Negotiations are not limited to politicians, business owners, or world leaders. In fact, negotiations happen all the time, and everyone negotiates in some form or another. For instance, when purchasing a house, you negotiate the price; when offered a job, you negotiate the salary. Even teenagers negotiate with their parents for permission to hang out with friends or extend their curfew.
However, not everyone is good at negotiating. When negotiating, all parties involved want to be heard and get something out of the deal. It is a form of compromise. However, negotiations can sometimes leave one party feeling like they received an unfair deal. That’s because negotiating isn’t easy. There’s an art to it. Negotiating fairly can be a challenge, especially when the other party is not physically present, sitting across from you.
Negotiating well is an art that depends on several factors. One of these is the location of the meeting and your approach. The location of the meeting matters when negotiating, and a neutral place is always the best option. Additionally, your technique also plays a crucial role in the process. You may be an emotional negotiator, a positive one, a collaborative one, an analytical one, a confident one, or a competitive one.
Regardless of your style of negotiation, in today’s ever-evolving and technologically advanced digital world, in-person negotiations hold more significance than ever before. The value of face-to-face, in-person, human-to-human (and not human-to-digital) meetings and interactions can not be quantified as they are invaluable for maintaining healthy relationships and connections. Negotiations are integral to human interaction as they help us communicate our needs and requirements effectively. Therefore, we can conclude that negotiations play a pivotal role in building and strengthening relationships.
“Digital advancements like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and now artificial reality have become an integral part of our daily lives. It’s easy for businesses to overlook the power of basic face-to-face discussions,” stated Ian Attwood, CEO of Credico UK. “Negotiations can become challenging, and businesses must learn to do it well to thrive.”
Having an in-person meeting can be more engaging and lead to a deeper level of honesty between individuals. You can read their body language and interpret non-verbal cues, which can result in more captivating conversations. This can lead to a stronger sense of trust in business relationships, ultimately helping them flourish. The connection formed during in-person meetings tends to be more personal and meaningful.
Although technology has its benefits, there is no substitute for face-to-face interactions. One of the advantages of meeting in person is the absence of digital disruptions, such as internet connectivity problems or audio/video glitches. When you are physically present with the people you are meeting, the chances of experiencing a technological hitch are significantly lower because everyone needed for the meeting is in the room.
Face-to-face meetings and negotiations offer businesses a better understanding of their business terms, agreements, and future prospects. It ultimately strengthens their business relationships with both clients and customers, leading to brand loyalty. These interactions provide valuable insights, which are the foundations for delivering a truly unique brand experience. They demonstrate a commitment to putting the client and partnership first and fulfilling their individual needs.
Communication through email can sometimes be ineffective and even lead to misunderstandings if not carefully crafted. This can create unnecessary tension. On the other hand, a productive meeting allows for real-time interaction, giving both parties an equal opportunity to share their updates, ask questions, and voice their concerns to key decision-makers in the same room. This approach saves time and money in the long run.
Credico UK prioritizes in-person interactions, valuing the trust, connection, and understanding they foster while still appreciating the convenience of technology.