Sales Reinvented
Renowned fitness and performance coach for sales leaders, Joshua Hulsebosch, has worked alongside industry giants like Jeb Blount and has designed wellness courses for Sales Gravy University. In the first episode of our “Fit for Sale” series, Joshua explains the vital connection between physical fitness and sales success, sharing real-life stories and practical strategies that busy sales professionals can implement to boost their energy, resilience, and overall effectiveness. From sleep routines to stress management and sustainable nutritional habits, Joshua discusses his daily practices...
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We’re joined once again by Lisa Earle McLeod, renowned author of "Selling with Noble Purpose" and a global leader in purpose-driven business strategies. This time, Lisa dives deep into the transformative role that artificial intelligence is playing in negotiation strategy and tactics. We discuss how AI is changing the sales game—not just by giving us better tactics, but by helping us see through our customers' eyes to uncover what truly matters to them. Lisa shares fresh insights on crafting more effective negotiation approaches by leveraging AI to understand customer risks, uncover hidden...
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Sales and leadership expert Peter Turley, known for his refreshingly honest, no-fluff approach to winning business. After years of witnessing average sales behaviors and predictable negotiation tactics, Peter joins us on the show to share his unique perspective on what truly sets top performers apart: positioning yourself as the authority even before a negotiation begins. In this eye-opening episode, you'll hear Peter outline the distinct roles of strategy and tactics, reveal his powerful "quantification" approach for reframing the sales conversation, and demonstrate how inviting your...
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On the show this week, Dr. Christopher Meyer, author of "Settle for More" and one of the Global Guru's Top 30 Thought Leaders in Negotiation for 2025, shares his expertise on the critical differences between negotiation strategy and tactics, and why a strong planning mindset is key to successful deals. Chris breaks down his unique approach to negotiation—shifting from a traditional "win-win" mindset to focusing on how everyone at the table can truly gain. He shares his favorite negotiation tactics, the importance of preparation, and how to handle those infamous hardball negotiation...
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I welcome back renowned persuasion expert and bestselling author Jay Heinrichs. Jay, widely celebrated for his book “Thank You for Arguing,” returns to share insights from his latest book: “Aristotle’s Guide to Self-Persuasion: How Ancient Rhetoric, Taylor Swift, and Your Own Soul Can Help You Change Your Life.” Jay dives into the personal journey that inspired the book—a year-long experiment where he applied the classical tools of rhetoric not just to business or negotiation, but to overcoming his own struggles with motivation, self-doubt, and a significant physical setback. Using...
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Drawing from over three decades of experience coaching high-stakes deals, my guest on the Sales Reinvented show, Jim Camp Jr., shares how the Camp System helps organizations avoid unnecessary compromise while improving their negotiation outcomes. He unpacks the key differences between strategy and tactics, reveals his go-to approach for handling emotionally charged negotiations, and explains why internal alignment and embracing problems are critical for successful outcomes. He also discusses the importance of planning, emotional control, and treating your counterpart with respect—even...
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Dr. Greg Williams—a globally recognized negotiation and body language expert known as the “Master Negotiator.” He joins me on the show to share insights from over 30 years of experience and his Harvard training. We discuss the importance of meticulous planning and how to recognize and counter aggressive negotiating maneuvers. Dr. Williams shares real-world examples—from complex business deals to high-pressure hostage situations—highlighting the power of adaptability, reading nonverbal cues, and understanding motivation in every negotiation. Packed with actionable advice and memorable...
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In this episode, I sit down with Chris Krause, a seasoned supply chain executive with more than 30 years of experience in procurement, change management, and organizational restructuring. We get under the skin of negotiation strategy and tactics—exploring everything from the difference between planning and action to the essential role of data, preparation, and goal alignment in high-stakes deals. Chris shares his proven rule of thumb for negotiation preparation, his top tactics for gaining leverage, and invaluable advice on handling aggressive negotiation moves. He also tells an illuminating...
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My guest this week is negotiation futurist, bestselling author, and top-ranked negotiation expert Tim Castle. Tim is the founder of Negotiators Edge Training Academy and author of “The Art of Negotiation” and “The Momentum Sales Model.” Tim shares his most effective approaches to high-stakes negotiation, focusing on value creation, building trust, and leveraging the Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA). He also reveals his favorite negotiation tactics, including creating urgency, holding firm with clarity, and operating from a mindset of abundance (not needing the...
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This week on the show, Marit Chervier de Ruiter brings her expertise in combining commercial structure with psychoanalytical principles to help businesses achieve long-lasting results in negotiation and sales. We dig into the critical differences between negotiation strategy and tactics, Marit shares game-changing tips for high-stakes negotiations, and how to cultivate stronger, more collaborative relationships with clients. She also shares her top dos and don'ts in negotiation and offers a real-world example of navigating a challenging deal with grace and success. Outline of This Episode ...
info_outlineIn this episode, I sit down with Chris Krause, a seasoned supply chain executive with more than 30 years of experience in procurement, change management, and organizational restructuring. We get under the skin of negotiation strategy and tactics—exploring everything from the difference between planning and action to the essential role of data, preparation, and goal alignment in high-stakes deals.
Chris shares his proven rule of thumb for negotiation preparation, his top tactics for gaining leverage, and invaluable advice on handling aggressive negotiation moves. He also tells an illuminating real-world story, highlighting the importance of transparency, open communication, and mutual respect—even when negotiations get tough.
Outline of This Episode
- [03:23] Chris’s top three negotiation tactics.
- [05:25] Focus on goal alignment before pitching to understand client needs.
- [07:31] Complex negotiations require goal alignment and multiple rounds to achieve the best outcome.
- [09:58] Win-win scenarios in negotiations ensure long-term relationships and prevent future conflict.
- [12:19] Keeping communications and dialogue open.
Distinguishing Strategy from Tactics
Understanding the foundation of successful negotiation begins with clarity on terms. Chris Krause highlights a crucial distinction: strategy is your overarching plan, crafted before the negotiation starts, while tactics are the actions employed during the negotiation itself.
Strategy is about setting your objectives, outlining concessions, and knowing your limits. It includes data gathering, goal setting, and scenario planning.
Tactics come into play at the negotiation table—your body language, the way you present your case, and how you respond to offers. Whether negotiating face-to-face, walking side by side, or even over casual conversation, tactics are the tools used to achieve the strategic goals you’ve set.
The Power of Data and Preparation
Before any high-stakes meeting, Chris’s go-to strategy is to amass as much data as possible—not just about his own position, but about the other party as well. This includes:
- Market studies: Understanding where the product or service sits within the broader landscape.
- Internal cost/benefit analysis: Knowing your bottom line and what you can afford.
- Budget cycles (on both sides): Are you or your partner under financial pressure? Has there been a recent company shakeup or market shift?
Armed with this knowledge, negotiators move from a position of power, specifically, the power that comes from knowledge. Chris advocates a “five to one” rule: for each hour of negotiation, spend at least five hours preparing. This encompasses scenario planning, identifying must-haves vs. nice-to-haves, and determining both concessions and firm asks. In his words, "Planning, preparation, and positioning" are the three Ps of negotiation excellence.
Top Tactics to Gain Leverage
Chris shared his three favorite tactics for gaining leverage in challenging deals:
- Cost Analysis: Establish a baseline of what the product or service should cost, based on robust data.
- Competitive Market Analysis: Ensure you understand current market pricing so you can position your offer competitively.
- Partner Analysis: Dive into your counterpart’s fiscal health—knowing if they are under pressure to close deals or expand markets can open the door for favorable terms.
He refers to this comprehensive approach as his “trifecta” for negotiation success.
The Secret Sauce in Complex Sales
One of the most valuable strategies in complex negotiations is what Chris calls “goal alignment.” Rather than rushing into a pitch, engage first in an open conversation to establish what both sides need to achieve. Are they solving a quality issue? Chasing cost savings? Seeking a new technology?
Especially for salespeople, Chris warns against focusing solely on your own objectives. Self-centered pitches quickly turn off experienced negotiators. Instead, understanding and aligning with the buyer’s business priorities sets the stage for trust and long-term partnership.
Countering Aggressive Tactics and Building Trust
High-stakes negotiations sometimes involve aggressive tactics—last-minute demands, take-it-or-leave-it offers, or extreme anchoring. Recognizing these moves is part of the game, but Chris emphasizes sticking to your strategy and being prepared for multiple rounds of negotiation. Rarely, he says, is a one-and-done deal the most fruitful.
Mutual respect and keeping communication open, even when emotions run high, are vital for coming through tough spots and ultimately reaching an agreement.
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