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Bill Richardson’s Major Negotiation Lesson

Bill Richardson’s Major Negotiation Lesson

Former U.N. Ambassador, U.S. Secretary of Energy, New Mexico Governor, and Member of Congress Bill Richardson recently passed away. Interestingly enough, despite holding all these high-level government positions, he may have been most well-known for his ability as a...
Negotiating With College Kids

Negotiating With College Kids

My son starts college at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois next week. Time flies! As the son of an author, he recently bought a book for my wife and me entitled “The Naked Roommate [For Parents Only]: A Parent’s Guide to the New College Experience.” I...
The Power of Tribal Unity

The Power of Tribal Unity

I met my wife over 20 years ago when one of my former law students introduced us. When I learned she grew up in Wisconsin, I immediately felt a connection. After all, I grew up in Minnesota and sensed a “Midwestern” thing going on. She felt it, too. This feeling was...
How to Change People’s Minds With Good Ideas

How to Change People’s Minds With Good Ideas

I recently attended a conference where an expert started his presentation with a photo of a toilet up on the big screen. What?!? Of course, it grabbed our attention. But it also made a serious point, as the speaker – Chris Graham – noted in “the part about toilets”...
It Just Feels Appropriate (Part 4)

It Just Feels Appropriate (Part 4)

“The buyer paid 8x my client’s EBITDA [a revenue-related financial calculation often used to help evaluate a company’s market value]. He didn’t have to pay this, as he had extremely strong leverage because he was my client’s largest retail outlet and one without...
Personal Relationships Over Leverage (Part 3)

Personal Relationships Over Leverage (Part 3)

I know the best way to maximize the financial value of my family business is to hire an investment banker and auction it off to the highest bidder. That’s all about leverage, right? And I need to achieve enough financial security to continue our current lifestyle...
To Negotiate or Not – That is the Question

To Negotiate or Not – That is the Question

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley recently sparked an uproar within the Biden Administration and strained U.S.-Ukrainian relations when he suggested that the potential stalemate in the Ukraine-Russian War provides a “window of opportunity for negotiation.”...
When To Negotiate In Person: An Update

When To Negotiate In Person: An Update

I wrote a column in 2011 entitled “In Person Talks Often Best Option” for The Arizona Republic. Given the timeliness of this subject as many CFOs and others contemplate the money saved with employees Zooming from home and staying away from airports, I thought I would...
When to Take the Deal

When to Take the Deal

  “Should I take the deal? I don’t want any regrets. It seems great, but I could be leaving a lot on the table. What should I do?” I get this question a lot. How should you decide? 1. Does it satisfy your fundamental goals and interests? Go back to the...