Within the last few months, I bought a house, sold my condo, and signed a bunch of creative contracts. It has reminded me how much I love the art of the deal. The dance of instinct, will, and faith. The thrilling velocity that comes after, “I’m in!”
When you enter into the deal-making phase—from real estate to intellectual property, from gigs to partnerships, it’s like heading into a dark tunnel—the Deal Tunnel. It’s narrowing and harrowing, it’s mysterious, and everyone’s opinions are echoing. It’s the light shining ahead that keeps you lucid, strong, and moving forward.
Once you get into The Deal Tunnel you need to get out of it as swiftly as possible. Seal it. “Will you marry me?” “Yes!”; “Do you want to build this thing together?“ “Yes!” Ride the momentum of Yes! and nail down the details while everyone is in love and sharp.
8 TIPS FOR SEALING THE DEAL
1. Do NOT enter the Deal Tunnel if you are unsure that you want to make a deal.
Deliberation, doubt, enthusiasm, and overall assessment must happen before you enter into any kind of negotiation. Do you want it or not? If the answer is yes, then proceed.
2. People’s true colors shine through in the deal-making process.
If you don’t like what you see in terms of behavior, back out of the Deal Tunnel quickly.
3. There are legalities and formalities that can be insurmountable in deals. Do not take them personally.
Do not mistineterpret legitimate restrictions that your deal partners may be contending with as their behavior or personality traits. That being said…
4. Exceptions happen when people choose to be exceptional.
Legalities and formalities can often be surmounted.
5. TIME KILLS DEALS.
If the people involved are dragging their feet or buying time, BEWARE. For me, the ol’ drag-and-slag is a red flag, and it’s likely wise to walk. Are you in or are you out?
6. Race the clock and love every minute of it.
Set deadlines for deal-closing and do whatever it takes to meet them. Make the call. Make the promise. Pay for the express rate. Tell the cab driver to hit it! and if you’re stuck in traffic, get out and run the final three blocks to get there on time.
7. Desire is paramount.
At all times in the Deal Tunnel, keep this in your heart: I WANT THIS TO WORK OUT. When you’re in that place of pure desire, you’re empowered to get creative and be flexible for the bigger vision.
8. There are plenty of deals in the sea.
Remember, YOU WON’T DIE IF YOU DON’T GET THIS. When you’re in that place of expanded detachment, you will embody your values, speak clearly, and fly if the strings get cut.
It can be a long road to Yes.
When you arrive—really be there.
And put your Yes on the map.
. . . . . . .
xo.
Danielle LaPorte is the creator of the site that’s been deemed “the best place online for kick-ass spirituality”—WhiteHotTruth.com—where over a million visitors have gone for her straight-up advice. An inspirational speaker and former think tank exec, Danielle is the author of The Spark Kit: A Digital Experience for Entrepreneurs. Her forthcoming book, The Fire Starter Sessions (Random House/Crown Archetype) will be emblazing a bookshelf near you, in April 2012.
