In this episode, Steve Sims distills 38 years of brutally honest business experience into just five minutes, delivering straight-shooting advice every entrepreneur needs to hear. Drawing from decades of hard-won lessons, Steve shares the three key truths that every business owner should know—and prepare for—if they want to succeed in the real world.

Steve kicks things off by tackling the inevitability of screw-ups in business. Whether it's human error, shifting algorithms, or unexpected industry changes, something will go wrong, and Steve stresses the importance of expecting problems and planning for them before they hit. This mindset shift, he says, allows you to respond strategically rather than get caught off guard.

Next, Steve flips the script on the classic hustle trope, insisting that entrepreneurs value time over dollars. Reminding us that while money can be replaced, time cannot, he emphasizes the need to evaluate opportunities not just by the payday, but by the time, stress, and effort required to get there.

Finally, in a refreshingly cynical yet practical twist, Steve urges listeners to approach every new contract and relationship with skepticism—not starry-eyed optimism. By deliberately looking for potential pitfalls and being willing to walk away if things don't add up, he explains how he's avoided the costly mistakes that once tripped him up, using a memorable story with the Elton John Foundation as an example.

Packed with candid insights, tough love, and practical strategies, this episode offers a survival kit for anyone navigating entrepreneurship. Steve’s honest advice will help you spot trouble before it starts, value your most precious resource, and make deals with your eyes wide open. If you’re ready to disrupt, connect, and grow with lessons from someone who’s truly been there, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of *The Art of Making Things Happen with Steve Sims*, Steve sits down with Emma Rainville, a systems and operations expert. Emma discusses her passion for being an exceptional "number two," mastering the art of systems and processes to unleash creativity and ultimately keep more money in the business.
Emma shares insights from her new book, *Scope*, which stands for Setting your vision, Creating processes, Operational excellence, People development, and Execution. Together, Steve and Emma explore the journey of how systems can transform an entrepreneur's chaotic world into streamlined success. Emma dives into the intricacies of working with visionary entrepreneurs and how systems can save both time and money, urging listeners to embrace these tools for a more impactful and efficient business operation.

Tune in for a conversation that will motivate you to implement systems in your own business and gain more time to enjoy your success. If you're ready to shift from chaos to calm and make your business processes work for you, this episode is a must-listen!

Don't forget to check out Emma's book, *Scope*, at readscope.co, to further explore the magic of systems in your entrepreneurial journey.

In this thought-provoking episode of Steve's Rants, Steve Sims delves into a common entrepreneurial question: "What would you do if you were broke tomorrow?" Steve explores this scenario from two angles—what you could do if you have existing assets and relationships versus starting from scratch with nothing but your determination and curiosity.

He emphasizes the importance of relationships as the true currency in today's world of distrust and misinformation. Steve advocates for leveraging these relationships in times of need, highlighting that real equity may not lie in your bank account but in your ability to reach out and request help from your network.

For those who may find themselves without established connections, Steve advises embedding yourself into environments and circles that align with your aspirations, even if it means starting at the bottom. He shares the journeys of notable figures like Mark Burnett and Simon Cowell, illustrating how entering the right "sandpit" can lead to powerful growth and opportunities.

Throughout his discussion, Steve underscores the need to continually assess and adapt your skillset in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, warning against complacency as industries face disruption. His message is clear: stay aggravated, stay curious, and harness that drive to create momentum toward your goals.

This episode offers invaluable advice for entrepreneurs navigating uncertain times and highlights the critical role of adaptability and relationship-building in achieving lasting success.

In this engaging episode of Steve's Rants, Steve Sims delves into the often-confused realms of branding and marketing. With his characteristic directness, Steve clarifies the distinction between the two, illustrating how true branding evokes an emotional response at the mere mention of a name—think Nike, Tesla, or SpaceX. Branding, according to Steve, is about creating a genuine connection, a cult-like following where the community wholeheartedly believes in the brand's message.

Steve contrasts this with marketing, describing it as the relentless pursuit of attention, a costly exercise of shouting at consumers to notice and buy. He emphasizes that without a clear, decisive brand identity, marketing efforts lead to confusion rather than commitment. Through this insightful analysis, Steve underscores the importance of brevity and clarity in branding—what problem do you solve, and for whom? He urges business owners to be impossible to misunderstand, making sure their message is both concise and impactful.

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs eager to fortify their brand's foundation, ensuring it stands out amid today's cacophony of market noise. Steve offers no-nonsense advice on why the essence of successful branding lies not in marketing dollars but in building a community that believes and engages, naturally fostering loyalty and preference.

In this refreshing episode of Steve's Rants, Steve Sims flips the traditional productivity script by examining our calendars and how they often fail to reflect the life we aspire to live. He critiques how packed schedules brim with undesirable tasks like dental appointments and client meetings, overshadowing much-needed moments of joy and personal connection.

Steve passionately urges listeners to transform their calendars by intentionally blocking time for life’s pleasures, such as a breakfast date with your partner or a football game with your kids. He stresses that life is meant for living, not just surviving in a cycle of productivity without personal fulfillment. By adding activities and time with loved ones to our calendars, we not only break the cycle of monotony but also create a weekly routine we can look forward to.

The episode encourages entrepreneurs and business owners to take control of their time, ensuring that amidst the non-negotiable tasks, they prioritize activities that align with their personal happiness and values. Steve’s candid commentary is a reminder that the true wealth lies in filling our calendars with moments that matter, energizing us to live a life enriched with joyful connections and fulfilling experiences.

In this thought-provoking episode of Steve's Rants, Steve Sims delves into the one defining trait of a successful entrepreneur that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers: the power of "I Can." Steve draws from his experiences with influential business figures worldwide to explain why the willingness to take action often outweighs intellectual prowess. He illustrates how half-baked ideas backed by passion and momentum can succeed more readily than flawless plans that are never executed.

Through the fascinating example of Elon Musk's journey with rocket landings, Steve emphasizes the critical role of learning from failure and persistence in entrepreneurial success. He shares the cautionary tale of overthinking induced by high IQs, which can lead to inaction and missed opportunities. Instead, Steve advocates for starting even if the circumstances aren't perfect and adapting along the way, capturing the essence of moving forward despite unforeseen challenges.

This episode provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs aspiring to prioritize a proactive and resilient mindset over mere intelligence. Learn why embracing the power of "I Can" can propel you past obstacles and towards success in your entrepreneurial ventures.

In this episode of The Art of Making Things Happen with Steve Sims, we delve into the fascinating world of AI with guest Dara Ladjevardian, co-founder of Delphi AI. Steve and Dara explore the revolutionary capabilities of Delphi AI, a platform that creates eerily accurate digital clones capable of interactive communication via phone or online. From its roots in AI sentiment analysis from over a decade ago to the creation of personalized digital clones, Dara shares insights into how AI technology has evolved and its profound implications. This episode is a deep dive into the cutting-edge technology of AI clones, their potential to transform communication, and the exciting yet unsettling future it heralds. Tune in to learn why this is more than just tech wizardry—it’s the future of personal and professional interaction. Whether you’re a business owner looking to scale or simply curious about the impact of AI on human connection, this episode is sure to be an eye-opener.

In this compelling episode of Steve's Rants, Steve Sims delves into the transformative power of books in the journey of building a successful business. He shares his top three favorite books that have profoundly impacted his business philosophies, highlighting their relevance in understanding media, psychology, and consumer behavior. Steve kicks off the list with "Trust Me, I'm Lying" by Ryan Holiday, a book that explores the intricacies of media manipulation and the critical role attention plays in the modern economy. He emphasizes the necessity of mastering media's power to enhance business visibility and reputation.

Continuing with "Hooked" by Nir Eyal, Steve underscores the importance of understanding consumer psychology and creating products and experiences that foster loyalty and addiction. He explains how this book provides insights into crafting that essential 'stickiness' in customer relationships, vital for any business looking to thrive.

The third recommendation, "Alchemy" by Rory Sutherland, taps into human psychology by challenging logical conventions and embracing creative magic. Steve appreciates how this book encourages thinking beyond logic to understand why people engage with brands, urging entrepreneurs to embrace disruption and difference.

Steve rounds off his recommendations with a unique fourth choice: a genre mixing imagination with reality. He advocates for stepping out of the business realm to refresh and inspire creativity through crime dramas and fantasy. This episode is an essential listen for entrepreneurs eager to understand the dynamics of attention and consumer engagement, urging them to blend logical strategies with imaginative exploration for success in today's business world.

Discover how these books can reshape your approach, infusing your business with innovative energy and strategic thinking.