Attorney and mediator Steven Mehta, author of "112 Ways to Succeed in Any Negotiation of Mediation," contends that life is essentially one big negotiation.

Explain how little things can make a difference in negotiating.

Everybody knows that you buy low and sell high, or you work to get the best possible deal. But how you get there is extremely important. Small changes in the way you negotiate can make a big difference. Would you believe that buying somebody a soda can change the way that person will react to your negotiating proposals? One study scientifically found that that simple act would help increase sales of whatever is being sold. This is the principle of reciprocity, and just knowing about how it works has made a huge difference in many negotiated deals.

Why does a 10 percent increase in negotiating skills make a big difference?

In today's tough economy, every penny counts, every customer counts, every deal counts, especially when those deals or customers are few and far between. Imagine if someone got 10 percent more of the pie. How would the boss react to getting a better deal? Most people fight to get the commission, sale or deal in the first place. They may forget that once they have the customer or sale, they have to maximize their results from the agreement or sale. In fact, it is far easier to improve the terms of the agreement than it is to get another customer or client. Studies have shown that people spend far more money marketing for new sales from new customers than from existing customers. Once you have the customer or client, the next step is to make sure that you get the best result with that client.

What are some ways to make negotiating fun?

Many people don't like negotiating. They feel uncomfortable with the process. Just like anything else, the more you do it, the easier it gets. Part of the problem is that most people don't prepare properly. By being better prepared, an individual will be less stressed by the outcome. People stop having fun when they care too much about making the right move or getting the deal at all costs. One way to have fun is to know your options and to know when to walk away. The reality is that negotiating is fun. It can be very exciting to get a good deal on something. My suggestion is don't worry about the exact outcome, just focus on being in the present and seeing what kind of agreement that you can create.

Dawn House