Sales Reinvented

Sean Sidney is known for his original negotiation concepts like "logic levers," the "persuasion sandwich," and "Bluff-4," and has trained more than 8,000 professionals to secure better deals and deliver real business value. I’m talking to Sean this week all about how procurement pros gain leverage in even the most high-stakes deals. Sean generously shares his favorite tactics, including how to use threats respectfully, the power of emotional acceptance, and the strategic application of logic levers. Whether you’re in sales or procurement, Sean’s actionable, relatable insights will help you navigate challenging negotiations, avoid common pitfalls, and forge better business relationships. Plus, you’ll hear real-world stories from Sean’s own career, practical tips to recognize and counter aggressive negotiation moves, and the essential dos and don’ts that every negotiator should live by.  Outline of This Episode [05:52] Emphasize emotion in persuasion: connect emotionally, be respectful, wrap emotional appeal a

I’m sitting down with Kent Kononoff, a seasoned B2B sales leader with over 25 years of experience in sales and sales leadership. Kent is known for his expertise in value-based selling, collaborative negotiation, and strategic planning to drive high-stakes deals. Kent shares his go-to collaborative approach, his favorite negotiation tactics like calibrated questioning and strategic silence, and reveals his top dos and don’ts for effective negotiations.    Plus, don’t miss a real-world story that brings these concepts to life and a powerful reminder that everyone in your organization, including those outside of sales, can all uncover new opportunities. Outline of This Episode   [04:30] Kent’s three favorite negotiation tactics—including collaborative questioning and strategic silences [07:43] Effective negotiation strategies include value-based selling and collaborative approaches. [09:38] How to spot aggressive tactics like unrealistic deadlines or extreme terms and stay calm under pressure  [14:24] Av

Welcome back to the Sales Reinvented podcast! In this episode, I’m joined by globally recognized negotiation expert Mark Raffan, founder of Negotiations Ninja and author of "Nine Secrets to Win Deals and Influence Stakeholders." Mark is known for his straightforward, actionable insights that drive real results.    Our conversation unravels the often-misunderstood differences between negotiation strategy and tactics and explores how they can work together to produce winning outcomes in high-stakes deals. Mark shares his tried-and-tested techniques for planning, stakeholder mapping, and using both collaborative and competitive approaches. He also reveals his top negotiation dos and don’ts and provides a great real-world example of turning a stalled deal into a win through smart strategy and tactical moves.   To learn more about how to better prepare for complex negotiations and counter aggressive buyer tactics, tune into this episode—it’s packed with the kind of practical advice you won’t want to miss.   Outlin

In this episode, we dive into the complex world of negotiation with Dr. Joshua Weiss, an expert in conflict resolution. Dr. Weiss is known for his ability to balance competition and cooperation in high-stakes negotiations, which allows negotiators to reach optimal agreements without compromising on key objectives.  He walks us through the difference between strategy and tactics in negotiations and emphasizes the importance of approaching negotiations as opportunities for problem-solving. Rather than focusing on compromises, Dr. Weiss advocates for a strategic balance that allows both parties to achieve their goals while fostering long-term relationships.  He shares his top negotiation tactics, including adaptability, radical empathy, and prioritizing collaboration over quick fixes. Tune in as we explore how to approach negotiations with clarity, confidence, and a mindset geared toward achieving meaningful outcomes. Outline of This Episode (0:00) Introduction to Dr. Joshua Weiss (1:00) The Difference Between

Most people–even most salespeople—walk into a negotiation focused on what they want. They’re thinking about numbers, margins, and commission. But that lens makes it easy to miss the real levers that move a deal forward. Lisa Earle McLeod breaks down why effective negotiators don’t start with tactics—they start with the other person’s world. What do they care about? What are they under pressure to deliver? What does a win look like for them? By grounding the conversation in outcomes that matter to the buyer, salespeople can create more alignment, trust, and momentum.  Lisa shares how front-loading value and clarity early on often removes the need for drawn-out back-and-forths later. And when tension rises, the prep work you did—mapping out their goals, not just your own—is what keeps your lizard brain from hijacking the moment. Negotiation becomes less about squeezing out a win, and more about making it easy for the other side to say yes. Outline of This Episode (0:00) Introduction to Lisa Earle McLeod (02:57

What determines value in your company? What should founders be asking themselves regarding pricing to determine value in their company? How do you know an effective negotiation strategy? On today’s episode, Paul Watts welcomes back Sonia Dumas. Sonia is a selling strategist, entrepreneur, and co-author of The Market Ownership Method: 7 Proven Principles and One Profitable Plan for Higher ROI Clients. Sonia has worked with industry giants like Intuit, Investopedia, Starwood, and Marriott, just to name a few. Today she will discuss experience-based negation strategies and effective negation tactics. Outline of This Episode (0:00) Introduction to Sonia Dumas (1:15) The Difference Between Strategy and Tactics in Negotiation (4:45) Sonia’s Most Effective Negotiation Strategy (9:55) Planning for Successful Negotiations (11:30) Managing Complex Sales: Simplify (13:00) Counteracting Aggressive Negotiation Tactics (15:00) The Top Three Negotiation Dos and Dont’s Resources & People Mentioned The Market Ownership

According to experienced coach and emotional intelligence expert Nicole Soames, founder and CEO of Diadem, ambition is the strategy that helps people get the most out of their negotiations.  Nicole joins Paul on the show to unravel the complexities of negotiation and explore everything from the critical differences between strategy and tactics to practical ways to prepare and plan for high-stakes deals.  With over 30 years of experience, Nicole shares her expert insights on maintaining emotional intelligence, the power of ambition in negotiations, and how to effectively navigate and counter those challenging tactics often used by professional buyers. Tune in to this episode if you’re ready to revolutionize how you approach negotiation conversations.  Outline of This Episode (00:00) Understanding Negotiation Strategy Dynamics (05:04) Ambition is the Key to Successful Negotiations (07:52) Negotiation Strategy: Anticipate and Balance (11:16) Effective Negotiation Planning Tips (13:44) Emotional Intelligence in

Your sales strategy gives you direction and frees up mental bandwidth, so don’t undervalue the importance of strategic planning before negotiations start.  In this episode, I welcome back Susan Borke, a Negotiation Strategist, who shares the critical elements of negotiation strategy and tactics and how to prepare effectively and confidently engage in high-stakes deals. We explore the importance of preparation, understanding your counterparty’s interests, and the power of active listening in shaping successful negotiation outcomes.  We also discuss common negotiation strategies used in complex sales and how to identify and address aggressive tactics with emotional intelligence. Susan shares personal experiences and offers practical tips to enhance your negotiation skills, ensuring all parties walk away happy.  Outline of This Episode (00:00) Introduction to Susan Borke (06:14) Effective Negotiation Preparation Strategies (09:44) Embrace Diverse Perspectives in Sales (12:22) Understanding Clients' Perspectives

In this episode of Sales Reinvented, we sit down with Joanne Smith, a pricing expert and author of The Price Negotiation Playbook. Joanne dives deep into the world of price negotiation, sharing her proven strategies and tactics for navigating tough pricing conversations. Whether you're dealing with price pressure or high-stakes deals, Joanne’s expert insights will help you confidently handle price negotiations and ensure you get the value you deserve. Outline of This Episode (0:52) What are the key differences between negotiation strategy and tactics? (1:58) How should companies adapt their pricing strategies during times of uncertainty? (3:50) Joanne’s go-to negotiation strategy for high-stakes deals (5:45) Joanne’s three favorite negotiation tactics (9:13) How important is planning in negotiation strategy and tactics? (10:35) Common negotiation strategies (and choosing the best to use)  (14:40) How can salespeople recognize and counter aggressive negotiation tactics? (17:15) Joanne’s top three negotiation

What if the key to successful negotiations wasn’t about securing the best deal right away, but about building a lasting relationship that leads to ongoing success? In this episode, Paul Watts sits down with Mike Figliuolo, founder of Thought Leaders LLC, to explore how fostering relationships during the negotiation process can lead to more fruitful, long-term partnerships. Mike, a seasoned leader with a background in both the military and corporate America, shares how he’s applied relationship-building strategies in high-stakes negotiations to ensure long-term success for both parties involved. Outline of This Episode (0:00) Introduction to Mike Figliuolo (1:40) The Difference Between Strategy and Tactics in Negotiation (2:31) Mike’s Go-To Negotiation Strategies (3:37) Top Three Negotiation Tactics (5:59) Planning and Role-Playing for Successful Negotiations (7:06) Managing Complex Sales: Breaking Deals into Smaller Components (8:49) Counteracting Aggressive Negotiation Tactics (10:56) Top 3 Negotiation Stra

What’s the secret to successful negotiations? It’s not just about making offers or striking deals—it's about creating the right kind of friction. In this episode, Paul Watts sits down with negotiation expert Saad Saad, who emphasizes that introducing healthy tension into conversations is a key strategy for achieving favorable outcomes. Saad explains how friction in a negotiation helps both parties fully assess the terms, leading to stronger, more deliberate decisions. Tune in to hear how mastering the art of friction can transform your approach to high-stakes deals and turn challenging negotiations into opportunities for success. Outline of This Episode (0:58) The difference between strategy and tactics (1:50) Saad’s go-to negotiation strategy for high-stakes deals (2:47) Saad’s three favorite negotiation tactics (4:56) The role of preparation and self-awareness in negotiation (6:52) Common negotiation strategies for complex sales (8:27) Handling aggressive negotiation tactics (11:35) Saad’s top negotiation

What’s the real difference between negotiation strategy and tactics, and why does it matter so much in high-stakes deals? In this episode of Sales Reinvented, we’re joined by Stuart Foster, an international sales performance coach, who answers this question and shares his expertise on navigating complex negotiations.  Stuart reveals how understanding the balance between strategy and tactics can be the key to closing deals, building long-term relationships, and ensuring mutual success. Whether you’re negotiating with a tough buyer or trying to secure a lasting partnership, Stuart’s actionable advice will equip you with the tools you need to master the art of negotiation. Outline of This Episode (0:51) What is the difference between negotiation strategy and tactics? (1:26) How should strategy and tactics complement each other in a deal? (2:22) Stuart’s go-to negotiation strategy for high-stakes deals (5:28) The role of planning in negotiation strategy and tactics (6:55) Common negotiation strategies in complex

In this episode of Sales Reinvented, Jeanette Nyden, a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience in drafting and negotiating complex contracts, explores the power of collaboration in negotiation. She shares her insights on how adopting a collaborative mindset can lead to more successful and mutually beneficial outcomes in high-stakes deals.  Whether you're negotiating with customers, suppliers, or partners, Jeanette’s approach emphasizes building relationships and aligning shared goals to achieve success. From understanding the balance between strategy and tactics to learning how collaboration can counter aggressive behaviors, this episode will equip you with practical tips to navigate negotiations with confidence and integrity. Outline of This Episode (1:00) Jeanette defines the difference between negotiation strategy and tactics (2:44) Jeanette’s go-to negotiation strategy for high-stakes deals (3:57) Jeanette’s three favorite negotiation tactics for leveraging tough deals (6:10) Normative leverage

In this episode of Sales Reinvented, host Paul Watts is joined by Phil Brown, founder of The Negotiation Club. With over 30 years of experience in procurement, Phil shares his wealth of knowledge on the nuances of negotiation strategy and tactics. Whether you’re negotiating high-stakes deals or everyday contracts, Phil’s insights will equip you with the tools to make confident, effective decisions and outmaneuver tricky negotiation tactics. Phil walks us through the key distinctions between strategy and tactics, the power of asking the right questions, and how to navigate aggressive negotiation styles with finesse. He also explains the psychology behind anchoring and shares simple but powerful tactics, like using odd numbers and summarizing, to create an edge in negotiations. Outline of This Episode (1:10) What’s the difference between negotiation strategy and tactics? (2:06) Phil’s go-to negotiation strategy for high-stakes deals (3:34) The top three negotiation tactics Phil swears by (6:35)) The role of pl

What if the key to success in any negotiation was in the preparation before you even sat down at the table? In today’s episode of Sales Reinvented, Scott Chepow, a global negotiation strategist, dives into the critical role preparation plays in successful negotiations.  Scott shares how planning, understanding the stakes, and conditioning your counterpart are the cornerstones of securing favorable outcomes. Whether you’re closing a major deal or navigating everyday discussions, Scott’s insights will equip you with the tools you need to approach every negotiation with confidence and strategic foresight. Outline of This Episode (0:58) The difference between negotiation strategies and tactics (2:36) Scott’s go-to strategy for high-stakes deals: The growth strategy (3:20) Scott reveals three of his most effective negotiation tactics (4:32) The importance of planning in negotiation (5:47) Understanding the role of conditioning in negotiation (6:30) The most effective negotiation strategy to use (8:16) Recognizing

What if you could approach every negotiation with the confidence that you’re setting yourself up for success from the start? Shawn Karol Sandy, a sales expert with over 13 years of experience leading high-performing teams and driving revenue, shares her most effective strategies for navigating tough negotiations and closing high-stakes deals. Whether you're looking to refine your approach or tackle negotiations with greater ease, Shawn’s insights will help you build the skills to engage with customers strategically and empathetically. Outline of This Episode (00:01) The key differences between negotiation strategy and negotiation tactics (03:10) Shawn’s go-to negotiation strategy when entering a high-stakes deal (06:20) Shawn’s three favorite negotiation tactics (09:30) The role of planning in the development and use of negotiation strategy (12:10) The common negotiation strategies being used in complex sales (14:50) How should a salesperson handle aggressive negotiation tactics? (16:30) Shawn’s top three ne

Negotiation isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about understanding the people and the underlying dynamics that drive every deal. That’s exactly what Jay Heinrichs, renowned persuasion consultant and author of Thank You for Arguing, brings to the table in this episode.  With experience working alongside top organizations like NASA and Harvard, Jay has mastered the art of negotiation, and today he’s sharing his proven strategies and tactics. From understanding the character of your negotiation partner to mastering powerful persuasion techniques, Jay reveals insights that will change how you approach every deal.  Whether you're negotiating a major contract or handling a challenging buyer, the expert advice in this episode will equip you with the tools you need to close with confidence and finesse. Outline of This Episode (0:00) Introduction to Jay Heinrichs and his background (1:03) The difference between negotiation strategy and tactics (1:51) Jay’s go-to negotiation strategy for high-stakes deals (3:00) Jay sh

]Mastering negotiation is a game-changer for any sales professional. In this episode, Santino Pasutto shares powerful strategies and proven tactics that have helped him navigate some of the most complex negotiations in the industry.  From understanding the difference between strategy and tactics, to handling aggressive procurement techniques, Santino breaks down the essential elements that make negotiations successful. Whether you're aiming to refine your approach or improve your closing rate, the insights shared in this episode will help you negotiate with confidence and achieve the results you're looking for. Outline of This Episode (0:00) Introduction to Santino Pasutto (1:04) The differences between negotiation strategy vs. tactics (2:14) Santino’s go-to negotiation strategy (3:33) Santino’s favorite negotiation tactics (5:33) The role of planning strategy and tactics (6:39) Resource-Based Modeling (RBM) (9:55) How to recognize and counter aggressive negotiation tactics (12:28) Santino’s top three negot

Negotiation is an art, but it’s also a science—a skill that can be honed to achieve game-changing results. In this episode of Sales Reinvented, negotiation expert Randy Kutz reveals the core strategies and tactics that set top negotiators apart.  Whether you’re at the bargaining table with a major client or negotiating internal deals, Randy’s insights will help you unlock better outcomes, build stronger relationships, and save both time and money. Tune in for a deep dive into the key principles that drive success at the highest levels. Outline of This Episode (0:00) Introduction to Randy Kutz and  (0:56) The differences between negotiation strategy vs. tactics (2:18) Randy’s go-to negotiation strategy (4:35) Randy’s top three negotiation tactics (9:25) The role of planning strategy and tactics (12:21) Common negotiation strategies for complex sales (16:31) How to recognize and counter aggressive negotiation tactics (21:53) Randy’s top three negotiation strategy and tactics dos and don’ts (26:49) Why you shou

In this episode of Sales Reinvented, I’m joined by Lucy Chamberlain, founder of C&C Search, to dive deep into the world of negotiation. As a recruitment pioneer in the finance and professional services sectors, Lucy shares her proven tactics and strategies that have helped her consistently win high-stakes deals.  From creating a collaborative atmosphere to handling aggressive negotiation tactics, Lucy provides actionable insights that will help you elevate your own negotiation skills. Whether you’re negotiating with clients or within your team, this episode is packed with valuable lessons that can transform your approach and lead to more successful outcomes. Outline of This Episode (0:00) Introduction to Lucy Chamberlain (1:01) Strategy vs. Tactics: What's the Difference? (2:43) Lucy’s Go-To Negotiation Frameworks (5:11) Top Negotiation Tactics: Power in the Pause & More (7:11) The Role of Planning in Negotiation (8:36) How to Determine what Strategy is Effective  (9:41) Overcoming Aggressive Tactics