Hey Reader, ⭐

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Here's a quick round up of what's been going on at Curious Muse over the last couple of weeks:

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🎨 How to master negotiation like an art auction buyer

• 🤝 Building rapport
• ⚖️ Creating win-win scenarios
• ⏳ Patience and timing

🙋 Happening in our COMMUSITY

• 🥰 What's your most favourite artwork?
• 📚 9 Tips on how to read "One Hundred Years of Solitude" like a pro

💡 Curious Bites:

• 🐻 Why do we see bears almost everywhere in Berlin?
• 🇦🇪 From Pearl Diving to Skyscrapers: The Evolution of Dubai in the Last 50 Years
• 💅 Manicure used to be a male dominated activity before women adopted this trend!

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​✍️ Quote of the week from Marina Abramovic

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Let's dive straight into it!

🎨 How to master negotiation like an art auction buyer

Negotiation is an essential skill in both professional and personal contexts, yet many of us find it challenging to navigate. Interestingly, the high-stakes world of art auctions and collecting provides a unique perspective on effective negotiation strategies.

In 2013, one auction took place which had the below painting on sale. American illustrator Norman Rockwell painted “Saying Grace” in 1951. The painting shows a woman and a young boy saying grace in a crowded restaurant, as they are observed by other people at their table. The painting was expected to sell for around $20 million, but it ended up fetching $46 million. The dramatic increase was the result of skillful negotiation and strategic bidding.

By understanding the techniques used by art dealers, collectors, and auction houses, we can apply these principles to everyday situations, enhancing our communication and persuasion skills.

Here are a few best practices observed in art auctions that we can apply in daily lives:

1. 📚 Preparation and Research: Successful bidders come armed with extensive knowledge about the artwork, its provenance, and its market value. Similarly, in any negotiation, thorough preparation is crucial. Understand the context, the needs and interests of all parties, and the potential outcomes. This preparation builds confidence and provides a strong foundation for negotiation.
2. 🚫 Setting Clear Limits: Bidders know their maximum bid and adhere to it strictly. This discipline prevents emotional decision-making and ensures financial prudence. In everyday negotiations, setting clear boundaries and limits helps maintain focus and avoid unfavorable agreements.
3. 👁️ Reading the Room: Observing the behavior of other bidders provides valuable clues about their intentions and limits. In any negotiation, being attuned to non-verbal cues and the dynamics of the interaction can offer critical insights that inform your strategy.

It's important to remember that art collectors often negotiate deals over time, fostering relationships that benefit both buyers and sellers. Here are strategies from the art collecting world that can enhance everyday negotiations:

1. 🤝 Building Rapport: Successful collectors cultivate relationships with artists, dealers, and other collectors. Building trust and rapport can lead to more favorable deals and long-term partnerships. In everyday negotiations, investing time in relationship-building can create a positive environment conducive to mutually beneficial agreements.
2. ⚖️ Creating Win-Win Scenarios: Collectors often look for ways to add value to both parties. For example, offering to showcase an artist's work in prominent exhibitions can be an incentive for a lower purchase price. In any negotiation, seeking solutions that benefit all parties helps in reaching sustainable and satisfactory agreements.
3. ⏳ Patience and Timing: Collectors understand the value of patience, often waiting for the right moment to make an offer. Timing can be critical in negotiations. Recognizing when to push forward and when to hold back can make a significant difference in the outcome.

By adopting these strategies from the art world, we can navigate negotiations more effectively, whether in business dealings, personal relationships, or everyday interactions. The art of negotiation, much like collecting masterpieces, is about preparation, understanding, and creating value.

💬 What do you think about this perspective from the world of art business? Do you often find yourself in situations when you need to negotiate things and how do you usually navigate them?

🙋 Happening in our COMMUSITY

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🥰 What's your most favourite artwork?​

💬 Join the discussion in our community and share which artwork has left a lasting mark on your heart. Let''s build an ultimate collection of the most impactful art!

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​9 Tips on how to read "One Hundred Years of Solitude" like a pro 🤓​

​Lee Young-mi commented on the initial post:

💡 Curious Bites

🐻 Why do we see bears almost everywhere in Berlin?​

The bear became a symbol of Berlin due to its long-standing association with the city's history and culture. One of the most popular theories dates back to the 13th century when Berlin was being founded. According to the theory, one of the leading founders of Berlin, Prince Albert I, went hunting in the forests surrounding the area and encountered a bear. Instead of hunting or harming the bear, Albert chose to adopt it as a symbol of strength and protection for the city he was establishing...

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🇦🇪 From pearl diving to skyscrapers: how Dubai has transformed in the last 50 years​

Almost 50 years ago, Dubai didn't have any skyscrapers and the world didn't even know that it existed. The 19th century Dubai relied completely on pearl diving, fishing, and trade for its economy. Its strategic location on the trade routes helped it prosper. However, this all changed in 1966 when oil was discovered in Dubai for the first time...

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💅 Manicure used to be a male dominated activity!​

In ancient Babylon, manicures were a significant part of male grooming and symbolized social status and power. The color of the nails indicated one's social class: the royals wore black, while the lower classes opted for green. They considered nail care not to be just a cosmetic choice but a visible marker of one's place in society. The world's first and most lavish manicure sets, in which tools were meticulously made from solid gold, were also crafted by Babylonian men...

✍️ Quote of the week

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Stay curious 💙

Artem xx

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