Ronald M. Shapiro

Learn to get what you want without burning bridges In this revised and updated edition of the renowned classic The Power of Nice, negotiations expert, sports agent, New York Times bestselling author, attorney, business leader and educator, Ron Shapiro, shares the key principles of effective negotiation through a combination of a time-tested process, anecdotes, and exercises. Drawing on his unparalleled experiences from the worlds of sports, law, business and politics, as well as dealing with life issues common to us all, Shapiro takes you through the steps of his systematic approach: The Three Ps, Prepare-Probe-Propose. Learn how to use the process to empower you in negotiations. Regardless of your level of experience or the extent of your confidence, you will get what you want while building stronger relationships for the future. This updated edition contains: Significant new material including an expanded view of its applicability to a broad array of business and life challengesa new streamlined version of the Preparation Checklista more precise understanding of the concept of WIN-winforewords by Cal Ripken, Jr., and Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky, and an Epilogue highlighting negotiation lessons from the life of Nelson Mandela The book also provides a link to reinforcement of its lessons through the website of the Shapiro Negotiations Institute. Whether you are negotiating with, among others, a customer or client, a boss or government official, or even setting a teenager's curfew or getting a last seat on an airplane, this invaluable guide will help you read the other side and bring the power of human psychology and a time-tested process to the negotiating table. If you're tired of uneven "compromise" and the feeling of being manipulated, turn the tables for good with The Power of Nice, and learn strength from the master himself.

Whether you re asking for a raise, selling but holding your price, ending a relationship, or talking to children about divorce, success is predicated on planned, effective communication. Yet, most people fail to properly prepare their message. A veteran corporate attorney, sports agent, and expert consultant, Ronald M. Shapiro has spent years developing and honing his negotiation techniques. Now, Shapiro shares the bulletproof system of scripting he calls the Three D s: Draft, Devil s Advocate, Deliver. Illustrating his methods with fascinating real-life stories and helpful scripts, he walks readers through the process of creating an effective message, preparing for counterarguments, and delivering the results with confidence and grace. Applicable across a broad range of situations, Perfecting Your Pitch empowers us to get the results we want."

Over the course of a forty-year career in the worlds of law, sports, business, and politics, Ron Shapiro has worked with and advised an incredible variety of people. What he's found is that the secret ingredient for getting into the winner's circle is simply the discipline of methodical preparation: that old-school, step-by-step way of having all your ducks in a row, whether you are an executive getting ready to do a deal or make a speech; a pitcher studying the traits of opposing hitters and keeping a meticulous notebook of their strengths and weaknesses; an international trade negotiator who knows all about the issues and the people on the other side before sitting down at the table; or a surgeon who rehearses like a classical musician. Deep down, you know you should do it. But how often do you wing it and fly by the seat of your pants because "Gosh, I don't have time . . . I've done this before . . . I know what I'm doing"? It is obvious that you have to get ready for whatever game you're playing, but all too frequently methodical preparation is the missing ingredient in today's world of instant analysis, easy access to information, and glibness that sounds good at first but is unconnected with the reality at hand. In Dare to Prepare, successful people such as wine guru Robert Parker, investment legend Bill Miller, pianist Leon Fleisher, Goldman Sachs partner Lisa Fontenelli, broadcaster Bob Costas, firefighter Ann Marie Tierney, New York Mets manager Willie Randolph, and many others share the way they apply discipline in preparing for career-changing games, deals, meetings, and interviews. Cal Ripken Jr. played thousands of games in the major leagues but prepared for each like it was his first. NPR host Liane Hansen has interviewed countless people but approaches each interview with the same meticulous research time and time again. Make sure there are no slips "twixt cup and lip" as you get ready for your next personal or professional challenge by daring to prepare.