This article considers contract negotiations between publisher and printer , but it has universal application.
Communication is never easy.
Communicating so that someone else will do what you want - can be very difficult, and often seem impossible. Next they silently say 'You must consider MY needs' It is imperative that you listen at those formative stages. Finally, you get, 'I approve', and they buy the deal, or 'I do not approve' and you have a hill to climb. Preparation People Get to know the people involved - have a preliminary chat, perhaps about another subject. Find out something about them, in small deals this may not be over important but if a lasting relationship is to work it is good to know as much as you can about the other party - their personal life, the progress of their company.