In the realm of negotiations, I’ve developed a sense of confidence. Where I used to waver or hesitate, I now stand firm, prepared, and poised, and I owe it all to the wisdom found in the book “Never Split the Difference.”
Today’s bargaining scenario unfolded on Facebook Marketplace, where a potential buyer showed interest in our desk and requested delivery. The 2.5-mile drive didn’t pose an issue, but what did catch me off guard was the inevitable “Can you offer a discount?” To this, I responded with a subtle shift, asking, “For what reason?”
His reply, “The desk,” offered nothing novel to the negotiating table. So, I probed further, “I mean, what’s the reasoning behind seeking a discount?” This tactic put him in the hot seat, forcing him to reveal his cards. He admitted, “So that I can save some money.” I countered, “And in turn, I’d earn less?” This prompted him to quickly backtrack, saying, “I’m okay with the price as it is.” A valiant effort, but not quite enough to sway me.
I can’t stress enough how frequently I impart these negotiation principles to everyone. Seriously, do yourself a favor and read the book!
It appears that my rental vehicle will be a Chevy Spark, the smaller, distant cousin of our trusty Volt, that we’ll pick up tomorrow, and will grace our driveway for the next month.
What’s surprising is that we have to cover the initial cost and then seek reimbursement. It’s a fortunate situation for us to be able to front the expenses, but what about those who rely on a single vehicle and find themselves in an accident that isn’t their fault? Isn’t it odd that they must pay out of pocket?
Sometimes, hearing people’s stories can be quite heart-wrenching. One client shared their journey with a severe mental health diagnosis, that’s left them questioning their identity. Is it real, is it not, they don’t know. And that they’ve been through a cycle of medications that’s created dependencies and fears makes it all the more tough. My hope is to help them navigate through this and find some solid ground to stand on.
Playing Dungeons & Dragons with our newly Germany-living friend was a unique experience. As he joined us at 6 a.m. his time, yawning and sipping his coffee, he couldn’t help but express his envy as we prepared for bed. He said, “Sundays here are so different here. Everything is closed, and no one operates a lawnmower or vacuum cleaner. It’s incredibly peaceful.” He also mentioned that weekday quiet hours extend from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., and he realized that his spirited participation in our game was probably not ideal. “We might need to switch to a weekend during non-quiet hours,” he suggested.
I was about to mention how I could use some mandatory downtime, but I’ve also been diligent about enhancing the quality of my personal time.
With a rocky 0-3 start, I knew Stella, also known as the Seattle Kraken, would eventually find their groove, and they did. Facing a formidable 3-1 team, they are now leading 4-1. Hooray!
Since my mind is absent of content, it seems I’ve cleared out all the mental clutter and spare change. Time to focus on the game.
Take care! Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 