subject soon. Stay tuned and please if you see fit, please add your own tips and tricks in comments area.
Read the complete post at http://www.conceptualist.com/fedclick.php?ref=http://www.conceptualist.com/2007/12/17/how-to-screw-up-an-email-negotiation/&id=1148