This is the third of a three-part Business English Pod series on discussing a proposal with a vendor.

Meeting with a vendor to discuss a proposal is partly about getting information and partly about negotiating a good deal. Your conversation is like a dance in which you and the vendor are trying to get the most out of a possible deal. You need to come out of the meeting feeling confident about the vendor’s abilities and sure that you are getting as much as possible at the best possible price.

上個星期, we looked at how to show concern about cost, introducing topics with tact, and showing tactical hesitation. 在這一集, we’ll focus on the negotiation phase. That will involve highlighting concerns, getting concessions, and making a counter-proposal. We’ll also look at how to set criteria for evaluation and how to maintain momentum at the end of a meeting.

在今天的對話中, we’ll rejoin Steve, who wants to hire a vendor to run language training, 和凱倫, 誰的公司參與了該項目的投標.

聽力問題

1. How does Karen respond to Steve’s concern about cost?
2. What changes to the proposal does Steve suggest?
3. What will probably happen next?

Download: Podcast MP3

這是三部分商務英語播客系列的第二部分 與供應商會面以討論提案.

正如我們上次討論的, 與供應商會面討論提案部分是為了獲取信息，部分是為了達成一筆好交易. 您需要利用自己的軟技能從會議結束時對供應商感到樂觀，並確信您以最優惠的價格獲得盡可能多的東西.

在最後一集中, 我們專注於通過不同類型的問題獲取信息. 在本課中, 我們將看看如何表達對成本的關注, 如何巧妙地介紹一個話題, 以及如何在談判中表現出猶豫. 我們還將介紹提出假設性問題和近似數字.

讓我們重新加入史蒂夫, 誰希望聘請某人進行語言培訓, 和凱倫, 誰的公司參與了該項目的投標.

聽力問題

1. 混合課程的優勢是什麼?
2. 史蒂夫在這部分會議中的主要關注點是什麼?
3. 如果客戶對混合交付不滿意怎麼辦?

Download: Podcast MP3

This is the first of a three-part Business English Pod lesson about meeting with a vendor, or potential supplier.

When you meet with a vendor to discuss a proposal, it’s partly about getting information and partly about negotiating better terms. You may be meeting with several vendors who are bidding on the same job. You want to make sure you understand each proposal and can have confidence in each vendor’s ability to deliver. You’ll also want to get the best terms possible in the deal. Then you can make a wise decision about who deserves the contract.

在本課中, we’ll look at using probing questions to dig for more information, ensuring vendor expertise by asking about past experience, asking leading questions, and confirming information. We’ll also see how a vendor attempts to address the client’s concerns.

在今天的對話中, we’ll hear Steve, who works for a company that wants to hire someone to run Business English training courses for its employees. Steve is meeting with Karen, a potential vendor, who works for Lexis Training Solutions.

聽力問題

1. What are Lexis Training Solutions’ strengths?
2. What are Steve’s biggest concerns in this meeting?
3. Why does Karen say that each company is unique?

Download: Podcast MP3