Showing posts with label recession proof business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recession proof business. Show all posts

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Negotiating Tip: What Can I Negotiate?

Hello All:

I get this question all the time : " What can I negotiate in order to make a steady income?" Well, besides that being a loaded question, I mean, come on that's like asking me what you should take in college! What I mean to say is the world is really at your beck and call...

You can virtual negotiate anything on behalf of an individual or organization! Below I'll give you some examples below.

You can negotiate...

--> IRS Tax Liens

--> Loan Modifications

--> Business to Business debts

--> Business to Business Law Suits

--> Leases

--> Credit Card Debt

--> Installment Loans

--> Lines of Credit

--> Meals/Employment Taxes

etc...

These are just a few of the venues you could be making consistent cash flow from with your own negotiating business. For more information on how you can start your business today click here

Monday, January 18, 2010

Negotiating Tip: Making Money with Foreclosures

Hello All:

I just got off the phone with a real estate attorney friend of mine that confirmed what I have been telling you, my faithful readers for the past 3 months! What's that you say? That the 3rd wave of foreclosures has begun to raise its ugly head. He said he can't handle the amount of individuals coming to him seeking loan modification/foreclosure help on properties that have first and second mortgages on them (AKA Prime loans). Also, individuals with home equity loans that are in default are starting to become more numerous!

Most individuals have been living off their credit cards hoping to trend water until a turnaround in the economy; but most have run out of time. My attorney friend said the average credit card debt he is seeing is between $50K - $200K; that means we will also see an uptick in bankruptcies!

If this trend continues, which I don't see any evidence it won't, we will see commercial foreclosures sky rocket! Fasten your seatbelts; this is going to be a bumpy ride…
So what does that mean for us as Independent Arbitrators? It means another avenue for income; mainly negotiating loan modifications, and possible negotiating that credit card debt if there is consistent cash flow in order to structure payment plans , and of course, enough money remaining to pay our fees

For more information on how you can cash in on this lucrative niche – click here .

Remember, those who can recognize trends and patterns, and act on them quickly will always make money in any economy.

Until next time be well.

James A. Gage

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

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

Thursday, March 5, 2009

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...

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

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.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

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



Tuesday, January 6, 2009

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

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Negotiating Tips: Happy 2009

Happy New Year!

As we look forward to the great opportunities of 2009 in the Negotiating For A Living industry I want to share with you an e-mail that was sent to me; it said …

94% of people dwell on the negative, and 6% see an opportunity in nearly everything that comes their way.

I'm looking forward to 2009. I'm convinced it will be a year of great opportunity, as it will also be a year of great change and paradigm shifts!

The best advice I can give is to "prepare for change". Keep a level head, work-out what is working and what is NOT working, mix this with an opportunity, and change accordingly. If your horse is dead, get off it and find another (I'm into riding several horses at a time). If your horse is wounded, then decide if you are going to fix it or shoot it. BUT whatever you do – DO SOMETHING - take action.

Good business is a combination of hard work, commonsense, grit determination, and gut feeling!
In the coming weeks I will be giving you my take on what I see happening in the 2009 negotiating industry and how you and I can profit from it. To follow my insight and strategies, please visit my blog on a regular basis :

To a prosperous 2009,

James A. Gage

www.NegotiatingForALiving.com

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

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

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Negotiating Tips: Negotiating & The Stock Market

Hello All:

Many of you know that I have an ongoing challenge to the world at large, that is, I have challenged anyone to prove me wrong concerning:” There is nothing in finance, business or relationships that can not be Negotiated !”

One of my faithful newsletter subscribers Bob has poised the challenge! He thinks that there is no negotiating when it comes to buying stocks, bonds, Forex or options in the financial/stock market.

I’m sorry Bob, but my undefeated record stands ! Yes, it’s true that the market makers set the buy and sell prices; however, there is nothing engraved in stone that says you can’t throw an offer out to see if they will take it – let me give you an example.

If you were to trade stock options you might see the following:

Bid 1.20 Ask 1.35 ( we buy at the ask, and sell at the bid )

In this example if we were buying the option the Ask is 1.35, but we could place an order for 1.25 and there is about a 60% chance the market makers will fill that order !

Remember, everything is negotiable even in the trading markets !

So with that, I’m sorry Bob as you can see it is possible to negotiate your price/terms in the stock market – I hope this opens a new avenue of negotiating for you.

Until next time, be well.


James Gage

www.NegotiatingForALiving.com

PS: Don’t forget my 50% off Holiday Sale on my Independent Arbitration Home Study Course, and 20% off of my One-0n-One Mentoring Programs !

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

Monday, October 20, 2008

Negotiating: Negotiating For Profit & Fishing

I have received a lot of phone calls over the past 2 weeks asking me how I could have possibly foreseen the financial down turn that we are currently experiencing. Rather then getting into a 50 page e-mail, I will be commenting on this very topic in my up coming newsletter. However, I would like to briefly comment on the turmoil in our world
right now and how I have learned to profit from it!

Today's a great day. Frankly, I was standing out side my house watching the leaves drop from the trees, while remembering my recent annual Snook fishing tip to Northeast Fla - a couple of weeks ago. I remember standing in the surf one morning with the bathtub warm Atlantic Ocean water lapping around my thighs as I was casting my fishing lure into the water.
I didn't care if I caught any fish or not. (But I caught two red fish - and released them.) Just standing there, feeling the ocean breeze and the sunrise on my face, I was very happy.

One reason was that I wasn't worried about anything, because as I was fishing I was making money! Other people were doing things for me that I used to do myself. For example, while I was standing in the ocean, my home back in the Northeast was being stained to give it a fresh look, my bird dogs were looking for deals for me, my option trades in the stock market were continuing to increase in value, and a lease option I had put together up the street from the beach was ready to close.

My only goal in life now is simple: Have no worries.

I can do that in a couple of ways:

a) Become a master negotiator so whether the market is up, down or going side ways I can profit in real estate or any business venture I decide to venture into (that's my chosen route)...or...

b) Ignore my troubles and let 'em slap me up side the head when I'm not looking. (Been there, done that...)

The thing I've learned in my 45 years - finally - is that faith in your negotiating skills is the key to happiness and financial security.
That's tough today when you look at the stock market, the banks collapsing, the government pumping $700 billion (more like 3-5 trillion when all is said and done) into the economy to "save" us.

I was a stock broker for a few years. And here's a little piece of advice: ignore the news media. Period ! They are the last people to state the obvious.

They love it when you're scared because you tune in more and they make more money. And the more you tune in, the more scared you'll become. Don't buy into that. Just remember my wife's mantra:

ALL IS WELL, IF YOU CAN PERCEIVE THE SEASON!

So, what does my wife mean by the season? I'm not getting into this very deep now. I'll save that for a future newsletter. But just suffice to say, that it means being aware of what environment or cycle the business and or real estate market is in, so you can fine tune your negotiating skills for maximum profit and success.

Unfortunately, you can't do that if you're scared, or have no confidence in your negotiating skills.

That being said, I have compiled my 22 years of negotiating skills as a Federal Arbitrator and real estate investor, and taken the very tips and strategies that I have used to be successful in business and real estate investing, and placed it into a compact, no non-sense, straight to the point, easy to follow “Negotiating For Profit System”.

http://jgage.com/negotiating-for-profit-system.htm

It has been said, that you can have the best product, the most capable service, the best real estate strategy or technique, but without a negotiating system and the determination to make it work you won't be able to give money away in the middle of Las Vegas. Negotiating is a “million dollar skill” that is necessary for anyone who wants to attract financial success in their life. It doesn't matter what your product or services are or who your potential clients are, the only thing you need is to have a negotiating system where you work smart and go to the bank.

Before I let you go to read over my exactly what this timely system contains, many individuals have called me and ask if I would put together a step-by- step “ Negotiating System" well your wish is my command.

Normally priced at less then a few trips to Starbucks at $97.00, it is a great value if I do say so myself. But for the next 4 days (Oct 19 - Oct 22 ) I am extending to you, my faithful newsletter subscribers the astonishing price of only $33.00! That's a whooping 66% off my normal website store price!

Enter promo Code 555 on you order/check out page to receive your discount.

After Oct 23 it will return to the normal price of $97.00.

You maybe asking, why am I doing this? Simple, I am committed to getting this information into as many investors hands as possible, thereby you the best deals through negotiating in these challenging times.

So please visit the link provided for more information on this jam packed “Negotiating For Profit System” :

http://jgage.com/negotiating-for-profit-system.htm

Also, as a thank you bonus I am including: A Newly Released CD entitled “ Unlimited Cash Flow” !

Don't forget to place promo Code 555 on your order page

To your negotiating success,

James Gage

http://jgage.com/negotiating-for-profit-system.htm

Here is what this recession proofing package will do for you :

  • Never make a cold call again.
  • Qualify any prospect within 5 minutes.
  • Learn to set an agenda up front.
  • Never make a formal presentation until you have qualified and closed the prospect upfront.
  • Why you should forget about the word Yes and always go for the No's.
  • Never ask for the deal, make the prospect give it to you.
  • How to avoid buyer’s remorse during the negotiations!
  • Learn six figure income thinking by working smart and getting paid.
  • Fear of rejection will no longer be an issue.
  • Learn what works and what doesn’t work in negotiating and why.

and much, much more…

With this Negotiating For Profit package, which is jam packed full of one of a kind negotiating information, you will never have to worry about ending up on the short end of the stick or leaving to much money on the table ever again.

What you will receive :

  • 1 Manual : You’re A-Z resource on Negotiating For Profit
  • 1 CD Introduction to Negotiating For Profit
  • 1 CD Negotiating For Profit: Discover How To Apply NEW brain research to catapult yourself to success;
  • 1 CD Tutorial to bring all that you have learned – together.

Bonus: Newly Released CD entitled “ Unlimited Cash Flow” ! Take your financial life to the next level.

So don’t wait another minute, click on the link below and start Negotiating For Profit.

Again, here's the places you should visit now: http://www.jgage.com/

Have a great rest of the weekend.

Peace & Prosperity to you and yours!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Negotiating: The Economy and Independent Arbitration

Hello All:

I thought I would post this article on my observations on the economy and how it pertains to our profession.

“With all the recent problems in the financial sector (especially in the banking sector), it’s getting easier to settle with the banks?” I’ve been hearing this type of question a lot lately. The past year or so has seen an avalanche of economic problems, beginning with the financial tsunami in the real estate market, the sub prime mortgage fiasco, the banking credit crunch, liquidity problems, the Fed shoring up the economy with multiple interest rate reductions, the bailout of Bear-Stearns (the fifth-largest investment banking firm on Wall Street), bailing out Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac and so on.
It’s logical for consumers/businesses considering independent arbitration to wonder if all this grim news is “softening up” the credit card banks for better settlement deals. The answer is, well, “no and yes.” No, because overall, it’s really just “business-as-usual” in the settlement industry. I personally have seen no drastic changes in settlement practices as a consequence of recent economic problems faced by the banks. You have to remember that we’re talking about huge companies, and they do not change direction quickly or easily.

On the other hand, some creditors have softened up a little, so that’s the “yes” part of the answer. But it’s important to understand that the banking industry is not one big monolithic enterprise. Different creditors behave differently. So while some of the banks seem to be slightly easier to settle with lately, others have gone in the other direction and stiffened their resistance to losses. Generally, this all translates to somewhat lower settlement percentages with some banks, and somewhat higher percentages with others. So overall, nothing much has changed from my own perspective, where I deal day-in and day-out with a wide range of consumer debt obligations.

Bottom line: It’s still the same game as it ever was, and consumers should not count on “extra” help from the banks they’re trying to settle debts with. As time goes by, current economic conditions may yet have a deeper effect on settlement practices, but so far there has not been much of a noticeable difference

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Why Do 90% of Home Based Businesses Fail?

Everyone has dreamed about starting a business and being their own boss at one time or another in their life. Most who pursue that dream find only frustration and failure.

Since the mid 80s, as many as 90% of new businesses have closed in their first year. According to a recent survey of failed business owners, "lack of planning" was the number one reason listed for new business failure. Other reasons included were: lack of experience, money, and low sales.

It may be that most people just get tired of feeling used and unappreciated at their jobs. They get their inspiration for entrepreneurship out of frustration. They see a company that they feel could be operated better, and they make the decision to go out and try it themselves. They are sometimes shocked at the overwhelming task of operating and growing a successful business. From lack of planning, and out of total frustration, they close their business and return to their employee status.

It's really a shame; there are numerous talented people out there who could possibly build a better company. But their lack of planning from the start closes the door on their odds of success, sometimes before they even open the doors of their new business.

To read the rest of this article please visit:
http://negotiatingforaliving.com/home-based-business-failure.htm


Tuesday, August 5, 2008

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.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Want A Recession Proof Business?

Are you worried about the economy? Nervous about your job security? Wondering how you will manage to pay your bills or mortgage in the credit crunch? Recession always puts a lot of people on edge - but not everyone. It depends on the business you’re in. There are such things as recession proof business opportunities and right now I know I’m in the right business!

If you think about a recession in a positive way, you can choose to see it as an opportunity for change. So, you might lose your job or have less to spend. But what if you didn’t really like your job in the first place or you were looking for a career change- where would you turn?

In today’s world more and more people are beginning to recognize that a traditional job is not the only way to earn money - and in fact the way we have been taught (get a good job, earn a regular income, retire in your sixties) is not as secure as it once was, and that is only too apparent every time there is a recession, just ask the people at Enron!

Setting up a home business may not be an immediate answer to today’s pressing bills - it will take time to grow -but it is certainly an investment against future economic downturns. And if your job is currently threatened, it would do no harm to start off a home business now as a commitment to a more secure future; remember the old saying “prepare for a rainy day”.

Many people are put off starting up on their own because of the costs involved. But in my business the start-up costs are minimal. Even if your budget is less than $100.00 you have the chance to create a business that will grow into something big, as long as you implement my leveraged strategies.
Running an independent arbitration home business is fun and exciting. It is also takes some work and minimal time. But compared to an ordinary job, for me the rewards far outweigh the daily grind of working for someone else in a job that might not last anyway. I know that my financial future is secure. Is yours?

Recession proof business opportunities come in many shapes and forms. Why not have a look at http://www.NegotiatingForALiving.com and see if you can find something that suits you? At the worst, you will discover a new world of opportunity for the cost of a few dollars. At the best, you will provide yourself with future financial freedom.

Friday, August 1, 2008

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

Thursday, July 31, 2008

When Negotiating a Real Estate Purchase Use These Red Hot Tips

Negotiating may be the most critical part of the real estate purchase process. Being able to strike an advantageous deal with the seller virtually guarantees your profit. Negotiating is both an art and a skill that you will master with time and practice; I call it the “Million Dollar Skill”. Here are six tips to get you on your way to profitable transactions.

Know the Property

You should know as much as possible about the real estate purchase you’re about to make. This knowledge comes from researching the neighborhood and knowing how the property compares to others around it along with the cost of potential repair items you may find.

Know the Seller

The best way to learn more about the seller is to listen; use the 75/20 rule, listen 75% of the time and speak 25% of the time! People will be more likely to volunteer information if you give them a chance to talk. But if you aren’t finding out what you need to know, ask questions. Understanding the seller’s situation and their possible flexibility will help you negotiate financing options as well as price.

You also need to find out what the seller’s motivations are. Why are they selling? Or in the case of foreclosure what circumstances brought them to this unfortunate situation. Understanding the reasons behind the sale can help you structure a deal that meets their needs and yours.

Think Win-Win

The best real estate purchase deals result from negotiations that seek to provide something to both parties. There are certain things you want out of the deal and certain things the seller wants in order to sell. Every real estate purchase has several facets. If you can give the seller something they want, that will increase your chance of getting something you want.

Negotiate Terms, Not Just Price

Price is not your only negotiating point. Sometimes the terms of the deal are more important to the seller than the price. Once again, if you can address the seller’s needs in a real estate purchase, your offer will be more persuasive.

Maintain Control

If the seller counters your offer with an offer of his own, don’t let things spiral out of control. Prepare for counter offers by starting your negotiations low and have plenty of concession points. Don’t focus on price, but use other aspects of the deal in your negotiations. Don’t re-negotiate things that have already been decided.

Be Prepared to Move On

Don’t walk away from an attractive real estate purchase without offering your best deal, but know when it’s time to walk away. There will always be another property.

As you can see from these tips, negotiating a real estate purchase is more than two people in a room. Negotiations are won or lost in the preparation. Achieving the outcome you desire depends on your research and mental preparation.

Until next time – be well.
James Gage

Monday, July 28, 2008

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

Thursday, July 24, 2008

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.

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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

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