The Art of Negotiation

Negotiation is the discussion and arrangement of terms in order to reach a resolution both sides are happy with. We negotiate how much we should pay for the roof over our head, the best title for an article we wrote, if Kanye West is the greatest hip-hop artist of all time, and we even negotiate which brand of coffee to buy. It is inevitable that negotiation takes a presence in our daily lives.

The purpose of negotiating is not simply to win an argument though. Negotiating is to satisfy your needs, while possibly sacrificing other factors to have that need met.

 It is easily forgotten when discussing an issue with someone opposing your concern that the person against you may not be actually against what you believe. This is because we tend to focus on the sole argument at hand. Step away from the issue, realizing in the heat of an argument, you are speaking with another human being. Ask the person what interests him or her; poke around to see if there is something you can place on the table to appease the opposing side. Also, be aware the person against you may be against you due to a previous insult. Always treat people as with politeness and charm as to never burn a bridge that provides easy travels.

For example, you request a raise at work of $2,000, knowing the company is only allowed to allocate annual raises of $1,000. Your boss tells you if the policy wasn’t in place, you would receive the raise as it is well deserved. You respond with options how to receive the raise, offering to take the $1,000 allotted for the year and the other $1,000 as a bonus not to be associated with an annual raise. Whether the outcome of this discussion was successful or not, the point is there are ways to work around a problem.

Another key attribute in negotiation is to only discuss objective data. Emotions get stirred when a person believes they are being attacked. Using objective data leaves no room for someone to feel attacked.

For example, you call a roofing contractor to your home for an annual inspection and the contractor tells you to get only parts of your roof repaired instead of the entire roof. The contractor quotes the repairs at $10,000. You find this to be an issue because you want the entire roof redone, as it is passed due and you want ensured protection of your home and family. Use objective information to define your point by inquiring the rates of other contractors for roof repairs in your area, as well as the sole purpose to fulfill a complete roof replacement as originally requested.

A final factor in the negotiation process that can make all the difference is acknowledging what the other side wants from you. Verbalize the exact result you are looking to gain from the negotiation, as your opponent may be completely unaware of your intent or needs. Your adversary may be uninformed regarding the importance in having a stable roof, thinking the problem is the pricing. Talk about what you want out of the negotiation; verbalize your needs so the other is educated on the subject at hand. This way, your opponent has the opportunity to change his or her attitude towards the discussion, or factors involved, possibly lending further options for a resolution to make both sides happy.

The subject of topic up for negotiation is irrelevant. How you treat people (as humans), with objective information, and see what the other side wants is what matters most. Negotiation is a tactical skill that takes time and practice to master, but once you do, getting to where you are heading becomes easier as more routes become available.

Society Fooled By Adobe's Photoshop

Society stresses the over-use of Photoshop, a photo-editing program by Adobe, on public figures, claiming the program blurs the line of what is real and what is fake.

Photos streaming the Internet community make headlines every time a celebrity’s unedited photos get leaked. Companies release campaigns that get bashed by the public for being ‘too Photoshopped’. The truly blurred lines between Photoshop and reality debuts from misguided truths of what is actually touched-up and what is not.

Photoshop is a post-production tool used to correct minor flaws and not for sole creation alone. Advertisements displayed across the inner beginning pages of Vogue Magazine are seen as flawless, making the viewer questions its authenticity. In March of 2013, L’Oreal “permanently discontinued” a set of mascara campaign advertisements due to claims of excessive Photoshop. But what goes into that L’Oreal headshot alone?

To start an advertising campaign, the company selects a model or celebrity to represent the brand or product. Usually the model already has close to flawless skin. Liquid makeup is placed on the models skin for an overall smooth base of foundation. Then a professional makeup artist applies high-quality makeup exclusive to specialists in the industry. After all of this is said and done, the photo shoot takes place and the photographer will then retouch the images to remove flyaway strands of hair, control light (if need be), and other small errors that would take the reader’s eye away from the brand or product.

The public is overly misled by how Photoshop works, what its purpose is, and who uses Photoshop. When it is even being used the statement, “it’s too Photoshopped,” has become a regularly occurrence. The photo shoot was probably a full-day production, with numerous salaries at work and endless light changes.

This year marks Photoshop’s 25^th birthday with the Alex Amado, Adobe’s senior director of creative and media, claiming “a huge milestone” for the photo-editing software program.

"It's the tool we put out into the world that's had the broadest impact," Amado said. "It's used in the design process of pretty much everything we see and touch these days—every ad you've reviewed, all the photography in every publication, everything from logos on T-shirts to billboards, industrial design and the movies."

So before making the claim “it’s too Photoshopped”, think about all the professionals involved in one single shot.

The Best Gift Guide For Valentine’s Day

As an adult, Valentine’s Day might become a bit of a burden. But if looked at from the perspective of purely being viewed as confirmation to your relationship’s significance, whether that relationship is work relation, personal, or simply to show admiration to those that matter in your life, the validation you show is what truly matters to people around you.

Here are some amazing gifts to treat someone with, making him or her feel quite special this Valentine’s Day:

Minted

Modern romance makes a bold statement this year with styled photography prints. Take a client’s logo or photo to have matted down on premium paper with an aesthetically pleasing frame. You can add text to your company’s logo or add a date to your gift, possibly referring to when the company was originally established. You can also create a blur around the existing text for some visual fun!

Heated Travel Mug

Did someone say thank you? I think I heard a whisper of gratitude for the ease in the morning commute. This coffee mug gizmo highlights style through professionalism with a retro style and glossy finish while sipping warm caffeine to jumpstart your day. Ditch your microwave; this is the sip of the future!

Spotify Premium

After trying Spotify for your 30-day free trial, you will experience its limitless music platform! Who doesn’t have a playlist running when concentrating intently? If you haven’t found your little piece of heaven yet you will now! Experience no advertisements (meaning no breaks in your focus), the option to play any song from any artist, download and listen to music without Internet connection as well as the option to listen to your favorites in high definition! Stay tuned into your work through Spotify!

Tip: Try these stations for optimal focus: tranquil with a beat, creativity boost, peaceful piano, or electronic study music.

Wooden Watches

Nobody can be a “master” if he or she cannot master the time! Knowing if you will you have arrived in good fashion is told by the time of your literal entrance. Never be late with a classic, wooden watch, while also sparking up endearing conversation with your handmade and authentic timepiece!

Tip: This watch is a unisex timepiece that will not only catch the attention of anyone, but men. Nice tip to being viewed as an equal as well as support the arts!

Valentine’s Day is not about receiving gifts of high quality, but quality items that will make you feel unique, no matter the relationship. Give a gift this Valentine’s Day … I bet that person you gift will remember the gesture in the future.

How To Dress For Your Work Environment

For those of you who are unsure of the typical in-the-office etiquette on corporate to causal swag, this post is for you! What makes an outfit acceptable or not isn’t what is physically being worn, but how people perceive you when wearing a certain item.

Corporate Attire

A 2-piece dark suit in a classic cut with pinstripes or another simple pattern is your safety, go-to outfit. Accompany your suit blazer with a white, crisp dress shirt. Traditional patent leather shoes are a solid wear for men and patent leather pumps for the ladies. You can never go wrong with neutral colored makeup and neatly styled hair.

Business Attire

Similar to corporate attire, a 2-piece blazer and dress pants also works under this dress code category. The exception? Throw some flair out there with colorful prints and patterns! You can use a wide range of styles here so go for it!  Shoes and makeup should remain neutral, unless your outfit is neutral, then spunk it up with some eye-catching shoes and a belt. Jewelry and nail polish is also a nice personality popper, still trustworthy to sport in a conservative work environment.

Business Casual aka Smart Casual Day

Big question when it comes to casual Friday! Let me lay down the law ... jeans are appropriate as long as holes, tears, stains or any other demeaning spot is obviously noticeable, as well as the condition that clients are absent from the office. Cardigans, vests, and flats are also allowed.

Note that women and men have different style guidelines to follow … like how men can wear shorts and women probably should avoid wearing shorts, even if allowed. Under some circumstances, shorts may quite possibly be appropriate if they are on the longer, baggier side, with stockings or leggings underneath to hide all visible flesh.

It is a good idea to see if your company has a strict dress code policy and if you are still unsure, it never hurts to ask! When it comes to your professional image, always be play the safe hand as you only get one shot to ruin your reputation.

Fun fact: If you work at an advertising agency, anything Star Wars related might earn you some brownie points on your higher rank’s personality!

Tumblr The New Social Media Platform

For years, Tumblr has been the social media outlet for photo-interested college students and creative users. With call-to-action pieces being implemented in blog posts, along with other web-based content, Fortune 500 companies are taking advantage of this social medium.

Tumblr is just now being tapped into as social media specialists are looking for new ways to differentiate their company’s audience, especially as Generation Y and the Millennials take over where their company’s posts are being displayed.

Tip: Since Generation Y and the Millennials evolve as social media does, let them take the reigns and see how your company progresses. Take a chance to come out ahead.

Here are some benefits to Tumblr and why the big guys are reaping the benefits of this less unexploited social site:

Blogging alternative:

Not every company operates a written blog, even though they should. Sometimes, people are too busy to write or are not comfortable with their public voice, so they prefer a photo blog instead! Since Tumblr is photo-based, companies manage their image and increase impressions by posting detailed, interesting, or beautifully designed images instead. Your consumers will retain the same message without having to read a description, and a photo always lasts longer in a person’s mind anyways.

Tags are still tags, no matter where they originate

Tumblr uses the same basics to connect as all other social sites. You can still tag, which shows up in Google search results. This is the primary component to finding other’s blogs to follow and directly why users are able to discover one another. Pay attention to tags that are trending and used most often.

Operations are a-go Captain

Each user can follow, like, tag and post, as well as install tools to make operating the site easy. The trick to being “popular” on social media sites in interaction! Follow people you have not yet discovered, reply to posts you favor, and post often to boost your traffic. You can also view and monitor traffic via Google Analytics!

"Tumblr is one of the most visually appealing and user-friendly platforms out there, so it was an effective way to build our community online," says Lucy McIntyre, VP Communications at Andre Balazs Properties. McIntyre also helped to set up a Tumblr account for The Standard Hotel, who’s blog is packed with content from guest bloggers, downloadable music, and product pictures, reports Mashable.

Try something different to stand out. Worst-case scenario, your name appears more frequently in Google search results!