I’m embarrassed to admit that I’m not the best negotiator when it comes to getting a “good deal”.
I tend to accept the price that I’ve been given when I want to purchase or sell something.
I expect and believe that the person I am buying from or selling to, has the same values as me, which tends to make me quite naïve at times.
At the end of February we will be taking possession of our Motorhome, affectionately named Contessa, to start our journey to live and work around Australia for the next few years.
This meant we had to say goodbye to Connie, my beloved Lexus E350.
It was a tearful day for me as I left Connie with her new owner.
Here’s what I learned:
I had an amount in my mind that I wanted to get for Connie.
The offer I received was lower than this, not by much, but still lower.
My experience has also shown me that the first offer you get, whether that be for a car or house, etc. is often the best offer, so I was conflicted about what to do.
I shared the offer with Ross who immediately suggested I ask for more.
I didn’t know how to. I didn’t know the words to use. I didn’t know what to say.
Eventually I crafted an email and asked if we could agree on the revised figure, and if so, I would arrange to deliver Connie.
To my surprise and delight they agreed.
Wow! It’s all in the asking.
Lesson number 1 – be okay with asking.
Lesson number 2 – be mindful of the language you use to ask.
This little experience has motivated and inspired me and given me confidence.
I still have a lot to learn and practice and I share this story with you to encourage you, if you need it, to be ok with asking.
After all, if the answer is “No’, you are no worse off.
