Tag Archive: money

About negotiations and everything

am_i_right

People tend to believe and act on the idea that everything is negotiable. As I said before, I have a unique approach to negotiations, as  a former salesman, and I tend to stick by it.

Everything is for sale, but that does not apply all the time to everybody. This is also a quote that could be embossed on people minds. You got a great deal, don’t fuck it up by trying to negotiate it more. I’ve helped you for free, don’t abuse it!

In situations like these, i tend to tell the person either it will cost more or the deal is off. It works.

We are ready to negotiate!

This is one of my favorite movie scenes.

Some weeks ago, a company gave up the banner they had displayed on my site. Even thought they were selling through it, they said the price is too high for them. I said ok and we parted friends. Some time after, they came back, asking for their banner back. I said ok and told them the new prices. They said they are too high for them and are not buying. I said ok and wish them the best. After a couple days, they came back, agreeing to the prices. I didn’t respond, even if they send one more email.

This is, basically, my technique. I need them, they need me. They make good money with a banner on my blog, so if they bitch about my very reasonable prices it means they are trying to negotiate the prices down. I wouldn’t be me if I’d let them :)

what what?

I think a lot of people got life wrong. Life is not about gathering stuff (cars, money, houses, gadgets), but rather about living a full life. What is the point of having a lot of money if you work 16 hours a day? When will you enjoy life and your money? Or how? Buying an expensive car or clothes?

Let’s say your combined fortune ranks in about 2 billion Euros. You have several businesses that are doing ok. You are 59 years old and made all this fortune in Romania, a second world country.

What would you do? Slow down? Enjoy life? Retire?  I asked this question on my primary blog (in Romanian) and 90% responded they will want 2 more billions.

This is not a rich man problem. Thousands and millions of young people work too much for money they spend working some more.

- What did you do with this week check?
- I bought a news suit to wear to work!
- Great!

There is a time to work and a time to enjoy life. If we can master both, we would be some happy mammals.

Preparing for the worst

With the economic chaos waiting to hit Romania, I have made some plans.

First is not to keep all my eggs in one basket. Not one source of income.

Second is preparing to have my income drop by 50%. Sounds reasonable, I think. And I hope it will not go beyond 50%. After I’ve done the math, I can still go by, hopefully.

I pity the folks who don’t spend an hour to look at the numbers, do the math and spend lavishly now.