A lot of people ask me, "Donny, how do you always win negotiations?" And I tell them, "It's simple. I just win." They look confused. But that's the secret. Just win. Every time.

Rule #1: Be Donny

The first rule of negotiation is to be Donny. Now, I know what you're thinking: "But Donny, I'm not Donny." That's okay. Just act like you're Donny. Walk like Donny. Talk like Donny. Think tremendous thoughts.

Rule #2: Never Accept the First Offer

Someone offers you $100? You say, "That's an insult." They offer $200? "Still insulting." They offer $50? You take it. Wait, no. That's wrong. You say, "I'll give you $30 and a firm handshake." That's negotiation.

Rule #3: The Art of the Walk-Away

Always be willing to walk away. Even if you really want the deal. Even if you're already sitting down. Stand up and walk toward the door. Then walk back. Then walk away again. It's a dance. A beautiful, powerful dance.

Rule #4: Use Big Words

Words like "tremendous," "unbelievable," and "nobody has ever seen." These words confuse your opponent. While they're trying to figure out what you're saying, you've already won. It's psychology. Or magic. Same thing.

My Greatest Negotiation

Once, I negotiated with a vending machine. It wanted $1.50 for a candy bar. I said, "That's outrageous." I put in $1.25 and pressed the button firmly, with confidence. The candy bar came out. Plus another one. The machine respected my negotiating power.

Some people say that was just a malfunction. Those people don't understand negotiation.

Final Thoughts

• Confidence is your greatest asset.
• Words don't need to make sense if you say them confidently.
• Everything is negotiable. Even vending machines.
• If you don't win, it wasn't a real negotiation.