Let's Make a Deal

Photo by Bahador on Unsplash

I asked Grok, Elon Musk's AI chatbot, "What are the characteristics of a person who is good at making deals?"

This was the answer.

A person who excels at making deals typically possesses a combination of interpersonal, strategic, and intellectual traits. Here are some key characteristics:

Strong Communication Skills: They articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and adapt their language to suit their audience. Whether negotiating terms or persuading someone, they know how to convey value effectively.

Emotional Intelligence: They read people well—picking up on cues like tone, body language, or hesitation—and adjust their approach accordingly. Empathy helps them understand the other party’s needs and motivations.

Confidence: They project assurance without arrogance, inspiring trust and credibility. This allows them to hold firm on key points while remaining approachable.

Preparation and Research: They come armed with facts—knowing their own bottom line, the other party’s likely priorities, and the broader context (market trends, competitors, etc.). Knowledge is their leverage.

Adaptability: They think on their feet, pivoting when negotiations shift unexpectedly. Rigid dealmakers lose; flexible ones find win-win solutions.

Patience and Persistence: They don’t rush or buckle under pressure. They’re willing to wait for the right moment or push through resistance to get the best outcome.

Strategic Thinking: They see the big picture—anticipating objections, planning concessions, and knowing when to walk away. Every move serves a purpose.

Persuasiveness: They frame their offers in ways that appeal to the other side’s interests, making it hard to say no. Storytelling or highlighting mutual benefits often plays a role.

Integrity: While they play hard, they don’t burn bridges. A reputation for fairness keeps doors open for future deals.

Resilience: Rejection or setbacks don’t faze them. They learn from losses and come back sharper.

Think of someone like a seasoned entrepreneur or a diplomat—say, a Chris Voss type (the ex-FBI negotiator) or even a fictional Tony Stark. They blend charm, wits, and grit to close the deal. Does that paint the picture you’re looking for?