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 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 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

Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah

On behalf of everyone at Negotiating For A Living, we wish you and yours a Merry Christmas. May the coming weeks entering the New Year be a time of refreshening and redefined goals and business plans for a prosperous 2009.

To your ongoing success,

James Gage

www.NegotiatingForALiving.com

PS: Don’t forget our annual 50% Holiday Sale ends tomorrow, Christmas Day!!! So before you start your holiday festivities why not stop by our web store and get a jump start on your 2009 negotiating business : http://negotiatingforaliving.com/negotiating-tools.html

Negotiating Tip

Don't Argue

Negotiating is about finding solutions...Arguing is about trying to prove the other person wrong. We know that when negotiating turns into each party trying to prove the other one wrong, no progress gets made. Don't waste time arguing. If you disagree with something state your disagreement in a calm ,but assertive way. Don't demean the other person or get into a power struggle.

Be well,

James A. Gage

Negotiating Penalties & Interest with The IRS

Negotiating with the IRS is not as hard as one would imagine when it comes to penalties and interest! Let me qualify that statement before I get a flood of e-mails telling me I don’t know what I’m talking about.

First, interest is statutory, meaning its federal law, that under no circumstances and or situations can this interest be waived! However, interest can be deferred if you enter your client into an installment agreement or if you obtain a moratorium.

Secondly, penalties can be waived – finally some good news! However, they can only be waived after the initial principle, interest and penalties have been paid in full. Then you may apply for “Abatement”, AKA waiver of all penalties; of course this is not a guaranteed approval, but is based on the circumstances behind the delinquency ( this is where you negotiating skills on paper will serve you well ).

This is one of the many factors you must keep in mind when negotiating an IRS tax situation for your client as an Independent Arbitrator. Stay tuned for more helpful tips and strategies…

James A. Gage

What is Debt Arbitration?

By James A. Gage

Debt Arbitration is the industry created around the practice of debt settlement. Debt arbitrators are third-party institutions or individuals that work on behalf of their clients to negotiate out-of-court settlements for old bills, invoices, lawsuits, liens, medical bills, utility bills, judgments, and other types of significant debt. Typically, debt arbitrators are in lieu of credit counseling as a way to avoid bankruptcy. Due to the 2005 bankruptcy law changes, it is almost impossible for businesses to file bankruptcy and walk away from their delinquent debt. As you can see there is an unbelievable opportunity available for someone who is looking for a career change, mother(s) hours, small business or home based opportunity.

Some other names people referrer to Debt Arbitration are: debt settlement, dispute resolution, civil arbitration, and what we at Negotiating For A Living have created “Independent Arbitration”.

Debt Arbitration Process

The major difference between debt arbitration and credit counseling is the fact that debt arbitrators work independently on behalf of their clients, while credit counselors work on behalf of credit card companies. Debt arbitration itself is conducted through something known as debt negotiation. During this process, arbitrators negotiate a lump sum settlement for amounts owed to credit card companies, creditors, IRS/DOR tax obligations and pending litigations - typically, at a significant discount to the actual amount owed. Clients then make more affordable payments to the debt arbitrators to pay off the remaining balance.

Industry Regulation

In the US no states currently require any form of licensing for debt arbitrators; the industry relies on Negotiating For A Living. Com to certify and provide ethical standards to those who train and practice debt arbitration.

For more detailed information on this industry opportunity, click on the link : “ Video Negotiating For A Living” on the left hand side bar.

Looking For A Career Choice or Change? Why Not Consider Independent Arbitration?

Are you wondering how to choose the right occupation whether you're doing it for the first time or changing careers? Well you came to the right place! Choosing a career can be confusing at best.

There are hundreds of career options out there. How do you make a career choice when you don't really know what you want to do? Does it seem like an insurmountable task? It's not. Yes, you will have to put some time and energy into making your decision, but your effort will be well worth it in the end.

How Do You Choose the Right Career?

Choosing a career is an involved process that is based on a number of things, including your interests, skills, work-related values, and personality.

Whether your goal is a full-time business or a steady, part-time income stream, Negotiating For A Living (NLFL) will show you innovative and proven ways to profit and work from your home with a career in the lucrative independent arbitration industry. Explore the pages of my web site http://www.NegotiatingForALiving.com and discover which avenues are right for you!

That being said, browsing the internet there are literally thousands of business opportunity resources and a person often gets overwhelmed by the sheer choice of programs, and services.

When looking for a business opportunity you should look for 7 primary qualities:

1. Integrity : Does the company have a reliable track record/history?

2. Value : Is the company providing a valuable service/product?

3. Training : Do they provide you with quality one-on-one training and materials?

4. Support : Is it easy to contact them and do they reply in a timely fashion?

5. Compensation : Is your effort rewarded in a timely manner (Return On Investment)?

6. Investment : Does the opportunity require tens of thousands of dollars to get started, and years for you to recoup your initial investment?

7. Recession Proof : Can it be profitable in an up, down or side ways economic market?

All these qualities are important when choosing a business opportunity.

Too many people jump in to an opportunity such as MLM ( Multi Level Marketing) that promises them mountains of gold, only to find that they have been ripped off after the opportunity seems to have disappeared into thin air or has gone bust.

Another opportunity being marketed is that of the franchise. A franchise business is a method a company uses to distribute its products or services through retail outlets owned by independent, third party operators. The independent operator does business using the marketing methods, trademarked goods and services and the "goodwill" and name recognition developed by the company. In exchange, the independent operator pays an initial fee and royalties to the owner of the franchise.

The company that grants the independent operator the right to distribute its trademarks, products, or techniques is known as the franchiser. The independent, third party business person distributing the franchiser's products or services through retail or service outlets is called the franchisee. The franchiser charges hundreds of thousands of dollars for a license, and in addition may require annual payments to continue using their name and trade marks.

What ever business you choose to get involved with make sure it meets your budget and expectations! There is nothing worse then starting a business that becomes un-enjoyable, unprofitable, and finally becomes a 80 hour torture chamber

Mondays & The Negotiating Business Opportunity

Hello All:

Monday afternoon...whew! These are rough.

Just after lunch, we're a little sleepy, maybe regretting having too much fun over the weekend. But really, by now we're probably looking at that to-do list from Friday that
didn't miraculously disappear over the weekend.

Just makes you want to lay your head on your desk, doesn't
it?

But it's time to gear up for another few days of hard labor...unless you've plugged into the Independent Arbitration opportunity I keep telling you about.

No, I'm not talking about fly-by-night business opportunities that promise
no work and all the money. I run away from those as fast as possible! But more realistic goals for real business people who want to work smarter...and do the work once and get paid extremely well. That's where's it at.

Nobody has done more than I, James Gage to simplify this opportunity and make it achievable for all.

<- Please follow the link over here on the left hand margin, entitled “Video” and see how you can become recession proof.

If you need any motivation to take a look at this opportunity, just watch the evening news: stock market plunges again, jog loss claims up, 2 more banking institutions fail, dollar weak, food prices escalate, small businesses filing bankruptcy at record numbers etc…

My business opportunity model shows you where to find negotiating niches, how to do the research, what tools to use and how to plan a productive, profitable, leveraged business that you actually care about, and can sell a few years down the line for hundreds of thousands of dollars if you choose.

So, for less than lunch for you and your friend or loved one over the course of month’s time frame, you can be fulfilling your own dreams today.

I can guarantee you won't be putting your head back on your desk after you start reading this report.

Peace & Prosperity!

James A. Gage

Ten Tips for Successful Negotiating

by James A. Gage

The ability to negotiate successfully is crucial for survival in today's changing business world. Negotiation is fun if you know what you're doing. So for all you busy executives, here are James Gage's Tips for Successful Negotiating:

1. Develop "negotiation awareness" Successful negotiators are assertive and challenge everything. They know that everything is negotiable.

"Challenge" means not taking things at face value. It means thinking for yourself. You must be able to make up your own mind; as opposed to believing everything you are told. On a practical level, this means you have the right to question the asking price of that new car. It also means you have an obligation to question everything you read in the newspaper or hear on television. You cannot negotiate unless you are willing to challenge the validity of the opposing position.

Being assertive means asking for what you want and refusing to take "no" for an answer. Practice expressing your feelings without anxiety or anger. Let people know what you want in a non-threatening way. Practice 'I' statements. For example, instead of saying, "You shouldn't do that," try substituting, "I don't feel comfortable when you do that."

It should be noted that there is a difference between being assertive and being aggressive. You are assertive when you take care of your own interests while maintaining respect for the interests of others. When you see to your own interests with a lack of regard for other people's interests, you are aggressive. Being assertive is part of negotiation awareness.

2. You must become a good listener. Negotiators are detectives. They ask probing questions and then shut up. The other negotiator will tell you everything you need to know - all you have to do is listen.

Many conflicts can be resolved easily if we learn how to listen. The catch is that listening is the forgotten art. We are so busy making sure that people hear what we have to say that we forget to listen.

You can become an effective listener by allowing the other person to do most of the talking. Follow the 75/25 Rule -- listen 75 percent of the time, and talk only 25 percent of the time. Encourage the other negotiator to talk by asking lots of open-ended questions -- questions that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."

3. Be prepared. Gather as much pertinent information prior to the negotiation. What are their needs? What pressures do they feel? What options do they have? Doing your homework is vital to successful negotiation.

4. Have high expectations. People who aim higher do better. If you expect more, you'll get more. Successful negotiators are optimists. A proven strategy for achieving higher results is opening with an extreme position. Sellers should ask for more than they expect to receive, and buyers should offer less than they are prepared to pay.

5. Be patient. This is very difficult for Americans. We want to get it over with. Whoever is more flexible about time has the advantage. Your patience can be devastating to the other negotiator if they are in a hurry.

click here to read the rest of
the article

Negotiating Business Question of the Week

Hello All:

As you can imagine, I receive a number of e-mail questions per day. That being said, I thought I would post 1 e-mail question a week for the benefit of you, my faithful blog readers!

This week our question comes from Rob Johnson from Cooper City, Fl :

"James, is the Negotiating business opportunity you advocate going to be impacted by the

Uniform Debt-Management Services Act ?"

Thanks Rob for the great question. The act you are referring to is just a proposal that will only pertain to individual consumer debt! There have been wide spread abuses in the consumer counseling arena for a number of years, and hundreds of thousands of complaints lodged against the industry as a whole. This is one of the reasons we do not handle individual debt, just business debt.

In addition to being an extremely regulated industry, individuals don't have money to pay you for your negotiating expertise. As I always say " if they can't pay a $20.00 credit card bill, what make you think they will be able to pay you for your professional services rendered?"

I hope this answered your question.

Be well,

James A. Gage

The Economy & Arbitration

Hello All:

You've heard the news...

Banks are going out of business.
Fuel prices are at an all-time high.
Real estate is in the tank.

So why the heck would I tell you NOW is the best time to finally get off
your duff and start making money with Independent Arbitration?

Well, two reasons:

Reason #1: It's the only business you can start without needing to invest a
small fortune to get off the ground! (I will show you how within 14 days).

And...

Reason #2: Business debts are at all time highs, and with the bankruptcy law revisions there are only a few options for business owners

Makes sense right?

Now what if I told you I was going to show you how to...

• Find a unlimited number of clients
• Negotiate like a seasoned pro
• Setup your business for under $100.00
• Make a 6 figure income on a part time basis

Would that get your attention?

If the answer is yes, then go to http://www.negotiatingforaliving.com
and find out how you can start your own "recession proof" Arbitration business
with no risk TODAY.

And if you ever have any questions never hesitate to give me a call at 508-595-9567.

All the best...

James A. Gage

PS: Don't forget to watch our video.

Debt Arbitration: A Business Whose Time Has Truly Come!

by James A. Gage

Imagine for a moment that there was a business that produced a wonderful income with virtually no competition, while helping people resolve business debt, IRS obligations and litigation out of court, along with knowing that you have made a business avoid filing bankruptcy, thus becoming viable again. Best of all you do not need a business or legal degree or background! What would you say?

Most people are tired of commuting to work every day and are frustrated that they are not able to earn the type of income to get the extras out of life. The advantages of your own Independent Arbitration business are endless, but most of all, you will have a feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment as you help people resolve their problems.

With Independent Arbitration you can have a successful and profitable business working from home. All you need to insure that success is a professional marketing plan, specialized training and a Niche. I would like to introduce to you Independent Arbitration.

Let me reassure you, first of all, the profession is a very simple business not requiring the normal start-up capital, employees, selling expenses, inventory, financing, office space or advertising one would engage in starting a new enterprise. You don’t need a specialized business education, law background, law degree or any special training other than our program. You don’t even have to contend with any governmental regulations, inspections, permits, bonds or licensing. In fact, the very plain truth is that Independent Arbitration is like nothing ever seen or offered before.

In my opinion, Debt Arbitration (which it's sometimes referred to) is better than any franchise, business opportunity, mail order or multi-level scheme. It’s significantly better than working 8-5 job. Independent Arbitration is a simple concept that literally thousands of businesses need year in and year out. You can have the prestige of a professional, the income of a lawyer, leisure time like a dentist and a business you can sell for significant money a few years down the road. No nights. No weekends. No stress.

Ok, now for the million dollar question how much money can you make with this business? The average case generates about $2,500 to $3,000, but higher cases abound. You can set your own fee schedule and your own hours of operation - it’s your business.

Whether you're looking for a career change or the ultimate home-based business, the Independent Arbitration field is for you! They say all journeys begin with a first step, why not call us today at 508-595-9567, and see how a career in Arbitration can and will change your life!

Home To Pick A Home Based Business

By James A. Gage

Browsing the internet there are literally thousands of business opportunity resources and a person often gets overwhelmed by the sheer choice of programs, and services.

When looking for a business opportunity you should look for 7 primary qualities:

1. Integrity : Does the company have a reliable track record/history?

2. Value : Is the company providing a valuable service/product?

3. Training : Do they provide you with quality one-on-one training and materials?

4. Support : Is it easy to contact them and do they reply in a timely fashion?

5. Compensation :Is your effort rewarded in a timely manner (Return On Investment)?

6. Investment : Does the opportunity require tens of thousands of dollars to get started, and years for you to recoup your initial investment?

7. Recession Proof : Can it be profitable in an up, down or side ways economic market?

All these qualities are important when choosing a business opportunity.

Too many people jump in to an opportunity such as MLM ( Multi Level Marketing) that promises them mountains of gold, only to find that they have been ripped off after the opportunity seems to have disappeared into thin air or has gone bust.

Another opportunity being marketed is that of the franchise. A franchise business is a method a company uses to distribute its products or services through retail outlets owned by independent, third party operators. The independent operator does business using the marketing methods, trademarked goods and services and the "goodwill" and name recognition developed by the company. In exchange, the independent operator pays an initial fee and royalties to the owner of the franchise.

The company that grants the independent operator the right to distribute its trademarks, products, or techniques is known as the franchiser. The independent, third party business person distributing the franchiser's products or services through retail or service outlets is called the franchisee. The franchiser charges hundreds of thousands of dollars for a license, and in addition may require annual payments to continue using their name and trade marks.

What ever business you choose to get involved with make sure it meets your budget and expectations! There is nothing worse then starting a business that becomes un-enjoyable, unprofitable, and finally becomes a 80 hour torture chamber.

That being said, why not look into the ultimate home based business opportunity -Independent Arbitration? Click on the link on the left side of this page labeled video, and see why you should get involved with this lucrative home based opportunity.

Is The Independent Arbitration Field Poised For A Growth Explosion?

by James A. Gage

With the recent bankruptcy changes signed into law by the President, how does this change the Independent Arbitration Profession? I believe this is exciting news for our profession- let me explain. Whether you are already in the profession or looking to get involved with this “Business whose Time Has Come" let me remind you why this is such a lucrative business and why it still is in it’s infancy.

The Demand for Professional Arbitration Services is Extremely High and Growing !

Professional Arbitration is a multibillion dollar industry. There are literally tens of thousands of unresolved Debt disputes. Until now, the parties involved had no option, other than to be dragged into the process of litigation (court) to try and salvage whatever possible. Independent Arbitration is the alternative.

You can earn income on a par with any Professional ! (Income potential is $7,000 - $35,000 or more per month full time)

The time for entering the Independent Arbitration Profession is now. Law suits and bankruptcies are at record levels. Until now consumers and business owners had no alternative but to use legal methods to resolve debt problems.

Litigation and Attorney costs are at a all time high.

Everybody involved is desperate for a viable alternative. The Arbitration and debt Arbitration Industry is experiencing very high growth in North America and across the globe.

Okay, with that being said how do the new bankruptcy laws play into this scenario? Prior to these changes in the bankruptcy laws all you would have to do is breath on a mirror in order to walk away from your personal and business debts- that has changed!

The laws in respect to Chapter 7 bankruptcy have changed drastically and now provide for repayment of debts if your income is above the poverty guidelines set in each state for example the poverty guideline in Massachusetts for a family of 6 is $56,000.00. If your business or personal income is above that guideline, you can file for bankruptcy protection, but you must make arrangements to pay back your creditors through a trustee of the bankruptcy court.

Here’s the good part for our profession: We as Independent Arbitrators can provide many other options to our clients then the legal system can in addition we can obtain better payment agreements and lump sum settlements for our clients.

In conclusion, you can see that there are going to be more litigations filed in the United States for delinquent accounts both on the personal and business venues then we have ever experienced before - this translates to more clients for our profession. It has been said we live in a very lawsuit crazy society, guess what? You haven’t seen anything yet.