Corporate Negotiations Pillows

'It's okay if don't want to give us control of your company. We're perfectly capable of living with incredible disappointment.'

He says he wants to see you about a friendly takeover.

'You forget, I'm a blackbelt in powerpoint.'

"And need I remind you, the 'art of the deal' is the lifeblood of this company."

"Can I savor this for a few moments? The ball's never been in my court before!"

Brian wanted to call the presentation "Synergy". Paula wanted to call it "Cooperation". They could never agree.

"Here's what I'm gonna do."

I hope a starting salary of 80 and a severance of 12 is acceptable....

'When we get there let me do the double talking.'

'I'm glad you guys could work this out in a reasonable manner.'

UK/US Free Trade Deal

"I don't like getting bogged down in details. I'm more of a big-picture guy."

'It's a deal, lets sniff bottoms!'

"They're having a fight over how best to handle client conflict."

'No, your guess isn't as good as mine.'

"We're experienced an extraordinary amount of growth this year."

'I'm judging by your silence Al that you're giving me the green light on the Greenwich project. I just want to say that I admire your leadership. I guess that's why you've been running this company for 20 years.'

Bo're'droom

"Well, it looks like the merger is off."

"Ok, do we agree the minutes of the last meeting?"

"That's Paul, he's our head of partnerships..."

Welcome to the Team

Lethal Presentation

'Now THAT'S a presentation! Great delivery, great graphics, and he moonwalks from the room.'

'We're making progress. I just got a firm 'maybe'.'

He was destined for greatness. Whatever that meant.

'Try and be negative in a positive way.'

SALE

'Great news this quarter! Losses are up in smoke, profits are high, and we're seeing lots of green!'

"What if he's bluffing? What if he's not? What if the room just gets too hot?"

Tug of Negotiation and Conciliation.

'Pick a contract...any contract!'

'Ok, here's the meeting agenda ... it's gonna be a long one.'

'Gentlemen, I've been authorized to sweeten the offer.'

"Lost my job. But I'm pretty sure it's around here somewhere."