Intentional Success with Tom Stimson

In this episode of Monday Morning Drive, we dive deep into a universal business challenge: order scrubbing. Learn why traditional multi-layered review processes might actually increase errors rather than prevent them, and discover a streamlined approach that could transform your operations. Get ready for some myth-busting about equipment allocation and truck sizing, plus concrete insights on how w...

Are you tired of feeling like you're stuck in a race to the bottom, constantly competing on price alone? In this episode, I tackle the pervasive issue of commoditization in business and share practical strategies to help you break free from this toxic cycle. I'll discuss the surprising impact that simple word choices, such as using "rental" in your proposals, can have on your business's perceived...

In my years as a business consultant, I've witnessed a recurring theme that might surprise you: well-intentioned companies sabotaging their own success. In this candid episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on a trap I've seen countless businesses fall into - overengineering their processes. https://www.trstimson.com/overengineered-processes-danger-for-business/

Ready to revolutionize your business? In this episode, I'm dismantling the old "rental plus labor" pricing model and showing you how to charge what you're really worth. Learn why "value add" might be your worst enemy, the trap of "apples to apples" comparisons, and how to price based on outcomes, not just gear. It's time to own your value, have real talks with clients, and stop the discount dance....

In this episode of Monday Morning Drive, we tackle the common challenge of unproductive month-close meetings where participants simply stare at spreadsheets or P&L statements without a clear direction. We'll dive into the importance of creating actionable P&L statements that align your cost of goods sold with income and present data as percentages of revenue. Learn how these actionable P&L stateme...

Ready to shake up your team? In this episode, I reveal my secret change management weapon — a simple 2x2 matrix that'll revolutionize how you view your team. Plus, discover my controversial take on hiring and firing that could save your company big bucks. It's blunt, it's practical, and it might be the kick you need to make some tough decisions. Buckle up for some no-nonsense advice on creating yo...

Achieving balance in your business isn't just about the new things you start doing - it's also about what you learn to stop doing. Just like pulling your shoulders up creates tension while exercising, business owners often respond to pressure by stubbornly pushing against immovable obstacles. In this episode, learn how minor adjustments and relieving pressure, rather than refusing to budge, are th...

Ready to build your dream sales team? In this episode, I'll teach you how to spot sales rockstars — and trust me, it's not about golf skills. Learn the "resume stack" trick, discover why curiosity trumps all, and hear how a simple hobby question can reveal a candidate's potential. Plus, I explain how to spot great storytellers and why the best salespeople might not realize they're in sales. Tune i...

On your most important event of the year, does your client want to see their Lead Video Director backing the truck into the hotel dock? I doubt it. Did you really save money with this stunt? Or does it just poison your talent pool? The most uncomfortable conversation in my consulting practice is when I have to explain why the best freelancers won't work for my client's company. It usually starts w...

Are you wearing too many hats? In this episode, we tackle the business identity crisis. Discover the surprising origin stories of successful AV companies and learn why being a jack-of-all-trades might hold you back. We'll explore the power of "de-emphasizing" services, how to identify your ideal customers, and the magic of "backside sales." Whether you're juggling multiple business directions or s...

We often talk about "systems and kits" as the cornerstone of language alignment across sales , planning , and execution. After all, systems (groups of kits) and kits (individual barcodes and SKUs) integrate seamlessly with rental management software. However, this approach is incomplete. While systems and kits are helpful for planning — especially for operational allocations, prep sheets, warehous...

I talk a lot about the concept of balance in business. But what is it really, and how can it help you succeed? In this definitive how-to guide, learn why balance is your secret weapon for both crises and opportunities, explore the four spheres of business, and get the blunt truth about profitability. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, you won't want to miss this. Remember, success...

Regardless of how you plan to ease yourself on to your next big thing, most owners agree that openly discussing an exit strategy — even if it's years away — will cause panic and trigger resistance from their employees. I, of course, take the counter-intuitive view that exit strategies are a vital element of any business plan. They answer the ultimate question about why the owner has a business — t...

Feel like you're reaching for the stars in your business? In this episode, I explore what it means to "punch above your weight" — to take on challenges that seem just out of reach. Drawing from martial arts wisdom, I explore how this concept can transform your career and company. Discover the pros and cons of dreaming big, hear real-world success stories, and get practical tips for succeeding when...

This week's blog is about head trash. You know what I'm talking about. It's the BS we tell ourselves to justify why something did or didn't happen. Some of it's just plain wrong. Take more control of your decision-making by trusting the math. https://www.trstimson.com/stop-playing-the-blame-game

Does your small business feel chaotic? You're not alone. In this episode, we're uncovering the power of strategy for small business owners. Find out why your business feels so noisy, learn four key questions to sharpen your business focus, and discover how to leverage your unique "superpower." Tune in now to get strategic about your success. Plus, don't miss the teaser for our upcoming Jumpstart e...

When I wrote this blog post back in 2022, I was trying to be kind. Many of you have invested a ton of resources into job costing. Perhaps you've even hired an expert financier. You think it's essential. But I'm tired of pulling punches. Here's my blatant, unfiltered take: Job costing is dumb. In fact, it's the worst tool we've ever created to help run our businesses. https://www.trstimson.com/cont...

Think exit strategies are just for business owners nearing retirement? Think again. In this eye-opening episode, I explain why having an exit strategy is crucial for every entrepreneur, whether you're 25 or 65. Discover the surprising truth about selling your business, learn why profitability today shapes your tomorrow, and get real talk on the tough decisions that could make or break your future...

This week's blog should pique your interest. I'd like you to shred your organizational chart (then burn it) and do something much more valuable instead. https://www.trstimson.com/burn-your-org/

Struggling to decide between freelancing and running a full-fledged business in event production? This episode guides you through the pivotal moments that can make or break your career. Discover the pros and cons of the rental vs. show business, uncover the hidden dangers of the "pack your own parachute" mentality, and learn the secrets to scaling your business without burning out. Whether you're...

When my new clients build a proposal , they tend to start with the equipment, then add labor until they hit a budget number they're comfortable presenting. But when you do it that way, you cut corners on labor. If you start with labor, on the other hand, you optimize equipment . The process of designing a project to match the customer's budget is called value engineering . However, this isn't abou...

Saddle up — we're about to take your pricing strategy for a wild ride. In this episode, we're challenging everything you thought you knew about rental pricing and equipment value. We'll show you how to shift your focus from chasing revenue to maximizing gross profit, and why your services could be your ticket to the financial winner's circle. Listen now to stop leaving money on the table and start...

In today's episode, we're tackling a question that many business owners grapple with: "What should be on my financial dashboard?" The answer, as it turns out, is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your financial dashboard should be a living, breathing tool that evolves alongside your business. With countless metrics to choose from, it can be overwhelming to determine which ones deserve your undivid...

Struggling with quick quote requests? In this episode, I introduce "napkin quotes" — the secret weapon that'll help you handle RFQs like a pro. Learn the crucial differences between RFPs and RFQs, discover why less is more when it comes to quoting, and master a simple formula for creating accurate estimates on the fly. I'll walk you through real-world examples, showing you how to use labor costs a...

You've got a hot lead on the line. They've done their homework, they're speaking your language. But hold up—before you start seeing dollar signs, let's talk about not blowing this. This episode is all about disconnecting from that sales autopilot. We're diving into why your eager beaver routine might be killing the vibe, and 3 ways to actually engage without coming off like a used car salesman on...