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Are you looking to take your live events production business to the next level? Do you want to learn from industry experts and gain insights into the latest business trends and strategies? Welcome to the Intentional Success Podcast, where we provide you with the tools and resources you need to help your business grow and scale… on purpose. Hosted by industry veteran Tom Stimson, each episode answers unpacks the best practices and secrets to achieving intentional success. From marketing and s ...
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Surrender Driven Success - Biblical Mindset, Intentional Motherhood, Balancing Business and Family, Purpose, Success Strategies
Michelle Hiatt -Christian Life Coach, Faith-Led Business Coach, Mom of Many Hats Mentor
Hey friend, welcome back to The Surrender Driven Success Podcast! Do you absolutely LOVE being a wife and a mom, but something in you desires MORE? Do you have dreams in your heart and the drive to pursue work “outside of motherhood” despite ALL the hats you wear at home? But you ask yourself HOW? How can I prioritize my family AND do the things I feel called to do without sacrificing one or the other? How can I grow as an entrepreneur without hurting my family? You wonder, if it’s REALLY po ...
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Do you brag about being a “national company” while secretly wondering if you really are one? In this episode, I bust the myths about going national, reveal why chasing cross-country work could be killing your margins, and show you how to charge what you’re really worth (both at home and away). Whether you’re getting those “I didn’t know you travele…
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In my coaching calls, one conversation comes up more often than any other: marketing challenges. It makes sense. We spend our days getting shows done, but nothing about rigging a stage or mixing audio translates to marketing expertise. Shopping for marketing services is overwhelming. No two marketing agencies do the same thing, and “marketing” cove…
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Are you overcomplicating your events business? In this episode, we challenge the industry's obsession with complexity and explore how our "rental mindset" might be holding us back from success. Learn a revolutionary approach to estimating that could transform your sales process and find out why packages might be the key to giving customers what the…
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Monday Morning Drive: Words That Devalue Your Business: A Lexicon Overhaul for the Live Events Industry
8:38
Let’s tackle another set of terms that might be even more insidious because they’re ingrained in how we think about running our businesses. These words and phrases don’t just affect how we talk to customers. They shape how we organize our companies and measure our success. https://www.trstimson.com/the-strategic-shift/…
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In this no-nonsense episode, we’re breaking down warehouse management to its simplest ingredients. You’ll learn why your mother’s kitchen wisdom applies to running a warehouse, why your precious prep time might be wasting everyone’s time, and the real MVP of your warehouse (it’s not your shelving system!). Whether you’re drowning in cable kits or j…
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Monday Morning Drive: Words That Devalue Your Business: A Lexicon Overhaul for the Live Events Industry
7:22
Ever notice how the words we use can either build us up or tear us down? Today, we're diving into something that's been driving me absolutely crazy in our industry - those sneaky little words and phrases that are actually killing our value proposition without us even realizing it. For the past two years, I've been keeping a running list of these cr…
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Tired of watching your competitors thrive while you stand still? In this episode, I break down your five biggest obstacles — and “bad marketing” isn’t one of them. From the feast-or-famine trap to that one big client keeping you from scaling, I’m offering some tough love and practical solutions that don’t require an MBA to implement. Whether you’re…
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Do you really "rent" equipment when your gear never leaves your control? When clients say they want to "rent a sound system," what they're actually paying for is professional audio reinforcement and expertise. This isn't just about semantics - it's about un-commodifying your business and recognizing the true value you provide. While the industry's …
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In this high-energy episode, I’m exploring the exciting forecasts we’re seeing for 2025. We’re talking 10-25% revenue increases and the three strategies you need to achieve them: building your dream team bench, securing gear without breaking the bank, and streamlining processes for maximum efficiency. Listen now to stay lean, mean, and primed for g…
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Monday Morning Drive: Why Does Everyone Struggle to Scrub an Order? (It’s Easier Than You Think)
6:02
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…
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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…
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Monday Morning Drive: The Danger of Details: Why Overengineered Processes Aren’t Serving Your Business
4:58
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-…
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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 rea…
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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 …
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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. Bu…
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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 relievi…
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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 sale…
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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…
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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…
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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 fo…
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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 p…
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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 ultima…
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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 s…
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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-gameΑπό τον The Stimson Group
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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, …
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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 …
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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 tou…
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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/Από τον The Stimson Group
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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 …
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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 cal…
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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. Liste…
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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 overwhe…
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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-wo…
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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 enga…
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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 te…
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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 overbuild. Sc…
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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 st…
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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/Από τον The Stimson Group
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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…
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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-buye…
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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 comm…
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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 …
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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 t…
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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 busin…
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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 opt…
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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 w…
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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 ar…
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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. Wh…
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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 val…
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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 w…
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