Negotiate the audit with a good story

Even after receiving the final audit report, there's still room to negotiate penalties, pricing, and auditor fees. The key is to tell your story effectively.

This doesn't mean fabricating a narrative. Instead, build a compelling case based on facts and evidence. Microsoft can easily spot a fabricated story, so focus on presenting your situation truthfully.

To create a strong narrative, start with the facts and then add context and details to make it resonate. Ensure your story is verifiable and supported by evidence.

With a well-crafted story, you can secure concessions, even if your non-compliance level is over the 5% threshold. This can include negotiating lower penalties or even auditor fees.

#Microsoft #Cloud #procurement

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WHO WE ARE

SAMexpert is an international independent business consulting company focused on Microsoft vendor management, including strategy, cost, compliance, and audit defence. Our commercial advice for CFOs, CIOs, procurement, and IT leaders is always unbiased because we do not sell Microsoft licenses or services.

Alexander Golev is a founder and a senior partner in SAMexpert, a serial entrepreneur, an industry thought leader and a public speaker. Alexander has been involved in Microsoft technology since 1994 and Software Asset Management since 2003.

Daryl Ullman is a co-founder, senior partner in SAMexpert, renowned negotiation expert, and public speaker. Daryl is an ex-Microsoft. He helped launch the Enterprise Agreement program in the 2000s. After leaving Microsoft, he founded Emerset, the world's first independent Microsoft licensing consultancy, which he sold in 2018. He joined SAMexpert in 2021 as the Chief Negotiation Officer. Daryl is the author of the book "Negotiating with Microsoft".

This channel is our knowledge-sharing platform.

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Please watch: "SPLA Audit Readiness: Building a Fortress of Compliance"
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