In high-stakes B2B deals, your team’s ability to negotiate isn’t just important, it’s a revenue lever. But where should you turn for training that actually moves the needle? Not all negotiation courses are built the same, and depending on your industry, team structure, and goals, one may suit your needs better than another.
In today’s fast-paced B2B environment, two standout organizations have emerged in the field of negotiation training: Negotiations Ninja and SMARTnership. Both offer respected frameworks and have global track records, but they approach negotiation from slightly different angles. In this guide, we break down how the two compare across delivery, audience fit, structure, and real-world application—so you can decide what’s best for your team.
At a Glance
Get a quick overview of how each program stacks up across key criteria, including delivery format, audience fit, and post-training support.
Negotiation Training Approach: Who It’s Built For
If your team is working in B2B sales or procurement, regularly negotiating contracts, pricing, or vendor terms, you may be looking for training that’s grounded in real-world commercial scenarios.
Negotiations Ninja was built with these environments in mind. It focuses on commercial outcomes and practical application, equipping teams to handle high-stakes deals in fast-paced settings.
SMARTnership, on the other hand, serves a broader audience, including executives, procurement professionals, and government agencies. Its foundation in trust and ethical alignment makes it a strong choice for organizations prioritizing long-term relationship building and culture.
Consider this:
If your team needs deal-making strategies they can apply immediately, Negotiations Ninja may offer more direct relevance. They deliver a toolkit built specifically for commercial teams to secure better deals and outcomes. If your organization is focused on governance, ethics, or leadership culture, SMARTnership may align more closely with your goals.
Delivery and Reinforcement: Short-Term Access vs. Long-Term Retention
Both programs offer flexible formats—including in-person and virtual sessions. However, the structure of ongoing learning differs.
Negotiations Ninja offers a layered approach—training is delivered in core sessions, then reinforced through microlearning, coaching, and spaced repetition. This helps participants apply what they’ve learned over time and build new habits that stick.
SMARTnership also delivers excellent workshops but tends to place greater emphasis on the initial training session, with optional follow-up workshops and book access. For teams with internal support systems already in place, this may be sufficient.
The bottom line:
If your team benefits from sustained coaching and reinforcement, look for programs like Negotiations Ninja that build retention into the structure.
Negotiation Training Content: Philosophical Frameworks vs. Practical Frameworks
When it comes to negotiation training, both programs offer different, yet effective approaches. Negotiations Ninja blends tactical negotiation frameworks with real-world application. Teams are often encouraged to work on live deals during the training process—putting theory into action immediately. Topics include deal prep, stakeholder mapping, and structured negotiation playbooks.
SMARTnership introduces a broader philosophical framework, emphasizing trust, transparency, and ethics. These are powerful principles—especially in governance and leadership—but may take more interpretation when applied to fast-moving commercial negotiations.
Key takeaway:
Both frameworks are valuable. Your team’s day-to-day reality—relationship-driven leadership or fast-paced dealmaking—will determine which resonates more.
Customization: Tailoring Negotiation Training to Your Industry and Team
Every business faces its own negotiation challenges—whether it’s complex enterprise sales, vendor contracts, or multi-party procurement. Negotiations Ninja works closely with clients to tailor negotiation courses around industry and internal dynamics.
SMARTnership offers strong solutions for executives, procurement professionals, and government agencies, where policy-driven environments or ethical considerations are often front and center.
If you operate in a commercial or procurement-heavy space, industry-tailored training from Negotiations Ninja may provide faster ROI. In public or regulated industries, SMARTnership’s structure may be more strongly aligned with your goals.
Negotiation Instructor Expertise: Grounded in Real-World Experience
Negotiations Ninja is led by Mark Raffan, one of the world’s top-ranked negotiation experts. What makes him different? He’s been on both sides of the table—sales and procurement—which gives him unique insight into what works (and what doesn’t).
SMARTnership’s Keld Jensen is also highly regarded and globally ranked in the industry, particularly for his work in ethics and public procurement negotiation. Jensen has been recognized as a Global Gurus Top 30.
Key consideration:
If you’re navigating the tricky space between procurement and sales, Raffan’s approach may offer tactical clarity. If you’re building a culture of trust and ethical leadership, Jensen’s framework could be a better fit.
Measurable Outcomes and ROI: What Success Looks Like
Negotiations Ninja focuses on real-world business metrics—revenue growth, improved margins, faster deal cycles, and cost reductions. Teams leave with strategies they’ve already tested on current deals.
SMARTnership excels in building a culture of trust and ethics, especially in environments where transparency is critical.
Consider:
What’s most important to your team? If success is defined by commercial metrics and deal performance, you may lean toward Negotiations Ninja. If your goals are more cultural or governance-related, SMARTnership offers a proven framework.
Global Reach: North America and Beyond
Both programs work with global clients across North America, Europe, and APAC, and both have experience supporting mid-market and enterprise-level organizations. When determining which negotiation course is a better fit, the decision may depend on your organization’s internal culture and industry.
The Final Word: Which Negotiation Course is Right For You?
When it comes to negotiation training, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s less about which program is “better” and more about which aligns with your goals. If you’re focused on commercial outcomes, structured frameworks, and accelerating deal velocity, Negotiations Ninja offers a practical, high-impact approach.
If your priorities include building long-term trust, fostering ethical cultures, or navigating complex governance, SMARTnership may be the better fit. The real difference lies in philosophy—and in what you want your team to take back to the table.
If your team is ready to negotiate with more confidence, clarity, and commercial impact, contact Negotiations Ninja to book a discovery call.
Disclaimer
*The information presented in this article is based on publicly available sources as of the time of writing. While we’ve made every effort to accurately compare Negotiations Ninja and SMARTnership based on course materials, published features, and known delivery formats, we encourage all readers to conduct their own research and speak directly with each provider to determine the best fit for their specific needs.
If you are affiliated with either program and notice an error or misrepresentation, please accept our apologies and feel free to contact us so we can make any necessary corrections.