Negotiation: Mastering the Dance in the Music Industry.

Negotiation is an art form, a delicate dance that requires a balance of assertiveness and empathy. It requires a blend of rhythm, harmony, and a touch of improvisation. It's a skill I've been refining throughout my journey. Here are the top skills I believe are crucial in any negotiation:

1. Active Listening: This is the foundation of any successful negotiation. Understanding the other party's needs, wants, and concerns is crucial. It's not just about hearing the words they say, but also picking up on non-verbal cues and understanding their perspective.

2. Clear Communication: Be clear, concise, and articulate in your communication. This helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensures that your needs and expectations are understood.

3. Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing your emotions, as well as being able to read and respond to the emotions of others, is key. This can help you build rapport, navigate difficult conversations, and reach a resolution that satisfies all parties.

4. Preparation: Do your homework. Understand the market, know your worth, and be clear on what you're willing to compromise on and where you draw the line.

5. Patience: Negotiations can take time. Don't rush the process. Patience can lead to better outcomes as it gives you the time to consider all options and make the best decision.

Remember, the goal of negotiation is not to 'win' but to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. It's about building relationships, not burning bridges. Mutually beneficial agreements are agreements where both parties can see value in the deal. Crucially important to this is to understand that the way in which two people, entities or companies perceive value is almost always going to be slightly different. If you can understand value from THEIR perspective, you will likely leave a negotiation happy.

Link to an article about negotiation skills

May we keep going, growing and learning 🥷

Blessings,

Milan