The Sitagita virtual online course on Corporate etiquette
Virtual Workshops on soft skills for today's
woman
Every Tuesday
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The nuances of negotiation
As a corporate professional with an eye to making your presence felt in the
corporate echelons, it would be wise to brush up on your negotiating skills as
this forms a large part of business dealings. Making and winning deals across
boardroom tables, shaking hands on a good deal across restaurant tables,
striking up contacts at cocktail parties are all a part of networking and
negotiating that form the essence of corporate strategy.
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Win win… the nuances of negotiation
Unless you create a win-win negotiating situation, everyone loses eventually.
If you win and your customer loses, you will lose that customer. If your
customer wins and you lose, you can go out of business. Win-win is the only
way!
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How can you facilitate negotiations?
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Respect time by being punctual and
prepared.
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Work on your communication skills.
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Be careful of the word 'why', though,
because it can be perceived as accusatory.
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Invite discussion, and be open to
correction and persuasion.
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When in doubt, use silence.
Party
Panache
What do you think of the cold clammy
hand that is offered for a handshake? Or the executive who is juggling glass
and napkin every time she is introduced? Don't fall prey to amateurish
enthusiasm and come across as gauche.
However, party panache is easily
mastered. By learning a few simple rules and by practicing some easy
maneuvering, you, too, can handle cocktails with panache and make an impressive
first impression.
A seasoned partygoer understands why
she's attending an event.
She has done her homework about the other attendees, and has determined her
goals in attending.
Cocktail conversation
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Listen before jumping into a conversation.
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Make eye contact with one person in the group, smile and listen
until they include you.
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Introduce yourself only when there is a pause in the
conversation.
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If you have something relevant to add to a group's conversation,
you may join in and then introduce yourself afterward.
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To initiate a conversation, you can talk about the situation,
talk about yourself, or talk about the other person.
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Avoid taboo topics.
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Don't blend; circulate.
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Always remember to close a conversation.
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Shake hands and take your leave.
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Work on attitude
Set out in a positive state of mind. Or stay home; there is no alternative if
you want to succeed.
When you walk into a room, walk with purpose.
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Keep Your Purpose in Mind:
Don't make food and drink your focus.
Social occasions, especially those that are business-related,
are about people and making connections.
Concentrate on meeting people, and on getting into
conversations. Remember to make eye contact while having a discussion.
No one wants to talk with someone who is always scanning the
room for a more important prospect.
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Want to know more?
Hot tip
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