HTML Ready Article. Click on the "Copy" button to copy into your clipboard.
By: Ozeme J Bonnette
Genesis 23:15-16 is part of a land purchase negotiation between Abraham and Ephron. Abraham needed to bury his wife. He was not from the area and had to purchase land in order to do so. Ephron wanted to give the land to Abraham, but Abraham wanted to pay what the land was worth. He asked Ephron to accept the offer.
Abraham and Ephron's business transaction highlight three keys to better financial negotiations.
1) Negotiate fairly
Abraham was willing to pay the fair market price for the land.
Deuteronomy 27:18 says, "Cursed is the man who leads the blind astray on the road." (NIV) Since Abraham was not as familiar with the area's land values as the local Hittites, he had to trust that Ephron would not lead him astray.
Leviticus 19:35 reads, "Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight or quantity." (NIV) Abraham hoped that Ephron would tell him the truth.
2) Keep your word
Abraham agreed to the terms and paid Ephron what he asked for the land. In all of our business negotiations, we have to do what we say we will do.
Both the inability to negotiate fairly and the inability to be honorable with our word can hinder future negotiations. If we are not trustworthy, no one will want to do business with us.
Proverbs 10:9 tells us, "The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out." (NIV) A tarnished reputation is not something that is easy to overcome.
3) Have witnesses to your negotiations
Ephron's terms for Abraham's purchase of the land were discussed "in the hearing of the Hittites." It can be beneficial to discuss negotiations with witnesses around.
Witnesses help reduce the chances of future disagreements. Rather than creating an atmosphere for "he said, she said," witnesses can confirm what was said by both parties in the negotiation process.
Witnesses can also ensure that all terms were arrived at fairly. Since Abraham was not familiar with the prices, the Hittite witnesses were able to confirm that the price Ephron named for the land purchase was reasonable.
Sometimes people may feel pressured into agreeing to terms that are not in their best interest. Witnesses can help keep people from signing contracts under duress.
The Bible provides so many tools to help us manage all aspects of our lives. If we keep these tips in mind as we negotiate all of our business dealings, we are much more likely to reduce, or even avoid, unnecessary future mishaps as a result.
Author Resource:->??Ozeme J. Bonnette is a financial coach, speaker, and author of Get What Belongs to You: A Christian Guide to Managing Your Finances. After working for a top financial services company, she shifted her focus to speaking to groups hoping to increase financial literacy. She earned 3 Bachelor's degrees at Fresno State, and her MBA at UCLA's Anderson School. Her blog is http://www.povertynorriches.com.
Article From Next Level Articles
Source: http://www.nextlevelarticles.com/Art/399430/226/Three-Tools-To-Improve-Financial-Negotiations.html
abacus iphone 4 cases spongebob bot northern lights foot locker cats
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.