Start with No: The Negotiating Tools that the Pros Don’t Want You to Know by Jim Camp

Jim Camp's book, "Start with No: The Negotiating Tools that the Pros Don't Want You to Know" is a must-read for anyone interested in learning the secrets of successful negotiation. Camp provides us tools and techniques to improve our negotiation skills and gain competitive advantages. He explains the core principles of negotiation such as why no is a powerful tool, why compromise can be dangerous, and how to create the win-win.

Camp's experience as a business negotiator and worldwide negotiations advisor makes his book a perfect blend of theory and practice. Through the book, we learn that merely competing is not enough to win in negotiation scenarios, which is why Camp introduces the concept of “Zero Sum Negotiation”, where both parties are motivated to get what they want while still remaining true to their integrity and values.

Start with No is comprehensive and easy to read, offering practical advice and specific strategies that could be used in a variety of negotiation scenarios. This includes strategies such as the “Finger Point” and the “Strategic No” which give special attention to how to use no in negotiations. In addition, Camp provides effective strategies for responding to an opponent’s position, setting your terms for agreement, and staying in control even when emotions run high.

Moreover, the book offers tips and advice on how to deal with difficult people, such as emotional blackmailers, bullies and manipulators. This includes how to recognize and then effectively deal with such people, allowing for a more successful negotiation.

Start with No promotes the perfect mix of assertiveness and flexibility. By focusing on clarity and confidence, Camp encourages the reader to think ahead of the negotiation and to use appropriate strategies in order to get the best results.

Clearly, negotiating skills are invaluable in business and in life and this book is the perfect guide on how to succeed in any negotiation. The advice is invaluable and will definitely help readers gain the confidence they need to get what they want out of any negotiation.