Member Article

North East nervous about negotiating

77% of people from the North East will only negotiate face to face or over the phone rather than by computer or letter, according to new research.

Although 28% of those from the North East say the region boasts the best dealmakers in the UK, 42% - the highest percentage in the country - admit the thought of negotiating brings them out in a cold sweat and they feel nervous before they even start.

While 46% of those who took part in the National Lottery survey think they would be the best person to start off the negotiations, over half would prefer to put their trust in others. 24% would pass the buck to their partner and 22% would prefer to leave the battle to their mum, dad, brother or sister.

To help speed up negotiations, two thirds (66%) would walk away and pretend to lose interest, hoping that this hard bargaining tactic would get the required response. 19% would threaten to go to a competitor, but showing a weak side is not an option for those from the North East, as only 3% would turn on the water works to get what they wanted. A third of people have regretted a deal they have made, with over half (57%) also claiming that they wish they had grabbed the bull by the horns when they had the chance.

A National Lottery spokesperson said: “Believing in yourself could be the key to successful deal making and reaping the rewards. Although 48% of people from the North East see Londoners as the Crème de la Crème of dealmakers, 28% say people from their own area are the best at negotiating in the UK.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .