In this episode of Steve's Rants, host Steve Sims dives into the world of personal branding. Tackling questions like "Should I have one?" and "Are personal brands dead?" Steve argues emphatically that personal brands are far from obsolete. Using examples of influential leaders like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, and Jeff Bezos, he illustrates how a strong personal brand can significantly impact how people perceive not just you but what you create. Steve breaks down the difference between community branding and personal branding and explains why being in control of your narrative is crucial. Whether you're an established entrepreneur or just starting out, this rant is a must-watch to understand why your personal brand matters and how you can take charge of it.

In this episode of Steve’s Rants, Steve Sims shares his candid thoughts on why he actively avoids using speaker agents for booking his speaking engagements. Drawing from personal experiences, Steve discusses the pitfalls of relying on agents who often prioritize their own interests over yours. He emphasizes the importance of taking control of your speaking career, understanding your audience, and directly communicating with event organizers. Whether you're an aspiring speaker or a seasoned professional, Steve's insights will help you make informed decisions and avoid common mistakes that can hurt your brand and bottom line. Join Steve as he disrupts traditional practices and advocates for a more proactive and personal approach to landing speaking gigs.

Tune in to learn:

• Why agents can be counterproductive for your speaking career

• The benefits of managing your own speaking engagements

• How to ensure you're speaking to the right audience for maximum impact

Don't miss this episode filled with valuable advice for entrepreneurs and speakers alike!

In this episode of Steve's Rants, host Steve Sims delves into the phenomenon of Haliey Welch, better known as the Hawk Tua Girl. After a cheeky comment during an interview in Nashville went viral, Welch's life has taken a remarkable turn. From hats to potential daytime talk shows, she's leveraging her newfound fame in ways no one might have predicted. Steve explores the broader implications of seizing attention in the digital age, drawing parallels with success stories like Bad Barbie, the Paul brothers, and Mister Beast. He challenges entrepreneurs to think critically about how they can turn fleeting attention into lasting success. Tune in to uncover insights on how to capitalize on your moment in the spotlight and transform it into a thriving venture.

Welcome to another episode of Steve's Rants! It's time for another dose of insightful wisdom and unfiltered advice from Steve Sims. In today's episode, titled "Can You Introduce Me?" Steve tackles a common dilemma that many of us face in the world of networking and business connections. Ever found yourself wanting an introduction to someone important? Well, Steve's here to break down the right way to go about it and the crucial questions you should be prepared to answer. Why should someone give you that prized introduction? What's in it for them, for the person you're being introduced to, and even for you? Get ready for some straight talk as Steve shares his decades of experience and offers practical advice on making meaningful connections. Let's dive in!

Feeling the itch to earn that extra income but unsure where your true value lies? Dive into today's introspective episode where Steve Sims, our candid host, unpacks a week where he turned down a potential $62,000 windfall. But it wasn't just about the money—it was about staying true to his values and protecting the integrity of his hard-earned relationships.

Steve explores the critical idea that not all money is good money. He stresses the importance of being the 'doorman' of your own brand and community, ensuring that the people you allow into your network are a good fit. With his usual blend of transparency and practical insight, Steve highlights how an alluring sum could morph into a business pitfall if it means compromising on quality and mutual respect.

Tune in to understand why sometimes saying 'no' can safeguard not just your revenue but your reputation and relationships. It's a must-listen for any entrepreneur who's faced the tough choice between short-term gains and long-term sustainability.

**Key Takeaways:** - The true cost of taking on projects outside your expertise. - The significance of maintaining the quality of your professional network. - How your gut feeling can guide better business decisions. - The potential long-term damage of compromising your brand for money.

Catch this intriguing episode of Steve's Rants, and learn why protecting your brand might just be the most lucrative decision you ever make!

In this enlightening episode of Steve's Rants, host Steve Sims delves into a profound insight he recently discussed with his long-time friend and renowned negotiation expert, Chris Voss. The phrase "intention has a smell" may sound unusual, but it holds a significant truth, especially in the world of business and negotiations.

Join Steve as he explores the concept of relying on our innate senses, like our gut feelings, to guide us in discerning the true intentions of others. With today's technology bombarding us with visuals and sounds that can be manipulated by AI and CGI, it's more crucial than ever to trust the instincts that have protected humans for centuries.

Steve shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to become more attuned to your senses, especially when navigating crucial business decisions. Learn how to trust what you feel, even when what you see and hear might be deceiving.

Insightful, thought-provoking, and packed with valuable lessons, this episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and anyone looking to sharpen their intuition in the modern world.

Tune in and start trusting your gut—it might just be the smartest thing you do this week.

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "The Art of Making Things Happen" with your host, Steve Sims! Today, we're diving deep into the world of vulnerability, authenticity, and the transformative power of reframing personal challenges with our special guest, Mona Patel. Mona is a respected thought leader who's collaborated with industry giants like Nike, and she'll be sharing her incredible insights on how to turn life's adversities into opportunities for growth.

In this episode, we explore how genuine care and authenticity can forge lasting relationships, the liberating benefits of reframing tough experiences, and actionable steps to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth-oriented one. You'll hear real stories, including Steve's personal tribulations and Mona's journey through legal battles and burnout. Tune in as we unpack a nine-minute process designed to aid leaders and teams in unlocking creativity and collaboration by simply listening and reflecting.

Whether you're looking to enhance your personal life or professional endeavors, today's conversation promises valuable takeaways for everyone. So, grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired as we uncover the art of transforming negative experiences into powerful growth opportunities. Let's make things happen!

Welcome back to "The Art of Making Things Happen" with your host Steve Sims. Today, we have an extraordinary guest joining us—Eric Walton, a renowned mentalist and magician with over 25 years in the magic world, and 15 years dedicated to mentalism. Eric has captivated audiences globally with his astonishing performances, often blending illusion and psychological insight.

In this episode, Eric dives into the fascinating world of mentalism, drawing connections to iconic figures like Sherlock Holmes and Chris Voss, but clarifying his expertise lies in creating powerful illusions rather than true paranormal abilities. We’ll explore how his journey in magic, which started later in life at age 30, has been shaped by overcoming imposter syndrome—a topic Eric intriguingly links to his performances, highlighting its paralyzing effect on one's potential.

Eric will share anecdotes from his acclaimed shows, including a moment he revealed his act as an illusion to draw a connection to imposter syndrome, an idea inspired by a conversation with Steve. We'll also discuss how showing vulnerability by acknowledging his own impostor feelings has made his performances even more impactful, resonating deeply with his audiences.

Additionally, Eric touches on the important production elements that make a performance memorable, the increasing presence of female magicians in the industry, and his commitment to animal rights and veganism. If you're intrigued by the art of mentalism or have ever battled with feelings of inadequacy, this episode is a must-listen. So, sit back and prepare to be inspired by the incredible insights and engaging storytelling of Eric Walton.

welcome back to another episode of Steve's Rants! I'm your host, Steve Sims, and today I've got a fascinating topic lined up for you. Recently, I had the pleasure of spending some time at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway with my son Henry. While I was there, I got my hands on a 1999 Aprilia RS 250—a bike that might not scream performance on paper but is an absolute crucible for honing riding skills.

This little 250 cc machine is devoid of modern technology—no ABS, no electronics, just raw riding. It's light, slow, and for someone like me who's a bit on the heavier side, it's hard work. But that's exactly why it's such a phenomenal tool for becoming a better rider. In this episode, I'll be sharing my thoughts and experiences on pushing myself beyond comfort zones to truly master what we've got, and then using those skills to become even better when we do utilize technology.

We'll be tying this all back to entrepreneurship, personal growth, and why sometimes you need to step back and challenge yourself without the aid of tools to really see where you stand. So stick around because we've got a lot to unpack today. Let's get started!

In this episode, Steve addresses concerns raised by his friends about dark undertones in his recent posts. He reveals that after experiencing a low platelet count for years, he has been diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), which is a precursor to leukemia. While initially told he might have four years if untreated, Steve shares that he has high chances of recovery through chemotherapy and a transplant. Emphasizing the importance of living fully and not simply surviving, Steve insists he will continue his activities and encourages his viewers to get regular health check-ups. He pledges to keep his audience updated on his medical progress and underscores that this announcement is not for pity, but to inspire others to take care of their health.