1. Always carry a senior enough title like a Vice President or COO etc. This helps in setting the right plat form.
2. Make sure that you are dressed right to go into a negotiation (Be it with a client, vendor or a an investor).
3. For a start-up even hiring a key employee is all about negotiation. It may be salary or perks or stock options.
4. Never under estimate the other person’s ability. He may be smarter. And may be trained to negotiate smarter.
5. Be Nice but Firm!!
6. Keep your body language right. (There are enough materials available on this topic) Ex: BodyLanguage
7. Always keep in mind that it’s a transaction and the other party also wants something out of this. You are not the only interested party.
8. Finally, be ready to walk away if the other party is not reasonable. This confidence helps you to over come if this transaction fails.