By Brian Buck | 08/28/2026
Dolly Parton and the Power of Saying No in Negotiation
This past week, we lost Dolly Parton. I have strong memories of riding around in my dad’s El Camino as…
Read the post
By Brian Buck | 08/21/2026
5 Ways to Keep Improving Your Negotiation Skills
My youngest heads back to college this month to finish her senior year. I can’t believe how quickly time’s gone…
Read the post
By Brian Buck | 08/14/2026
AI Knowledge vs. Experience: How to Tell the Difference
Recently, when we were interviewing candidates for our open positions, I noticed something interesting. Some had knowledge right at their…
Read the post
By Kirbi Isaac | 08/07/2026
Don’t Make Them Guess
A friend and I recently went out to dinner and had a great meal. We ordered a few dishes to…
Read the post
By Trevor Murphy | 07/31/2026
Driving a Good Deal to the Finish Line
“I have a great idea.” In a marketing agency, this statement comes up in many meetings. It may not always…
Read the post
By Brian Buck | 07/24/2026
The Most Expensive Question
Recently, I was onstage making what I thought was an uncontroversial point: Negotiators should be more curious and ask more…
Read the post
By Brian Buck | 07/17/2026
“I Don’t Negotiate at Home.” Really?
As I go around the country talking to groups about negotiation, I remind people that it’s a life skill they’ll…
Read the post
By Brian Buck | 07/10/2026
Improve Internal Negotiations: Be a Creator
In my position, I’m frequently asked some variation of the following question: “How do I get my internal stakeholders to…
Read the post
By Brian Buck | 07/02/2026
Why the Founders Almost Didn’t Sign
Two-hundred-and-fifty years ago, the Founding Fathers of the United States voted to declare independence. But there’s something most of us…
Read the post
By Brian Buck | 06/26/2026
Top 5 Negotiation Issues of the Year . . . So Far
Halfway through 2026, one thing is clear: The negotiating environment isn’t getting any easier. Markets are shifting, internal pressures are…
Read the post
By Brian Buck | 06/24/2026
Why You Don’t Prepare (and What It’s Costing You)
I asked a group of sales and procurement professionals how many of them consistently prepare before a negotiation. A…
Read the post
By Brian Buck | 06/08/2026
Your Team Negotiates Like You Do
Culture is one of those things that everyone talks about but few leaders actually manage. We invest in strategy, talent,…
Read the post