Devon Smiley: Negotiation Consultant

On today’s show, I have Devon Smiley who is a Negotiation Consultant located in Paris, France!

I’m not going to lie, I didn’t really know what a negotiation consultant actually did before speaking to Devon. Of course, they help with negotiating but …what does that exactly mean? Devon shares all about how she got into negotiating as a career, the mistakes most people make when it comes to negotiating (whether it’s for a new contract with a client or increase in pay at work or more), her best tips on negotiating and what to do if you’ve lost the upper hand, and so much more!

Excited for you to tune in and hope you enjoy!

Devon Smiley | Negotiation Consultant

Show notes

In today’s episode, you’ll find out:

How Devon got started as a negotiation expert.
How you can better negotiate throughout your daily life.
The most common negotiation mistakes people make and to not make those mistakes yourself.
The biggest struggle Devon has as a negotiation consultant.
Her best tips on recovering when you think you’ve lost the upper hand in a negotiation.
What people misconceive about negotiation consultants.
Devon’s advice on pitching yourself and putting yourself out there.
How to be better about asking for help when you need it.

Devon Smiley is a Negotiation Consultant for entrepreneurs, startups and professionals who are tired of feeling overworked and underpaid, and are ready to go after what they want, need and deserve.

 She’s distilled nearly 15 years of negotiation experience into accessible and actionable guidance that helps you build the skill set you need to #maketheask with confidence. 

Devon’s expert advice has been featured in Glamour magazine, the Chicago Tribune and has helped clients including Mars Chocolate and Rolls-Royce. A strong believer that negotiation isn’t just about boosting bottom lines, Devon works with pro bono partners including UN Women and The Clinton Foundation.

Key takeaways from this episode

I actually used to really hate negotiation. - @DevonMSmiley Click To Tweet

It’s more about building relationships and being a good communicator. – Devon Smiley

I think the biggest challenge was finding my voice outside of the corporate world. – Devon Smiley

I’ve actually gotten at least 75% of my most recent clients from Instagram. – Devon Smiley

Make sure that whatever it is that you're pitching, make it crystal clear how it will benefit the other person. - @DevonMSmiley Click To Tweet

Really ask yourself, “what’s the worst that could happen?” – Devon Smiley

I still have occasionally a fear that I’ll make a total fool out of myself. – Devon Smiley

I had this big fear that I'd be the butt of a joke and to this date I've not known that to ever happen. - @DevonMSmiley Click To Tweet

If you’re being professional about how you’re asking for things in the first place, you tend to get a professional reaction back. – Devon Smiley

The first mistakes I see people making is not bothering to ask for things because they think they're too small. - @DevonMSmiley Click To Tweet

I wish people would take time to prepare before they negotiate. – Devon Smiley

The number one thing to practice is to be able to spot opportunities to negotiate. - @DevonMSmiley Click To Tweet

It’s one of those things where people don’t want to ask for help, they don’t want to admit they need a break. We aren’t robots. We don’t have to power through at all costs. – Devon Smiley

The best part of my day is when I get home at the end of a long day and I'm exhausted but very satisfied with all that I've accomplished. - @DevonMSmiley Click To Tweet

If you’re going to be quick to complain, be quick to compliment. – Devon Smiley

Links to resources

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