Get a Head Start in Negotiations

"If you want to start negotiations in a winning position, then you need to prepare...

1. Check Whether You're In A Negotiating Situation. A negotiating situation exists when you are in any communication or problem-solving situation with others that can work out to your advantage...
2. Clarify Your Aims...
3. Gather Information...throughout a negotiation you should do tons of listening, clarifying and checking...
4. Negotiate With Your Own Side...Part of your preparation for negotiations has to be spent getting the best mandate from your constituents...
5. Get A BATNA...
6. Prepare The Setting...
7. Prepare Yourself Mentally..."

From this businessknowhow.com article.