Entrepreneurship is very much related with the goal to convince others that the idea behind your business is worth their attention, in some cases even their time and money. To attract investors, clients, talented and motivated team members, and potential mentors and business partners, every entrepreneur must learn how to become better negotiator. In the competitive business world, the ability to negotiate effectively has become a main priority for the business owners. Negotiation is one of the key factors that determine the success of an entrepreneur; this is why here we have put together a list of five very useful online courses on the topic.

Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills

University of Michigan

About the course as presented on Coursera: “In the course, you’ll learn about and practice the four steps to a successful negotiation: (1) Prepare: Plan Your Negotiation Strategy (2) Negotiate: Use Key Tactics for Success (3) Close: Create a Contract (4) Perform and Evaluate: The End Game.”

Taught by: George Siedel, Williamson Family Professor of Business Administration and Thurnau Professor of Business Law

The Art of Negotiation

University of California, Irvine

About the course as presented on Coursera: “The course explores the personal and behavioral characteristics of an effective negotiator. Participants discuss how empowerment, power, and authority affect the negotiation process and outcome. Topics include how important it is to plan and prepare for a negotiation session.”

Taught by: Sue Robins, M.S. Ed., Instructor, University of California, Irvine Extension

Introduction to Negotiation: A strategic Playbook for Becoming a Principled and Persuasive Negotiator

Yale University

About the course as presented on Coursera: “In this course, you will have several opportunities to negotiate with other students using case studies based on common situations in business and in life. You can get feedback on your performance and compare what you did to how others approached the same scenario.”

Taught by: Barry Nalebuff, Milton Steinbach Professor

High Performance Collaboration: Leadership, Teamwork, and Negotiation

Northwestern University

About the course as presented on Coursera: “Students will engage in self-assessments to analyze their leadership style, develop team charters to optimize their groups, and develop a game plan for effective negotiation.”

Taught by: Leigh Thompson, J. Jay Gerber Distinguished Professor of Dispute Resolution and Organizations

Business English: Planning & Negotiating

University of Washington

About the course as presented on Coursera: “In this course, the context is hosting an event and finding an appropriate venue for it. You will learn language and strategies for successful negotiations culminating in a written announcement for an event.”

Taught by: Richard Moore, Extension Lecturer, International & English Language Programs

Happy Learning!