Intentional Success with Tom Stimson

In this week's episode, we're tackling one of the biggest obstacles holding businesses back: silos. These insular groups can stifle cooperation, hinder scalability, and ultimately, limit your success. But there's hope! Join us as we explore the power of the balance model and how it can naturally solve the silo problem. Imagine a world where your teams work together seamlessly, each playing to thei...

I'm not surprised that operationally-minded, process-driven people embrace scalability, particularly in the planning sphere. Scalability is a control freak's paradise. Those people are happy to build out systems and processes for consistent work: checklists, prep lists, show documentation, etc. Unfortunately, those people also tend to over build. Scalability is a two-way street. It means balancing...

Are you still pinching pennies when you should be living large? In this episode of the Intentional Success Podcast, discover why "sweat equity" has an expiration date, learn the hidden costs of always choosing the cheapest option, and find out why flying first class might be a smart business move. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this episode will push you to value yo...

Owning a business is hard. First we're too busy, then too slow. Cash starts out tight, but then we worry about letting any of it go. The team never seems to agree on what we should do. Progress is about choosing priorities. Read the blog here: https://www.trstimson.com/sale-metrics/

Are you tired of settling for razor-thin margins and feeling like success is always just out of reach? In this episode of the Intentional Success Podcast, we tackle the mindset traps that keep us stuck in a cycle of self-doubt and reveal three key rules for making a profit on your own terms. Discover why our industry isn't as hard as we make it out to be and how you can break free from the excuses...

We all send out pricing vibes. It creates a guessing game. The buyer guesses what you'll send in your proposal. You guess what the buyer wants. It seems silly when you put it that way. This week's blog is about changing your price-leader vibe to a best-value image. Read the blog here: https://www.trstimson.com/convert-price-shoppers-into-value-buyers/

In my youth, I worked on cars. Not because I loved mechanics, broken knuckles, and grease under my fingernails. I simply needed to get to work. Which brings me to this week's blog. Independence, self-reliance, and personal attention to detail are admirable. Intentional Success comes from bringing these kinds of people together to work toward a common goal. Read the blog here: https://www.trstimson...

Ready to end the sales vs. operations feud once and for all? In this episode, we're sharing the secrets to creating a unified team that delivers flawless events every time. Discover how to defeat job costing, leverage packaging, build a proactive planning team, and tap into an on-demand workforce to streamline operations, boost sales, and wow your clients. Whether you're in sales, ops, or leadersh...

Start your week with a fresh perspective on profitability and value in your business! In this episode of Monday Morning Drive, Tom tackles a common dilemma in the AV industry: should you mark up travel expenses in your proposals? Join Tom as he explores the mindset shift necessary for business owners to understand the value of their services—even the secondary ones. Learn why it's not only accepta...

In this powerful and relatable episode, I open up about my personal struggles with imposter syndrome and share the hard-won strategies I've used to overcome self-doubt. If you've ever felt like a fraud despite your accomplishments, this episode is for you. We'll dive deep into what imposter syndrome really is, how it shows up in our lives and businesses, and practical tips for overcoming it once a...

Join Tom on this week's "Monday Morning Drive" as he debunks the myth that balance in business is just about outsourcing. Discover how true scalability requires managing energy across planning, selling, and administration. Learn why outsourcing is just one tactic among many and how maintaining balance can help you achieve sustainable growth and optimize profits. Tune in for practical insights that...

Ready to watch your sales soar? In this game-changing episode, we're revealing the secret sauce to building your ultimate sales dream team. Wave goodbye to the "hunter" salesperson stereotype and hello to the unsung heroes of growth: customer service reps, account managers, and account executives. We'll bust myths about commissions and incentives while highlighting the make-or-break role of market...

Join Tom on "Monday Morning Drive" as he explores the power of scalability to transform your business. Learn how to optimize your team, manage costs, and navigate new labor laws to boost efficiency. Tom shares practical tips and strategies to overcome roadblocks, reduce scope creep, and enhance productivity without increasing headcount.   Read the article here: https://www.trstimson.com/advice-my-...

In this week's episode, I dive deep into the world of show technology and explore what it takes to create unforgettable experiences for your audience. Join me as I detail the journey from technician to show master, highlighting the importance of shadowing, learning behavior, and mastering the subtle nuances that separate the good from the great. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out,...

Welcome to this episode of the Monday Morning Drive podcast. Today, we're diving into a crucial topic for anyone in the AV industry: shifting our mindset from order-takers to true partners. In our industry, it's easy to see a proposal or a confirmed order as the ultimate goal. But what happens when you don't get that far? Are you missing out on valuable opportunities to nurture those relationships...

Tired of endless negotiations that leave you feeling undervalued and exhausted? In this episode, I reveal why the era of negotiation is ending and how you can stay ahead of the curve. Join me as I share how to create a compelling "apple pie" proposal that showcases your value and helps you win business without sacrificing your profits. I'll share why focusing on margin is more important than ever...

My job is to pay attention and, when possible, look around the corner. What I'm seeing right now is the evolution of two different camps on pricing. There's a buy-side and sell-side view of each. https://www.trstimson.com/scalability-creep-hire-processes/

In this episode, we're exploring the importance of finding your tribe and joining the right club in the live events industry. I'm a Marx Brothers fan (Groucho, anyone?), and I'm fascinated by the idea of belonging to a group that truly gets you. Building community in our field can be tough. We're often lone wolves — fiercely independent and secretive about our methods. But imagine a club where you...

I once worked with an owner that put signs in the restroom explaining "proper" bathroom etiquette. Um, it did not go as he intended. Another shop had a rule that Bob always double-checked the order before it went on the truck. So, no one checked their own work, and Bob could not take a day off. https://www.trstimson.com/process-undermines-accountability/

Are you fed up with the constant hustle, always chasing after that next big project just to keep your business running? What if I told you there's a better way? A way to make reliable profits year after year without the stress and uncertainty? That's right, my friend. It's all about scalability. In this week's episode, we're diving headfirst into scalability and how finding the right balance can t...

In this episode of Monday Morning Drive, we explore the enduring sales concept of "always be closing" and its practical implications in today's market. This traditional approach, rooted deeply in transactional sales, often doesn't align with the nuanced needs of modern industries, where the emphasis should be on meaningful interactions rather than just securing a "yes." We delve into what sales te...

It's easy to get caught up in the "race to the bottom" — constantly slashing prices to win jobs and stay competitive. But is this the best approach? In this thought-provoking episode, we challenge the status quo and explore how to overcome the pricing war mentality. Discover the secret to setting prices that work for your business, not against it. We'll delve into the psychology behind pricing, th...

Is your organizational chart a mess? The problem might not be the chart itself, but the job titles within it. In this episode, we dive into the common pitfalls of misaligned job titles and org charts, and how they can lead to confusion and inefficiency in your business. Join us as we discuss the importance of aligning job titles with roles and responsibilities, and learn how to build an organizati...

In this episode of the Intentional Success Podcast, I share my top strategies for crafting compelling blog posts that engage your audience and drive results. I'll teach you how to identify your target reader, structure your content for maximum impact, and incorporate the elements that make your blog posts stand out. I also share a real-life anecdote highlighting the importance of getting your blog...

In the summer of 2023, I drew a line in the sand on the issue of scalability. I was in the process of writing my book, Balance : How to Build a Scalable Business With Less Stress and More Profit , when I realized I could no longer support the old-school rental model in good faith. It was time for a manifesto. The article that follows laid out my vision for the Live Events industry from a tactical...