Negotiating For A Living: 2010

Hello All:

Well, here we are at the brink of 2010! The past year was a great and profitable year for those of us who have taken our negotiating skills to the next level. In the coming year I will share with you, my faithful subscribers, some new strategies and tactics I'm currently using to bring in consistent cash flow in a down economy.

That being said, on behalf of myself and everyone here at Negotiating For A Living may the New Year bring you and yours many blessings and success in all your endeavors.

Happy New Year.

James A. Gage

www.NegotiatingForALiving.com

Negotiating Wishes

On behalf of myself and everyone here at Negotiating For A Living we wish to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah.

As we rest and spend time with our loved ones and families, let's get ready to make 2010 the best year yet!

Peace be with You.

James A. Gage

Negotiating Tip For 2010

Hello All:

I know everyone, including me, is doing their last minute Christmas shopping and that's all that is in our cross hair's - but....
I would ask everyone to take a few minutes and ask yourself what 2010 will look like for you in relation to negotiating? Will 2010 be another 2009? Will you end up on the short end of the stick because you have not learned how to negotiate on your terms? Maybe you have been side tracked by life and all that goes along with the journey, or maybe, you have been on the fence on whether you should open your own negotiating business?

My point is what you need, is not someone to force you into something you are not prepared to embark upon, rather you need information and education! If you are committed to make 2010 a profitable year, then click here and sign up for my Free Newsletter with all the tips and strategies I use to run a profitable negotiating business for the last 20 plus years.

Until next time.

James A. Gage

Negotiating For A Living: Jump Start Your 2010 Finances

How would you like to be financially secure in 2010?

I know a lot of people are worried about the economy right now --
but YOU don't have to be one of them!

That's because you still have a chance to recession-proof your income
by building your own lucrative negotiating business.

And I want to help you do it in just 5 days !

Sounds crazy? Well, consider this...

In September, 36 regular people with no negotiating skills what so ever... no
websites... and a start up budget of $100.00 ... went away from my
website on a Monday morning.

By Friday afternoon, they ALL had their own REAL Independent
Arbitration business up and running.

It was an incredible success -- and now I'm offering the chance to
you again in 2009; we are only weeks away from 2010 – why not hit the ground running in the New Year?

Click here now to find out how YOU can be one of them.

http://www.negotiatingforaliving.com/negotiating-tools.html

To your success,

James A. Gage
www.NegotiatingForALiving.com

Negotiating Tip

Hello Everyone:

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with your families and friends. Today I would like to share a negotiating tip that I learned many years ago which has increased my bank account 10 fold - that is....

"The first to mention price always ends up on the short end of the stick!"

When you blurt out a price you are willing to accept for your product, or especially your services, you are giving away your upside potential! Let your prospect or client make the first move in relation to compensation - you might be surprised on what you receive.

Be well.

James A. Gage

Negotiating Tip: Why clients don’t say YES

There are only 2 reasons, other than money, why clients don’t say YES.

#1 They don’t understand the information presented.

#2 They don’t see how it benefits them.

And the only way you’re going to know is by asking questions. Becoming a powerful communicator is the number one skill you need to be successful. The best part is that this is an easy and painless way to catapult your business to the top.

You can learn how to communicate effectively with anyone, really.

To be incredibly successful, you need to realize the person who makes the most money is the best communicator. Learn the principles of communication and practice them. Perfect the principles before you worry about learning specialized techniques for your particular business.

The communication skills you need to be successful in earning money are the same skills you need to be successful in any area of your life. I can tell you for a fact that the people you’re going to be talking to don’t care if you know every little thing about your topic, they care that you care about them.

If you show that you care about who they are, and what they need, and what they want, they will be incredibly forgiving of your level of knowledge of the product, or technique or whatever you’re discussing. Right from the beginning, even if you don’t have everything all figured out, you can be very successful just by caring about the people that you’re talking to.

Negotiating Tip: Helping Others

Hello All:

Have you ever encountered a homeowner that is in pre-foreclosure and there is no way you can help them because of the numbers? Of course, we all have and as ethicial real estate investors we want to help people even if there is not a pay day in it for us.

So, that being said, I have used this non-profit organization that will help the homeowner, FREE of charge, obtain a loan modification. This organization is Springboard, which is endorsed by the Attorney General of the State of Massachusetts, Martha Coakley. They can be reached at 951-781-0114. They also provide credit counseling for FREE, which will provide a certificate, if an individual needs to file bankruptcy! Since the bankruptcy laws changed in 2005, you must have a counseling certificate before you can file a bankruptcy petition.

Until next time - be well.

James Gage

Negotiating Tip: How To Keep in Control of Negotiations

How do you keep in control of negotiations has been an age old problem since the time of the Romans. Many times the negotiations start out with you in control, and rapidly spiral out of control allowing your opponent to gain control and eventually claim victory in the negotiations.

So here is the million dollar question, how do you prevent this from happening? Good question, I’m glad you asked! Let’s say your in the heat of negotiations and suddenly you feel the scales of power tipping in favor of your opponent – what do you do?
Do you sit back, let it happen and chalk this one up in the lose column? Do you become argumentative and get up and leave? Or do you take what you can get, and walk away with the notion that something is better than nothing?
Absolutely not! You employ a tactic known as a side bar : definition: a discussion between the judge and attorneys at the bench off the record and outside the hearing of the jurors or spectators, often focusing on issues other then the main issue.

So this is what you do. You have 2 choices, you can ask a question or start addressing an issue that is off the main point in order to regain control, and once you feel your back in control of the negotiations you can revisit the main point(s) of the negotiations.
If there is a single issue you’re negotiating, ask for a break to use the restroom, or to make a phone call, or even to retrieve something from your vehicle! The purpose of this tactic is to break your opponent’s rhythm, stop their forward progression, throw their game off and cause them, when reengaged to revert back to their submissive position in the negotiations. Contrary to popular belief, not all negotiations are a “win – win” situation; the mark of a great negotiator is always striving to be on the win side of the equation.

To your success,

James A. Gage

Negotiating: Happy Father's Day

To all of you that are Fathers out there - Happy Father's Day!

I wish you a great day with your family.

Be well.

James Gage

Negotiating Tips : Internal Revenue

Hello All:

Did you know that you can negotiate tax liabilities with the IRS? Yes, that's right - you can! There are a number of ways to obtain a favorable settlement with the IRS, here are a few:

1. Installment Agreement : Simply a payment plan.
2. Offer & Compromise : Lump sum settlement.
3. Hardship : Allows elimination or postponement of tax obligation.

Keep in mind the longer the debt is owed, the more interest and penalties accrue. However, interest is mandated by Federal Law, but penalties can be negotiated and eliminated. So don't be afraid of negotiating your tax debts with the IRS; you'll be surprised what you will be able to achieve.

Negotiating Tips: New Video

Hello All :

My new video on Negotiating For  A Living has just been released, why not stop by :
http://www.NegotiatingForALiving.com  and learn how you can make a 6 figure income on a part-time basis.

Be well,

James A. Gage

Negoiating Tip: Do you think there may be some opportunity here?

Hello All:

Thought you may be interested in this article I just read on the web. This is just conformation on what I have been saying about how, NOW, is the time to get your own Independent arbitration Business up and running - Don't miss out!!!!!

Bankruptcies surge despite law
Personal and corporate filings may reach 1.5 million in 2009

RALEIGH, N.C. — The number of U.S. businesses and individuals declaring bankruptcy is rising with a vengeance amid the recession, despite a three-year-old federal law that has made it much tougher for Americans to escape their debts, an Associated Press analysis found.

“There’s no end in sight,” said bankruptcy lawyer Bryan Elliott of Hickory, N.C., who is working seven days a week and scheduling prospective clients a month in advance. “To be doing this well and having this much business, it is depressing. It’s not a laugh-a-minute job.”

Nearly 1.2 million debtors filed for bankruptcy in the past 12 months, according to federal court records collected and analyzed by the AP. Last month, 130,831 sought bankruptcy protection — an increase of 46 percent over March 2008 and 81 percent over the same month in 2007.

Bob Lawless, a professor at the University of Illinois College of Law, said bankruptcies could reach 1.5 million this year and level off at 1.6 million next year — around the same time economists expect an economic recovery to begin.

Congress voted in 2005 to make bankruptcy more cumbersome after years of intense lobbying from the nation’s lenders, who complained that people were abusing the system. Before the move to change the law, bankruptcies were running at what was then an all-time high of about 1.6 million per year.

The tighter requirements initially appeared to work, with bankruptcies plummeting from a record-shattering 2 million cases in 2005 — a total that reflected a rush to file before the new law took effect — to 600,000 in 2006. But now bankruptcies are booming again.

Get started today in this lucrative business: http://www.NegotiatingForALiving.com

Negotiating Tips: Real Estate Short Sales Part 3

Hello All:

Here we are at blog entry # 3 on how I negotiated a short sale for way under fair market value.

After the Realtor presented my concerns and offer to the bank, the bank counted with a higher sales price dismissing my fix up costs. So what did I do? I had contractors sign affidavits substantiating my fix up costs and assessment of the property, I then submitted this and the original offer back to the bank.

Less then 24 hours later the bank agreed to my terms. Why? I was able to document and substantiate what I represented in negotiations.

Remember, when you have the facts on your side, you argue the facts, when you have the law on your side,you argue the law, when you have neither, you pound the table.

Until next time.

James A. Gage

Negotiating Tips: Real Estate Short Sale - Part 2

Hello All:

Welcome to part 2 of how I negotiate a pre-foreclosure way under fair market value. As you read in the last post I assembled some pointed info that assisted me during the negotiations.
This is what I did with it...

First, I knew their chances of taking a substantial below market offer was high, due to the days on market, which was 180 days. Secondly, it had been vacant for a long time meaning the longer it stays that way the greater chance of vandalism and the greater chance that the bank will have their insurance policy canceled ( Most insurance companies will not insure vacant properties).

So during the first round of offers we strongly stress these waiting hazards with the listing realtor, so they may also stress to the bank are concerns for their property when they presented my offer. My goal here was to cause the bank to feel the pain of what if(s)!

During my next post I will explain how things ended up.

Until next time be well.

James A. Gage

Negotiating Tips: RealEstate Short Sale - Part 1

Hello All:

As I said in my last post, I would be blogging about how I obtained a home way under fair market value through the use of negotiating stratergies and tactics.

The first thing I did is something I learned a long time ago : Know your compettition, know your subject matter; another words I needed to know the property.
I found out how long the property was on with the realtor, was it vacant, where was the owner, who were the bank or banks involved, what did the market hold. when I received the information it played out like this:

On the Market : 180 days
It was vacant for months, owner moved out of US and was being represented by an attorney.
The note was bought from a bank that went out of business.
The market showed that homes of similar square fotage and layout sold for a pricing point between $120k - $149K.

On my next post I will show you how I took this info and formulated mu offer to the bank.

Be well,

James A. Gage

Negotiating Tips: Real Estate

Hello All:

It's been awhile since my last blog entry, so I wanted to let you know what I was up to! I have been in the process of negotiating a pre-foreclosure deal (aka Short Sale) with a bank, which will remain nameless. This is one of the things I do with the income I receive from my Negotiating For A Living business! That being said, many have e-mailed me saying they do not beleive that you can buy property 50 cents on the dollar, even in this economy.

Nothing could be further from the truth, it's all about negotiating and your skills and ability to get your position across. You see this particular home was on the market with a $250,000.00 mortgage, I offered $75k, and guess what? They took it! I beleive that equals 30 cents on the dollar! This house needs only inside paint and then will be ready to do a lease option or straight sale, which ever one materalizes it will equal $$$$$$$$$$ for me to the tune of 40-50k - not bad. That equals about a 58%-70% return give or take on my money.

In up coming posts I will breakdown some of the tactics and negotiating stratergies I used in this deal.

Be well...

Negotiating Tip: Do I need a Negotiating Trainer?

One of the most important questions you have to answer for yourself as you build your negotiating business is who are you going to listen to and learn from?

This is especially true now with so many home based business marketers vying for your attention and screaming “me, me, me!”

I have found that there are 3 types of “teachers & trainers” on the internet, and only one type is always worth following:

Type 1 - Someone who has read a book or gone to a seminar on a topic, has never successfully done it, and is now going to teach you how to do it. I recommend my RLH response here: Run Like Hell!

Type 2 - Teacher has successfully done what you want to learn, is going to teach you, but is no longer doing it. Approach with caution: while you might be able to learn some good tips and strategies, you will be learning what got them where they are, not what they are doing right now to be successful. You won’t learn leading edge new stuff.

Type 3 - Teacher has successfully done what you want to learn, is going to teach you, and continues to do what is being taught. With this kind of teacher you get it all: what got them to where they are, what they are doing now to continue to grow, and what are the new next steps and strategies to keep you moving forward.

This is the kind of teacher with whom I will spend my time and money. By the way type 3 is what describes my One-on-One Mentoring philosphy which I have practiced for over 22 years!

My recommendation: Learn from and follow only those who have done it, are teaching it, and continue to do it in their own businesses every day.

If you agree as I do, that this is the best approach to becoming successful in the shortest time frame possible, please stop by : http://www.NegotiatingForALiving.com
and see the varity of programs we have avaiable to make you successful in todays market.

Negotiating Tips: Can you believe this?

Hello All:

If this article doesn't move you to open your own Negotiating business I don't know what will. We are their only hope to stay viable - visit :

http://www.NegotiatingForALiving.com

Business bankruptcies keep rising; no relief in sight

WASHINGTON — As the curtain falls on one of the most devastating financial years on record, business bankruptcies — both large and small — continue to soar.
The nearly 58,000 commercial bankruptcies filed nationwide through November of this year exceed the year-end totals of every year since Congress overhauled the bankruptcy laws in 2005, according to Automated Access to Court Electronic Records, an Oklahoma City bankruptcy data company.
The 11-month figure is also 35 percent more than the nearly 43,000 business petitions filed in all of last year, the company's data show. Estimates for 2009 could triple according to industry experts – what a mess !

75 % of businesses in 2008 identify themselves as in financial trouble.

Negotiating Tips: Can You Negotiate PropertyTaxes

Hello All:

I received an e-mail this week asking me if I truly believed that everything is negotiable? He further inquired if I did believe that how he could negotiate his property taxes on his home?

If you have followed any of my newsletter or blog articles you know that my answer is going to be a resounding YES on the negotiating question, but do you know what I am going to say about negotiating property taxes?

I won't keep you in suspense any longer...

Everything is negotiable, even property taxes! I have attached a recent e-mail I sent to my real estate newsletter subscribers on tat very topic.

Hope this helps.
____________________________________________________________________

Hello All :

Just a quick note to remind you that in most states your last day to file for a real estate abatement on property taxes is January 31, 2009. You can fill out these requests for abatement for both residential and investment properties on a yearly basis.

For those of you that don't know what I am talking about, I'll recap briefly the process. First, you call your town or city assessors office and ask for an "Abatement” form for property taxes, and of course ask about the time frame to file. Next you fill in all the requested information, along with making a compelling statement on why they, the assessor’s board, should reduce the assessment on your property. Then, file it with the right governmental office and await their reply.

It has been my experience that most organizations will at least decrease your assessment, by at least a few dollars for taking time to apply to the process, while others will grant you a substantial reduction.

Remember, you have not, because you ask not !

Be well,

James Gage

http://www.JGage.com

Negotiating Tips

Hello All :

I want to personally invite you to following me on Twitter : http://twitter.com/JGage
in addition to my blog I will be posting other valuable negotiating articles.

Here is to a prosperous 2009.

Be well,

James A. Gage

Negotiating Tips: Predications for Our Economy 2009

Hello all:

As I do every year I would like to give you what I see happening in the coming year in our economy.

1. You will see more and more businesses experiencing financial problems, and most will have to shut their doors !
2. You will see there will be an enormous need for professional negotiators to keep businesses viable !
3. You will see gasoline prices increase once again.
4. You will see oil prices escalate once again as speculators and corporations manipulate the oil and oil futures market !
5. You will see unemployment increase further towards 10% or more !
6. You will see the stock market increase to Dow 10,000 or even 11,000 in the months following the installation of the new President, after the optimism is gone and reality sets back in the stock market will retreat back into negative territory. We could possibly see Dow 6,000 before all is said and done !
7. You will see Gold escalate to $1600.00 or higher an ounce !
8. You will see the further devaluation of the U.S. Dollar against other foreign currencies !
9. You will see a temporary stabilization of the housing market, and then we will return to the downward trend in home valuations and the foreclosure arena !
10. You will see more banks fail and more bank mergers, until we end up with 1 or 2 banking institutions. Note: this may take an additional year or two !
11. You will see your state and local taxes escalate, because federal funding will be greatly reduced or cut off entirely, not to mention business revenue paid to the states will greatly be impacted because they will be going out of business in alarming numbers !
12. You will experience inflation on the rise in every aspect of our economy !

These are just a few of what I see happening in 2009, I hope they don’t happen, but 90% of my predictions last year have unfortunately have come true…

The good news here is if you start planning and taking steps with the info I have given you in these few lines you will be able to survive the storm, Remember, even in the “Great Depression” there were people who profited and actually became millionaires.

So what do I suggest?

1. Start your own Independent Arbitration business as soon as possible to cash in on the mounting business that are having financial difficulties and need your help.
2. Buy silver to hedge against inflation - it is getting ready for a big move per ounce.
3. When investing in the stock market use “Options” – play the cycles, get in and get out.
4. Play the cycles in the Forex market.

Until next time be well.

James A. Gage

Negotiating Tip of The Month Jan 2009

Hello All:

Here is your January 2009 tip of the month.

Now is a tremendous time to renegotiate leases whether commercial or residential with your landlords, due to the down turn in the economy.

In fact I was speaking to a friend of mine who is looking to open a business in the next 30 days in Virginia Beach, VA. Guess what? He was able to get a rent 45% under fair market value and 6 months free rent !!! Talk about landlords being hungry…

So the morally of the story is ask for everything, expect nothing and you will be surprised what you get.

Be well,

James A. Gage