For many travelers, Antarctica is a bucket-list destination, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to touch all seven continents. In 2023, a record-breaking 100,000 tourists made the trip. But the journey begs a fundamental question: What do we risk by traveling to a place that is supposed to be uninhabited by humans? And as the climate warms, should we really be going to Antarctica in the first place? SHOW NOTES: Kara Weller: The Impossible Dilemma of a Polar Guide Marilyn Raphael: A twenty-first century structural change in Antarctica’s sea ice system Karl Watson: First Time in Antarctica Jeb Brooks : 7 Days in Antarctica (Journey to the South Pole) Metallica - Freeze 'Em All: Live in Antarctica Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…
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محتوای ارائه شده توسط Tom Stimson and The Stimson Group. تمام محتوای پادکست شامل قسمت‌ها، گرافیک‌ها و توضیحات پادکست مستقیماً توسط Tom Stimson and The Stimson Group یا شریک پلتفرم پادکست آن‌ها آپلود و ارائه می‌شوند. اگر فکر می‌کنید شخصی بدون اجازه شما از اثر دارای حق نسخه‌برداری شما استفاده می‌کند، می‌توانید روندی که در اینجا شرح داده شده است را دنبال کنید.https://fa.player.fm/legal
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Daily Deals
An Oldtimer’s Views on Exit Strategy
Manage episode 440529679 series 3601368
محتوای ارائه شده توسط Tom Stimson and The Stimson Group. تمام محتوای پادکست شامل قسمت‌ها، گرافیک‌ها و توضیحات پادکست مستقیماً توسط Tom Stimson and The Stimson Group یا شریک پلتفرم پادکست آن‌ها آپلود و ارائه می‌شوند. اگر فکر می‌کنید شخصی بدون اجازه شما از اثر دارای حق نسخه‌برداری شما استفاده می‌کند، می‌توانید روندی که در اینجا شرح داده شده است را دنبال کنید.https://fa.player.fm/legal
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 success.
Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been in the game for decades, this episode is packed with insights that’ll change how you view your business journey.
Visit trstimson.com for more resources.
161 قسمت
اشتراک گذاریManage episode 440529679 series 3601368
محتوای ارائه شده توسط Tom Stimson and The Stimson Group. تمام محتوای پادکست شامل قسمت‌ها، گرافیک‌ها و توضیحات پادکست مستقیماً توسط Tom Stimson and The Stimson Group یا شریک پلتفرم پادکست آن‌ها آپلود و ارائه می‌شوند. اگر فکر می‌کنید شخصی بدون اجازه شما از اثر دارای حق نسخه‌برداری شما استفاده می‌کند، می‌توانید روندی که در اینجا شرح داده شده است را دنبال کنید.https://fa.player.fm/legal
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 success.
Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been in the game for decades, this episode is packed with insights that’ll change how you view your business journey.
Visit trstimson.com for more resources.
161 قسمت
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I used to live for RFPs. Requests for proposals were my mainstay. I didn’t have to do any sales work. The fax machine went off, the emails came in (sometimes they showed up in the mail), and I’d crank out a proposal and send it back. It was so easy doing business back in the day. https://www.trstimson.com/stop-wasting-time-on-bad-rfp/…
In my latest episode, I unpack the tariffs that could hit our industry as hard as the pandemic did five years ago. I cut through the uncertainty to deliver straight talk about what’s coming and how to prepare. If you haven’t achieved a balanced, scalable business model yet, you’re running out of time. Learn why maintaining low overhead, focusing on gross profit over revenue volume, and smart billing practices will be your keys to survival. Those who applied the lessons from 2020 will weather this storm, and those who returned to old habits will struggle. Visit trstimson.com for more resources. Follow Tom on LinkedIn…
A quick walk through any warehouse operation will tell me a lot about your company's relationship with process and organization. You can't prep a great show from a disorganized warehouse. https://www.trstimson.com/warehouse-operations-handbook/
Stop letting “value add” become "free work”! In this episode, I explore why the humble “project manager” title could be costing you serious money. Learn how elevating your titles to Producer, Executive Producer, and Technical Director can transform client perception and boost your bottom line. This isn’t about padding bills — it’s about providing AND charging for meaningful value that makes clients happier and your business more profitable. Visit trstimson.com for more resources. Follow Tom on LinkedIn…
Back when I managed teams, I kept a stack of resumes on the corner of my desk. During interviews, candidates would see that pile and realize they weren’t the only person I was talking to. I don’t know if it was effective, but I enjoyed nodding toward that stack while asking, “Tell me more about why you’d be a great fit for us.” Interviewing sales candidates requires a different approach than hiring for other positions. Whether the role has “sales” in the title or not, anyone who interfaces with clients is selling. Let’s talk about how to find the right people to represent your company. https://www.trstimson.com/true-salespeople/…
Asking “Where’s my reward?” after decades in business? In this episode, I share the five things every owner needs (cash flow, profit, growth, satisfaction, and harmony), why solving cash flow problems means making tough decisions now, and strategies to bring harmony back to your team. Your reward should be a business that works for you — not the other way around. Listen now to finally get the rewards you deserve. Visit trstimson.com for more resources. Follow Tom on LinkedIn…
I studied martial arts for many years. I learned multiple disciplines, earned various black belts, and instructed newcomers. In martial arts, particularly when working with teenagers, we often discuss “punching above your weight.” Businesses “punch above their weight,” too. A client of mine from years ago built his business on punching above his weight, which helped him win major, high-profile projects that could have gone to companies with more experience, longer market presence, and stronger brand recognition. His scrappy little company kept punching above its weight and winning jobs. But punching above your weight doesn’t always work. Sometimes, you get in over your head. https://www.trstimson.com/punch-above-your-weight/…
Ever been asked, “Who’s better than you?” This seemingly simple question took me years to truly understand — and it became a turning point for my business. In this episode, I break down the 10 tiers of AV excellence, from basic “meatball AV” to those mythical Level 10 shows where everything exceeds expectations. You’ll learn exactly where your company fits, when you’re punching above your weight (and how to succeed anyway), and why the highest-tier shows are dominated by freelancers. Listen now to discover how self-awareness and strategic hiring can elevate your team, your shows, and your company’s reputation. Visit trstimson.com for more resources. Follow Tom on LinkedIn…
I keep talking about marketing, but you need to hear this one more time. Most AV companies loathe marketing, but you just can’t do without it. It solves expensive problems before they surface. https://www.trstimson.com/marketing-for-live-event-companies/
Does your business have a look, or does it have a soul? In this episode, I explore what your company reveals about itself when you think no one’s watching. From cable management to proposal design, every detail speaks volumes to your clients. Discover why over-complicating processes might be hurting you, when precision matters more than exactness, and how to infuse genuine personality into everything you do. Visit trstimson.com for more resources. Follow Tom on LinkedIn…
I know you often feel like your business is in crisis, but it’s not. You’re objectively alright. You’re in control. Remind yourself of that today. Upgrade your next flight. Stay in a nicer hotel. Celebrate your success. You’ve come farther than 99% of all entrepreneurs. https://www.trstimson.com/business-spending-habits/…
My next Jumpstart Workshop hits Columbus on April 22–23, and it’ll be unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Join me for a behind-the-scenes shop crawl of three major production companies, hands-on roundtables, and practical business strategies you can implement immediately. From marketing to operations, finance to talent recruitment — we’ll tackle it all. You’ll connect with peers who face the same challenges you do and leave with great ideas. Listen now as I explain how this workshop experience can turn your business into a cash cow — and what makes this Jumpstart different from all the others. Register at trstimson.com/jumpstart . Visit trstimson.com for more resources. Follow Tom on LinkedIn…
When meeting new business owners, I ask direct questions: How did you get started? Where are you now? What concerns you most? What’s your exit strategy? The answers to the lattermost question follow predictable patterns. Business owners over 50 usually say, “I’ve thought about it, but I don’t have one,” or “I really need to come up with one.” The younger crowd responds differently: “I’m having fun and making money. I don’t need to think about my exit strategy now. I’ve got 20–30 more years.” Both responses make me uncomfortable. https://www.trstimson.com/exit-strategy/…
Do you run away when someone mentions the “S” word? In this episode, I tackle the uncomfortable truth about sales in the AV industry. If you claim you don’t have salespeople, you’re missing the point. Sales is a process, not a title. I break down the three dysfunctional models most companies use, why project managers are just band-aids for a broken system, and how my selling-planning-administration Venn diagram creates a better way forward. You don’t need to call anyone “sales” — but someone in your company is selling, whether you admit it or not. Stop avoiding reality and start embracing your role in the process that turns your talent into profitable revenue. Visit trstimson.com for more resources. Follow Tom on LinkedIn…
I often feel like a doctor, and the business owners I help are patients in my waiting room. They come in to share their problems and feelings. I listen and study their business pains, which reveal whether they use their overhead expenses correctly. Boring advice? Maybe. Like diet and exercise recommendations, you might think you already know this, and you do — but we all need reminders. https://www.trstimson.com/fix-your-overhead/…
In this straight-talking episode, I tackle a truth you can’t avoid: you’re in the marketing business. Discover the three mindset shifts that’ll transform your marketing, plus a no-nonsense “bare minimum” plan anyone can implement. I explain how to be findable, understandable, and focused on outcomes that matter to your clients. Stop letting potential customers form impressions about you without your input. Your marketing works 24/7, even when you’re not. Listen now to make it work FOR you instead of against you. Visit trstimson.com for more resources. Follow Tom on LinkedIn…
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Intentional Success with Tom Stimson
I can’t count how many conversations I’ve been a part of that started with complaints about in-house AV contracts. The arguments about how venue exclusivity unfairly hurts smaller local companies more than larger national suppliers haven’t changed in 40 years. Heck, some of the same players are still in the game. But here’s a tough pill to swallow: Unless it breaks the law — and yes, we need laws that protect competition — there’s no such thing as unfair competition. Sometimes our strategies for dealing with competition are inadequate. https://www.trstimson.com/venue-exclusivity/…
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Intentional Success with Tom Stimson
Think you need more staff to scale your business? Success often comes from having fewer people doing less, not more. Through the lens of a restaurant kitchen, this episode explores how top companies stay lean while delivering excellent results. Learn why “we’re too busy” signals deeper issues, discover why qualified workers seem scarce (its’ not a labor shortage), and hear how one company became more efficient by cutting its staff in half. If you’re stuck working late fixing others’ mistakes, this episode will show you a better way. Visit trstimson.com for more resources. Follow Tom on LinkedIn…
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Intentional Success with Tom Stimson
Let me make a bold statement: Rental pricing is for rental companies. If you do shows for a living, your responsibility is for the show to work. People need to see and hear, and you need to make your cues. If an item fails and your show fails, there’s a 90% chance you won’t get paid — because you’re responsible for the outcome. Shows are not rentals. https://www.trstimson.com/stop-pricing-like-a-rental-company/…
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Intentional Success with Tom Stimson
In this candid look at what buyers really want, I reveal why most companies fail the RFP test before they even start. Beyond the requests for designs and budgets lies a sophisticated evaluation of your company’s value. Learn the 10 hidden criteria that actually determine who wins the project and why your perfect proposal might be sending all the wrong signals. If you’re tired of pouring resources into proposals that go nowhere, this episode will help you win the work you want. Visit trstimson.com for more resources. Follow Tom on LinkedIn…
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Intentional Success with Tom Stimson
I’m surprised whenever I encounter certain employee incentive programs still operating in our industry. What surprises me more is that people haven’t recognized that these programs interfere with their organizations’ success. When asked why they keep these programs running, I’m often told, “It’s a best practice.” Often, this comes from the person benefiting from the incentive. Let me share some stories about incentive programs that seemed smart but created massive problems. You can decide if these “best practices” belong anywhere near your business. https://www.trstimson.com/your-incentive-programs-are-sabotaging-growth/…
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Intentional Success with Tom Stimson
What happens after the tech is set up? Smart show producers don’t stand around — they transform spaces into client sanctuaries. Learn practical, zero-cost ways to wow clients through thoughtful planning and better use of “dead time.” From turning backstage into a presenter haven to making wireless mic management feel like a VIP experience, this episode includes simple actions that showcase your professionalism. Plus, discover how clear proposals and strategic document management save everyone time and stress. These small mindset shifts cost nothing but mean everything to your clients. Visit trstimson.com for more resources. Follow Tom on LinkedIn…
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Intentional Success with Tom Stimson
Many companies in our industry blame “seasonality” for their slow periods. Let’s be clear: Seasonality means demand fluctuates — it doesn’t mean business stops altogether. Companies that focus on sales year-round stay busy regardless of the season. https://www.trstimson.com/slow-season-is-a-sales-problem/…
Not every customer buys the same way — and that costs you money. In this episode, I unpack the three main buyer types you’ll meet and show you how to spot them fast. Learn why Confidence Buyers trust your expertise, Value Buyers need clarity, and Control Buyers think they know more than you do. Get practical tips for crafting proposals that speak to each type, and discover how to maintain your margins while giving customers exactly what they want. This one’s perfect for sales professionals looking to close more deals without dropping prices. Visit trstimson.com for more resources. Follow Tom on LinkedIn…
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Intentional Success with Tom Stimson
When people ask what’s changed over my 40 years in live events, I think back to the 1980s, when rental returns were stellar and profit margins seemed unlimited. As Burke would explain, one little shift changed everything, creating ripples we still feel today. https://www.trstimson.com/1980s-decision-that-still-hurts-live-event-companies/…
“The client won’t pay that much...” “I can skip the proposal presentation...” Sound familiar? In this episode, I tackle the biggest roadblock in sales: the negotiations happening in your own head. Instead of following proven steps that lead to better deals, you might be letting self-doubt and assumptions run the show. Learn how to structure proposals that actually work, master the art of baseline agreements, and present enhancements that genuinely add value. When you negotiate with yourself, you always lose. It’s time to stop that cycle and start closing better deals. Visit trstimson.com for more resources. Follow Tom on LinkedIn…
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Intentional Success with Tom Stimson
For many of us, turning down business is unthinkable. We’re wired to chase revenue, cover our overhead, and keep our gear working. When a client calls, we always find a way to make their request happen. But something changed in 2022. I watched demand exceed supply for the first time in my 40-year career. Event companies and supply chains were smaller, and we faced major constraints in labor and logistics. Customers heard words they'd never heard before: “Sorry, we can’t help you right now.” https://www.trstimson.com/quality-over-quantity/…
Is your top sales performer’s magic touch starting to fade? In this episode, I share a real-world story about a consulting firm whose star salesperson saw their close rate plummet from 80% to 50%. But it wasn’t about talent — it was about process. Discover a proven three-call system that turns costly leads into committed customers, and learn why sending endless proposals (or as my friend Carl calls it, “smoking hopium”) is killing your close rate. If you’re ready to stop hoping and start closing, this episode reveals how to make your sales process work for you, not against you. Visit trstimson.com for more resources. Follow Tom on LinkedIn…
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Intentional Success with Tom Stimson
1 Monday Morning Drive: Process Documentation Reimagined: Hire Smart, Define Success, and Scale Faster 5:21
If you’re like most businesses in our industry, you’re facing a full pipeline and subsequent hiring challenges. You’re rushing to document processes, hoping to expedite onboarding while still doing high-quality work. But what if you’re approaching hiring backward? https://www.trstimson.com/process-documentation-reimagined/…
Is your event pricing stuck in the past? In this straight-talking episode, I debunk the myth that shorter events should cost less. Follow along as I share a real story about a client who never updated his pre-pandemic prices, and discover why moving to a “one day = one week” pricing model might be the key to better profitability. You’ll learn why quality talent costs more for one-day shows and how to confidently price your services based on true value instead of old rental equipment habits. This episode is perfect for event professionals ready to stop leaving money on the table! Visit trstimson.com for more resources. Follow Tom on LinkedIn…
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Daily Deals
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