What if Your “Tomorrow” Was Yesterday?

Many companies only recognize change once it has already happened. Their leaders believe they have time to prepare for what’s coming. But what if their tomorrow was actually yesterday?

Right now, the global landscape is shifting faster than ever. The U.S. is questioning the efficiency of its governmental spending and international trade laws. Chinese companies are aggressively targeting EU markets. European leaders are raising alarms, signalling to businesses and the public that protectionism is fading. The question is:

Can we in Europe withstand the competition?

The answer lies in becoming more competitive—not tomorrow, not in a few years, but NOW. And becoming more competitive means one thing: mastering the art of negotiation.

As a negotiation coach, I witness poor deals—or no deals at all—every day. Many companies avoid negotiations because they perceive them as stressful, risky, or inconvenient. I hear excuses like: “We are in the middle of restructuring”; “Our budgets are frozen until the mid-year review”;“ Our boss is leaving, so we are waiting for a new one to be appointed.”

While these companies stall, their competitors move forward. Do you think your rivals will wait for you? Will they pause and ask, “Are you ready to start competing? No? Okay, we’ll wait.” Of course not. They will take your customers and leave you behind.

The Global Market Is Changing

We are moving toward an economy, where only the strongest will prosper. Just look at the headlines. The time of guaranteed protection is over. If European businesses want to survive and thrive, they need to adapt fast.

And that adaptation starts with better negotiation skills.

There is always a better deal to be made, but only if your team knows how to claim it. The difference between winning and losing in business often comes down to negotiation—the ability to secure better contracts, better pricing, and better partnerships.

Our “Tomorrow” Was Yesterday

The time to level up your negotiation skills isn’t next quarter, next year, or when the circumstances are “right.” It’s NOW. If you wait, you’re already behind.

So ask yourself: Are your people skilled enough to negotiate a better deal? If not, what are you waiting for?

Because yesterday’s tomorrow is already gone.