Hey there! I’m Zara, and I’m 12 years old. I own a company called Assetsforkids. I want to share something super important with you.
You’re already good at negotiating, even if you don’t know it. Every time you trade Pokemon cards or talk your parents into a later bedtime, you’re practicing business negotiation for kids.
These moments are building your kids business skills. Swapping lunch snacks or making deals about chores teaches you to communicate and find solutions. It’s all about working together.
As young entrepreneurs, we need these skills to do well. Selling crafts to neighbors or running a lemonade stand needs good negotiation skills. It helps you build your financial future.
Learning to negotiate is actually fun! Let me show you how to use your natural talent for business success.
What Does Negotiating Really Mean for Kids Like Us?
Negotiation is something you do every day. It’s like trading Pokemon cards with friends. Or asking for more screen time for doing chores.
Negotiation strategies are not about winning or losing. It’s about finding solutions where everyone is happy.
When I started my business, I thought negotiation was about being tough. Boy, was I wrong! Real negotiation is about solving problems together.
Let’s say you want to sell your homemade bracelets for $5 each. But your friend thinks it’s too expensive. Instead of saying “take it or leave it,” you could:
- Offer three bracelets for $12
- Let them help you make bracelets for a discount
- Create a payment plan where they pay $2 now and $3 later
This way, you’re building strong business communication skills and supporting children financial literacy. You’re listening, understanding, and finding a solution that works for both.
Getting Ready Before You Even Start Talking
Winning negotiations starts before you meet the other person. I learned this the hard way. Now, I know business preparation is a superpower.
First, write down what you want. Don’t say “I want money.” Say “I want $50 for my art, and they must tell three friends.” This shows you’re professional and have thought it through.
Then, think about what the other person wants. Maybe they want a good price, fast delivery, or quality work. Understanding their needs is a big skill for young entrepreneurs.
Research is your best friend! Look up what others charge for similar services. Ask your parents or siblings for advice. I even check online forums for young entrepreneurs’ experiences.
Practice your pitch, even if it feels silly. Rehearse in the mirror and prepare for tough questions. Having answers ready shows you’re ready.
Always have a backup plan and know your minimum. Write down the least you’ll accept and keep it secret. This helps you know when to walk away from a bad deal.
Building Your Confidence Like a Young Boss
When I first started making business deals, my hands shook and my voice cracked. Talking business with adults was really scary. But I learned that business confidence isn’t about being the loudest.
Real confidence comes from knowing you’re well-prepared. It’s also about believing in the value of what you offer. I learned this through practice and small wins.
Practicing with my family was a game-changer. I’d negotiate everyday things with my parents and siblings. Trading chores, picking movies, or deciding on dinner plans helped me a lot. It might sound silly, but these negotiation tips really work!
I also started a “win journal.” I write down every successful negotiation, no matter how small. Did I get extra time on a project? That counts! Did I trade my apple for cookies? That’s negotiation too!
The biggest change was my mindset. I stopped thinking “I hope they don’t say no.” Instead, I thought “Let’s figure out how to make this work for both of us.” This helps young entrepreneurs like us make better deals.
| Confidence Building Activity | Difficulty Level | Practice Time Needed | Real-World Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family negotiations | Easy | Daily | Basic deal-making skills |
| Win journal keeping | Easy | Weekly | Tracking progress |
| Mindset reframing | Medium | Ongoing | Professional negotiations |
| Mock business pitches | Hard | Monthly | Real investor meetings |
Remember, the person you’re negotiating with wants to make a deal too. They wouldn’t be talking to you if they weren’t interested. That realization was huge for building my confidence!
The Art of Kids Negotiating Your First Business Deal: My Step-by-Step Method
Let me show you how to make scary negotiations fun. I use my DEAL method for every step-by-step negotiation.
This method has four easy steps. It works for selling art or starting a lawn service. These steps will help you win.
| Step | Action | What to Say | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discover | Ask questions first | “What’s most important to you about this project?” | Shows you care about their needs |
| Engage | Present your offer with benefits | “I’m thinking $20 because you’ll get a custom piece” | Explains value, not just price |
| Agree | Problem-solve together | “What if we tried this solution instead?” | Makes it collaborative, not confrontational |
| Lock it down | Confirm and document | “So I’ll deliver by Friday for $15, right?” | Prevents confusion and shows professionalism |
The Discover step is key. Don’t rush to your offer. Start by asking questions. People love talking about their needs.
In the Engage phase, explain why your offer is good. Say “$20 because it covers materials and gives you something unique.” This shows the value.
The Agree step is magical. When they have concerns, be excited. Their feedback helps you make better solutions together.
Lastly, Lock it down by repeating everything. This method might seem formal, but it shows you’re serious. Write down your agreement or send a quick text summary.
Remember, the best deals make both people happy. This method has helped me close many successful deals. It will work for you too.
Handling Tricky Situations When Things Get Tough
Here’s a secret: negotiation challenges are common. Sometimes people say no right away. Other times, they change their mind at the last minute. And yes, some adults might try to pay you less just because you’re young.
I’ve been in tough spots too. But I’ve learned that staying calm is key. It’s better than getting defensive.
When someone doubts my age or experience, I don’t argue. I let my work show what I can do. I say, “I know you might doubt my age, but check out my past work and results.”
My favorite trick is strategic silence. If someone wants an unfair price, I pause. I say, “I get that’s too high. Let me think of other options.”
Then I wait. Often, they’ll offer a better deal or suggest something new.
Another challenge is when someone wants you to decide fast. But good deals don’t need quick choices. I say, “This is interesting. Can I think about it and get back to you tomorrow?”
A good business partner will wait. If they won’t, it might not be a good deal.
Sealing the Deal and Following Through Like a Pro
Most kids don’t know the negotiation doesn’t stop when someone says yes. That’s when the real work starts! Closing business deals right is what makes you a true young entrepreneur.
I always write down our agreement, even if it’s just a text or email. It’s not about not trusting people. It’s about making sure we both remember the same things later. I say something friendly like: “Thanks for agreeing to buy my design for $25, delivered by Friday. I’m excited to work with you!”
Then, the most important part is doing what you promised. It might seem obvious, but many people don’t follow through. I always deliver on time or early, and I make sure the quality is just right.
If something goes wrong, I tell them right away. Being honest, like “Hey, I need one extra day for your order. Is Saturday okay instead?”, builds trust faster than hiding problems.
Professional follow-through also means checking in after the deal is done. I always ask if they’re happy with everything. Sometimes, I’ll ask if they know anyone else who might want my services. Happy customers are your best marketing tool, just like with starting your first online business!
Strong business relationships come from being reliable. When people know you’ll do what you promise, they’ll come back and tell their friends about you.
Your Journey to Young Entrepreneur Success Starts Now
We’ve learned a lot together! You now know how to negotiate and make your first deal. You have all the tools you need to grow in business.
Every big entrepreneur started just like you. They dreamed big and learned new things. The skills you’ve learned are not just for money. They help in school, with friends, and in your future business.
You can start using these skills right away! Try to get better deals for your chores or trade with friends. Every talk is a chance to get better.
Studies show that learning to negotiate early helps a lot. It helps in school, friends, business, and money matters. You’re already ahead!
I believe in you. The world needs more young entrepreneurs who make fair deals and respect people. Your first deal is ready for you. You’re ready to succeed.
Go for that business idea you’ve been thinking about. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Keep dreaming big and have fun building your future!