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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Top 5 Obstacles to Growth and How to Tame Them
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15:09
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)
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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
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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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The Tainted Story of Value
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18:18
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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Monday Morning Drive: How to Teach Management to Review Business Metrics
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11:28
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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Behind the Scenes in Change Management
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13:58
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13:58
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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How to Interview for Sales Roles
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14:36
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14:36
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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Stay In Your Lane Or Not
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19:30
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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The Art of Putting the Right Energy in the Right Place at the Right Time
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11:54
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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Punching Above Your Weight
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15:02
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-gameVon The Stimson Group
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How to Dial Down the Noise
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17:06
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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Monday Morning Drive: What Your Controller Needs to Understand About Job Cost
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11:31
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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An Oldtimer’s Views on Exit Strategy
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16:55
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/Von The Stimson Group
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Getting Stuck and What to Do About It
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19:07
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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Rental Pricing Isn’t the Problem
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20:49
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20:49
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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The Art and Science of Napkin Quoting
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15:07
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15:07
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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Silos Are Where Cooperation Goes to Die
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22:01
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22:01
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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The Myth of Sweat Equity
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15:51
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15:51
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/Von The Stimson Group
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Stop Settling for Too Little Profit
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14:38
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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The Final Battle Between Sales and Operations
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28:40
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28:40
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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Doing Battle With Imposter Syndrome
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17:06
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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The Roles You Need for Intentional Selling
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24:50
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24:50
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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Monday Morning Drive: Advice My Best Clients Are Eating Up
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15:40
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15:40
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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#45: There Is No Substitute for Experience
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26:06
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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The Death of Negotiation
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23:57
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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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/Von The Stimson Group
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I Would Never Join a Club That Would Have Me as a Member
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10:34
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 secreti…
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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-accountab…
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#42: Scalable Lessons I Hope You Didn’t Miss
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26:16
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 s…
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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 …
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The Race to the Bottom Is Still a Race
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12:44
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. …
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