Rouse Lawyers

- The Law Firm For Business Owners and Entrepreneurs -

Call us: (07) 3648 9900

  • Home
  • Expertise
    • Corporate & Commercial
    • Private Wealth & Tax
    • Franchising
    • Technology
    • Intellectual Property
    • Commercial Litigation
    • Employment Law
    • Estate Planning
    • Property Law
  • About
    • Our Team
  • Reviews
  • Articles
  • Careers
  • Legal Guide
  • Contact

SOAP: A Guide to Negotiation

adult-brainstorming-business-935977

A successful lawyer has to become an expert in negotiation. We thought it was unfair to keep this knowledge to ourselves, so we’ve compiled a handy list of negotiation techniques into SOAP. A good lawyer uses SOAP every day, which is why people think we’re slippery.


Silence

The Four Seasons said it best: ‘silence is golden’. People hate silence and they’ll do anything to fill it, even if that’s not in their best interest. This explains the music of Nickleback. A deliberate silence now and then can help you squeeze extra concessions from your counterparty or gain leverage on a price point.

Beware, though: when using silence in a negotiation, you’ll need a good poker face. Being quiet is only useful if you’re comfortable with being quiet. If you’re as uncomfortable as the person across the table, you won’t get anything from silence other than a large amount of flop sweat.


Outcome

Before you enter a negotiation, take the time to think about your ideal outcome. What would you like to come out of your discussion? What would the other party like? What can you work on together? All too often, people turn up at the negotiating table with no firm idea of what they actually want. This inevitably leads to conflict. It’s like playing water polo with somebody who can’t swim. Sure, it’s fun to watch, but it seems like a waste of time and those floaties aren’t fooling anybody.


Acceptance

Many lawyers will warn you not to say things like “this is my final offer”. Giving yourself an ultimatum limits your ability to negotiate properly. Remember to be flexible. This doesn’t mean that you have to give up completely, but you should be prepared to make concessions. Sometimes the best way forward to take a few steps backwards. We read that in a fortune cookie once.


Pressure

Don’t put too much pressure on people. Anybody who’s ever been on a date knows that pressure can kill the mood. Sometimes a gentle touch can be just as effective as an aggressive browbeating. It’s important to remember that the person you’re dealing with is… well, a person. They often want the best outcome just as much as you do. If you’re sensitive to their needs, who knows? You might get lucky. Maybe you’ll move in together! (The dating analogy breaks down at a certain point).

So, there you have it. Get out there and start negotiating. Sometimes the best way forward is to use SOAP. (That one also came from a fortune cookie.)

April 29, 2018 Filed Under: News and Articles

ENQUIRE NOW

Enter your details below to get in touch with a legal professional and find out how Rouse Lawyers can help

We add new contacts to Rouse Lawyers database. We may send you information or service offerings we believe may be relevant to you. If you agree to being contacted by us in the future, send your enquiry. Naturally, you can unsubscribe any time.

Client Reviews

"We call upon Rouse Lawyers for their invaluable advice"

We have used Rouse Lawyers over the past 3 years, predominantly in our mergers and acquisitions activities. Matthew and his team understand the needs of larger family businesses, and their pragmatic and commercial approach to transactions is first class. From personal matters to large deals, we call upon Rouse Lawyers for their invaluable advice.

Tom FalkensteinTotal Records Management

"I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Rouse Lawyers"

We have used Rouse Lawyers as a “one-stop-shop” for our all commercial and private legal requirements, and we value their expertise and experience. The team at Rouse Lawyers always ensure that they are fully up to date with what our business dealing entails. Our enquiries are efficiently and promptly handled, and any requests are dealt with professionally, ensuring that all the available options have been adequately explained at all times. Peter, Matthew and the team are very professional and we value their advice greatly. I have every confidence that we receive the most comprehensive counsel plus a competitively priced package individually tailored to our business. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Rouse Lawyers to my friends and business associates.

Terry Fenner Fenner Group

"I would recommend Rouse Lawyers for any business"

“Young Guns has engaged Rouse Lawyer for all legal requirement/advice for the past 10 years. They have been on our business journey from 10 employees to 450 employees. Matt and Peter have always showed a personal interest in our business success and therefore made many recommendations for short term and long term strategies. I would be happy to recommend Rouse Lawyers for any business looking for a legal partner who they can trust and can provide ongoing, up to date advice.”

Scott YoungYoung Guns Container Crew

PRIVACY POLICY DISCLAIMER TERMS

BRISBANE OFFICE

Ph: +61 7 3648 9900

Fx: +61 7 3648 9911

Level 2, 22 Wandoo St, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006

17-Page Guide Reveals:

How To Protect Your Business and Your Assets While Allowing Your Business To Thrive

Written by Matthew Rouse, commercial lawyer and founder of Rouse Lawyers.

17-Page Guide Reveals:

How To Protect Your Business and Your Assets While Allowing Your Business To Thrive

Written by Matthew Rouse, commercial lawyer and founder of Rouse Lawyers.

Sign Up To Our Newsletter