This month, Yodit Mesfin Johnson from Center for Empowerment and Economic Development (CEED) spoke on the important topic of negotiating contracts.

Be Prepared

There are several keys to successful negotiation. First of all, be prepared.

• Appearance - Dress for Success
• Presentation - Tools to help you sell
• Confidence - Passion and Pursuit
• Time - Sell in 10 minutes or less

Practice is also important. Try using everyday situations, such as family or while shopping, and be sure to practice with both male & female mentors. Women tend to think of getting along vs. getting what they want.

Overcoming Objections

This is often a tough spot in negotiation. Yodit offered several tips:

• Negotiating is a process, not an event. Stay calm!
• Don't give your fair price immediately; buyers may cheapen your product or service.
• Make a buyer work for a price cut. They will feel they won the deal.
• Bottom-line pricing may prevent you from raising your price in the future.

Closing the Deal

If you don't get the deal, remember the following:

• No Deal - is NOT a rejection of you!
• No Deal - you are closer to the real deal.
• Don't lament the "No" response.

If you do get the deal, be sure to wrap it up properly.

• Repeat to the buyer the terms of the deal.
• Verify the price and delivery date of the service or product.
• Clarify any uncertain points.
• Immediately after the meeting, review your notes.

Special thanks to Yodit and the dozen or so WBO members who braved a big snowstorm to come out for the meeting. See you in March!

Monthly Meeting, Tuesday, March 11, 2008

"The Principles of Prosperity"
Speaker: Brenda Moore, CEO and President of Perk & Brew Corp, Ypsilanti, MI
Time: 6:00-8:00

Sponsor, Kiela Samuels,THE Pharmacy

MICROSOFT WORD CLASSES
Come learn your way around Microsoft Word! These popular classes are taught by WBO member, Patricia Na, and are offered through Ann Arbor Community Rec & Ed. They are fun, relaxed classes with typically 6-8 people, which allows plenty of time for questions and one-on-one help. Sign up today before classes fill up!

Microsoft Word Beginning
6:30-8:30pm, Mar 10-19, MW (4 sessions)

Microsoft Word Intermediate
6:30-8:30pm, Mar 24 - Apr 2, MW (4 sessions)

For further details or to register, go to http://aareced.com or call (734) 994-2300.

The OPPORTUNITES section of this newsletter provides you, the membership, with the chance to announce opportunities that support you as a business or benefit our members. See the Newsletter page for more information and feel free to send Opportunity information to info@wbo-mich.org.

It's hard to imagine that Nan's Merle Norman has celebrated nearly 18 years. Owning a Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio has been one of the most unique and personally rewarding experiences in my life. I love helping women feel good about themselves; guiding them through proper skincare, giving them hands-on experience of makeup application and seeing their beauty unfold. My Mom always said she couldn't get me away from my coloring books. That led me to private art classes and now I get to enjoy faces as my "canvas." We welcome you to come enjoy your own personal experience at Nan's and would love to treat you to a complimentary, hydrating facial. Call us for an appointment at 734-930-6516. We are also a natural nail salon offering manicures and pedicures.

Alongside operating Nan's, for the past 6 years I have also built a home-based business as a Creative Memories consultant. I have enjoyed teaching others the importance of photo preservation and I'm convinced albums have the power to change lives. They remind us of what's important - people we love, the places we go, the moments we share. We capture the magic and keep it alive. I can help you organize your printed or digital photos and get them into beautiful albums for you and future generations to enjoy. We also offer top-of-the-line frames to make the halls and walls smile in your house.

This spring is bursting with host specials! By hosting a Get Together event you'll get the opportunity to laugh, relax and reconnect with friends. Or, you can Cash In with a new career. Wouldn't you love a little extra cash in your pocket? When you start a career with Creative Memories in March, you'll get your Kit for half price and the opportunity to earn the amount you paid for the kit back as a rebate! Contact me for more details about our products and services by logging onto my website: mycmsite.com/nancarter

Many of you know, we reach a time in our lives where we want to share in special moments with our family and seize the opportunity to embrace new challenges. After careful consideration, I have made the very difficult decision to sell Nan's Merle Norman and concentrate on my Creative Memories business. I'm looking forward to help transition the right person. In the meantime, I look forward to "creating" new "memories."

Find three opportunities in your personal or business life where you can practice your negotiation skills. Examples might be bartering your product or service with another business, negotiating a discount from a service provider, or changing chore responsibilities at home with family members.

Jaime Villarreal, J and T Ultimate Cleaning Inc

Helping Hand Computer Solutions, Computer training & troubleshooting, purchase & setup. 10% off, 734-995-6875
TLCI, Website Design, Development, Consulting, SEO, Marketing, Updates 12% discount, 662-0154
Healing in Motion, $20 discount for Myofascial Release and Exercise (Wellness Program), 913-4816
Cafe Marie of Ann Arbor, Breakfast/Lunch Cafe, 20% off, 662-2272
Strickfaden Photography, Complimentary Professional business portrait session $150 value. 734-996-4030
Instant Imprints, 10% discount, 734-929-0577.
J'spaa at Eastover, 10% discount, 734-827-9775
Genesis Service Associates, LLC, 10% discount off first graphic design project. Call Sue Stoker, 734-994-3900
Juice Plus, Free canister of plant-based Complete Shake with order of capsules or gummies. Contact Sara at 734-369- 8893
Rubenfeld Synergy, Complimentary Introductory Session, contact Peggy at 734-994-3719
I Sold It, 5% off on first $500, (734) 761-6187
Julie Battjes, 15% off any Arbonne purchase, (734) 765-6905
SKO Enterprises, Complimentary Website Critique, valued at $100, (734) 426-3613
1-800-Got-Junk? , 10% off any junk removal service. Please be sure to mention this discount when scheduling your appointment.734-904-1992
Theresia Radtke, Shaklee is offering 15% off all products, 734-646-0793
Cynthia Hagan is providing 10% off a Staging & Design Solutions consultation, 734-483-9555
Geraldine Markel, PhD is offering a 20% discount on all services or products from Managing Your Mind Coaching & Seminars.
Mary Seibert, RN, BSN, CHTP, BC-HN Healing Touch Practitioner, 10% off services, 734-323-2520
Friends 4 Paws, LLC, 10% discount on all services, 734-328-6035