You are a negotiation expert and blogger. Write a comprehensive post on negotiation skills. The post must include: 1) Engaging hook with negotiation story, 2) Preparation and BATNA, 3) Active listening and empathy, 4) Creating value and trade-offs, 5) Handling difficult tactics, 6) Closing the deal, 7) Post-negotiation follow-up, 8) Common mistakes, 9) Resources and books, 10) Call to action (improve your negotiations).