Far too many prospective business buyers and sellers overlook just how important negotiations can be.  But they can also be tricky. In general, there are three approaches to negotiations. Thinking through your negotiation strategies well before the time to buy or sell is a savvy and prudent move.

Negotiation Tactic #1  Take It or Just Leave It

In this negotiating tactic, the buyer makes an offer and the seller makes a counter-offer, then both sides leave it there.  If the deal works fine. If it doesn’t work, that’s fine too.

It is usually smart to step back and ask yourself if you are comfortable with this approach.  Sometimes a small degree of flexibility can go a long way towards turning a proposed deal into a reality.

Negotiation Tactic #2  Maybe Consider Splitting the Difference

Another negotiating tactic is to simply offer to split the difference.  This tactic is pretty straightforward and it demonstrates a good deal of flexibility; however, the financials may not always make sense for both sides.

As always, it is important to think about all the factors involved in allowing a deal to fall apart, such as how much time will it take to find another buyer or another business to buy?  Showing a willingness to split the difference is often seen as a goodwill offer that can facilitate further negotiations within an environment of lower emotional intensity.

Remember, as long as the two sides are talking, a deal may be reached.  But when communication ceases, then the deal is definitely finished and not in a good way.

Negotiation Tactic #3  Negotiation from What is Most Important to Each Party

Understanding what is most important to both parties is usually critical for a successful deal.  Important areas can range from allowing a relative to stay with the business to moving the business to a new location.  Not all key points are directly linked to money, and it is vital to understand this all-important negotiating fact.

Negotiation Tactic #4  Bring in a Pro

In negotiations there is an old adage, “Never negotiate your own deal.”  Emotions can run high when it comes to buying or selling a business and then there is the problem of perspective.  Buyers and sellers are often lack the perspective that an outsider can bring.

Opting for help and guidance from someone who buys and sells businesses for a living, can be a huge step in the right direction.  Through a professional business broker, it is possible to not only establish a fair price but also address the array of intangibles that can go into buying and selling a business.

At the end of the day, deals are put together piece by piece, and skill is involved in the process.  Working with others is at the heart of successful negotiation, and that means taking into consideration what the other side wants and what the other side needs.