6 Negotiation Lessons from Pawn Stars

This blog entry has been adapted from the May 2011 issue of The Master Negotiator newsletter (sign up here)

For informal negotiation training, most people would not think about watching a reality show. But, right there on the History Channel is a television show that is one of the best at demonstrating what it takes to become a great negotiator: Pawn Stars. By showcasing the daily interactions between the pawn store employees (Pawn Stars) and customers, Pawn Stars can be a perfect example of how to approach a negotiation, as well as how not to approach a negotiation.

Please download pictures

In the video above, the Pawn Stars share tips gleaned from their years of experience of daily negotiations with many different customers. One thing to keep in mind while watching the video and reading this newsletter: these negotiation lessons extend to the world outside of pawn shops as well.

While working on your next deal, follow these negotiation tips from Pawn Stars for a successful outcome:

  1. Treat everyone with respect. This is something that is clearly emphasized by the Pawn Stars. What most of our parents taught us about how to treat others was solid advice in the world of negotiation. If you treat everyone with courtesy and respect, you will have few problems dealing with people and you will be able to finalize more deals. Why be courteous and respectful to a pawn shop dealer? Because they will do equally well without your life-long treasure. If you can’t sell your product to a private party, and now, because of your lack of courtesy and respect, the pawn shop worker no longer wants to deal with you, when you leave, you will have very few options.

Continue reading article

What’s Your Negotiating Style?

Are you an Amiable, an Analytical, a Driver or a Blend?

Pie chart

Find out your negotiating style by participating in our unofficial study. In one month we’ll publish an infographic with the percentages of each style and which industries you might expect to find them: the more people who take the test, the better! If you’d like to see the results sooner, connect with us through Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Asking for a Pay Raise

10 Steps to Negotiating a Pay Raise

Several times a year, participants will ask us, “Do you have any tips for asking for a raise?” Any negotiation regarding a sensitive issue like a raise can be difficult to negotiate. It is difficult because if your boss agrees to the raise, it almost always has multiple implications like an impact to her budget or creating a situation where other employees feel they are also entitled to a raise. For you, not getting the raise could ultimately impact your ability to live in the style you envision or have become accustomed to living. Asking for a raise can also be a risk. Not asking for a raise can carry a personal price. So, if you are going to tackle this topic, you need a plan. The following 10 tips will help you in maximizing your chances of obtaining a raise.

Continue reading “Asking for a Pay Raise” »

Negotiation Articles

The following articles are Peter Stark’s “Must Read” for anyone that wants to improve their negotiating skills

Negotiating Win-Win Outcomes

The best outcome in any negotiation is a win/win outcome. A win/win outcome allows both parties in the negotiation to walk away with a positive feeling and a sense of accomplishing their objectives. Since few negotiations are one-time affairs, a win/win outcome allows both parties to leave the door open for future negotiations.

Continue reading “Negotiation Articles” »