What data should you use to support your proposal during a negotiation?

Negotiating a proposal with a potential client or partner can be challenging, especially if you are not sure what data to use to support your case. Data can help you demonstrate the value of your proposal, persuade the other party to accept your terms, and address any objections or concerns they may have. However, not all data is equally relevant, reliable, or convincing. In this article, you will learn what types of data you should use to support your proposal during a negotiation, and how to present them effectively.

1 Quantitative data

Quantitative data, such as sales, revenue, costs, market share, customer satisfaction, or performance indicators, can help you show the impact of your proposal on the bottom line. To use quantitative data effectively, you should select data that is relevant to the goals and interests of the other party and aligns with your proposal's objectives and benefits. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the data comes from credible and reputable sources. You should also provide context and explanation for your data, such as how it was collected and what it represents. Finally, visualize your data with charts, graphs, tables, or infographics to make it easier to understand and remember.

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Vikas Kumar A.

Presentations, Pitch Decks, Infographics, Reports, eBooks, Whitepapers, Branding, Marketing Collaterals, & Video Animations. Your Ideas, My Designs. Let’s Make Your Designs Unforgettable! | Founder, InfoBrandz
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In my experience, following 3 things helps to support your proposal during a negotiation 1. Personalized Approach Always tailor your data to match the other party's historical preferences, creating a more resonant impact. 3. Future Potential Use data forecasting to illustrate your proposal's strategic, adaptable investment for long-term success. 3. Comprehensive Understanding & Roadmap Map out the other party's journey with your proposal, highlighting touchpoints that align with their needs for a trust-building impact.

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Axel O. Entraigas

Digital Commerce & GenAI Specialist / Speaker, Podcaster & Author / MBA & Industrial Engineer
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Siempre debemos respaldar los datos con sus respectivas fuentes, y las mismas deben ser lo más confiables posibles. Si tenemos fuentes de Gartner por ejemplo, nadie lo discutirá, en cambio si la fuente no es del todo confiable, tratar de sumar una segunda. A su vez, buscar fuentes de datos cuantitativos de especialistas de su industria (ej Newzoom para gaming)

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Asha Kanta Sharma

Assistant Manager - Finance & Accounts Decimal Technologies | Fintech | Financial Accounting
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To support a proposal during negotiations, use relevant, credible, and persuasive data. This includes market research data, financial data, performance metrics, customer data, case studies, benchmarking data, risk assessment data, regulatory and compliance data, technology and innovation data, and quantitative and qualitative analysis. These data sources help contextualize the proposal, demonstrate financial viability, demonstrate effectiveness, highlight customer needs, showcase success stories, and demonstrate competitive advantage. By combining quantitative and qualitative data, you can build a persuasive case and increase stakeholder agreement.

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2 Qualitative data

Qualitative data refers to any data that can be observed or described, but not measured or quantified, such as opinions, feedback, testimonials, reviews, stories, or examples. It is a powerful tool for illustrating the value of your proposal from the perspective of end users, customers, or stakeholders. Qualitative data can also help address emotional or psychological factors that may affect decision-making, such as trust, reputation, or satisfaction. To use qualitative data effectively, choose relevant data that showcases how your proposal can solve pain points and needs. Use data from authentic and diverse sources such as interviews, focus groups, social media, or your own experience and expertise. Additionally, provide context and explanation for your data like who provided it and how it relates to your proposal’s features and outcomes. Finally, use storytelling techniques to present your data like creating a narrative with sensory details and emotions.

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Arturs Peha

Agile Language Solutions | Empowering Communication with Advanced Tech and Human Touch | Creating Value for Your Business🎯 CSO @Skrivanek
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Data used to support your proposal during a negotiation should depend on the industry you are working for, the company you are trying to attract, and/or your "Buyer Persona". Under this section, a lot is mentioned, yet I would suggest adding case studies, especially if they match the business you are aiming at. The case study should include a business problem explanation, an examination of that and the alternative solutions, a proposal on how this issue should be tackled, and an outcome that ideally includes also client comment.

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3 Comparative data

Comparative data refers to any data that can be used to compare your proposal with other alternatives. It can help you highlight the uniqueness and superiority of your proposal, as well as anticipate and counter any objections or questions that the other party may have. To use comparative data effectively, you should choose data that is relevant to the criteria and expectations of the other party, and use data from fair and accurate sources. Additionally, provide context for your data and use contrast and comparison techniques to present it. Using data to support your proposal during a negotiation can help you build trust, credibility, and confidence with the other party. However, be careful not to overload or confuse the other party with too much or irrelevant data, and always balance your data with your rapport, empathy, and listening skills. Data is only one tool in your negotiation toolbox - use it wisely and strategically.

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4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What data should you use to support your proposal during a negotiation?

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1 Quantitative data

2 Qualitative data

3 Comparative data

4 Here’s what else to consider

Business Development

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What data should you use to support your proposal during a negotiation?

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1 Quantitative data

2 Qualitative data

3 Comparative data

4 Here’s what else to consider

Business Development

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