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.…

This episode of Steve's Rants focuses on debunking common misconceptions about personal branding. Steve Sims starts by explaining what personal branding is NOT - emphasizing that it's not simply about logos, identity, or products. Instead, he describes modern branding as an "emotive trigger" that creates immediate reactions and responses in people's minds. Throughout the episode, Steve uses well-known brands like Tesla, Apple, and Harley Davidson as examples to demonstrate how effective branding creates emotional associations and triggers specific thoughts and perceptions. He explains that true branding begins with reputation - what people say about you when you're not in the room - and ultimately leads to creating a culture and cult following around your brand. This casual, straight-talking rant aims to help entrepreneurs understand the real essence of personal branding in today's context and emphasizes the importance of focusing on building a community rather than just creating surface-level brand elements.…

In this powerful episode, Steve Sims shares a personal insight from his experience at City of Hope, one of America's top cancer hospitals. While preparing for his bone marrow transplant, Steve noticed how the hospital proudly displays its "Top 5" status throughout the campus - not out of arrogance, but as a crucial indicator of their excellence. He uses this observation to deliver a vital message for entrepreneurs: stop hiding your achievements. Steve emphasizes why showcasing your accomplishments isn't about bragging - it's about helping potential clients and partners make informed decisions. Just as he chose a top-rated hospital for his health, he argues that clients deserve to know your track record, awards, and recognition. Whether it's a local newspaper feature or an international accolade, these achievements serve as valuable indicators of expertise and reliability. This candid rant delivers an important reminder: if you want to work with the best, you need to be visible as the best. Steve explains how surrounding yourself with excellence naturally elevates your own standards and helps you become the best version of yourself. This episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs who struggle with promoting their achievements or anyone looking to understand the importance of working with proven experts in their field.…

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "The Art of Making Things Happen" with your host, Steve D Sims. Today, we dive deep into the power of the 80/20 rule with our special guest, Perry Marshall. Known as the 80/20 man, Perry brings a revolutionary perspective to this age-old principle, particularly in sales and marketing. While most of us understand that 20% of our efforts yield 80% of the results, Perry flips this concept on its head by emphasizing the power of disqualification. In a captivating story about a professional gambler, Perry explains how identifying the right prospects is crucial, much like finding the right marks at a poker table. He illustrates how the 80/20 rule is not just a general guideline but a predictable mathematical pattern applicable in myriad contexts—from business to personal productivity. By mastering this principle, you can significantly streamline your processes, focusing on what truly matters and ditching what doesn’t. We'll also learn how to spot those vital few who can make a real difference, rather than wasting time on the trivial many. Perry's insights are backed by practical applications and scientific explanations, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to maximize their efficiency and results. Enjoy the episode and discover how to make the 80/20 rule work for you in ways you never imagined.…

Steve Sims discusses the real value of starting a podcast, challenging common misconceptions about podcasting success. While many aspiring podcasters dream of becoming the next Joe Rogan or securing massive Spotify deals, Sims reveals that his own successful podcast began with a different purpose entirely. He created his podcast as a platform to engage in meaningful conversations with people he wanted to learn from, using it as a Trojan horse to access interesting minds ranging from business leaders like Dan Martel and Jim Quick to more unconventional voices like former gang members and priests. Despite refusing sponsorship deals to maintain his creative freedom, Sims's authentic approach and consistency have led his podcast to rank in the top 0.5% of American podcasts. Through his candid discussion, he emphasizes that sustainable podcast success comes not from chasing fame or fortune, but from having a clear purpose and genuine curiosity.…

In this insightful episode of Steve's Rants, Steve Sims breaks down the fundamentals of branding, going beyond logos and visual elements to explore what truly makes a powerful brand. He explains how successful brands like Apple, Tesla, and Harley Davidson create emotional connections and cultural followings, emphasizing that true branding is about controlling your narrative and creating a consistent identity across all platforms. Steve stresses the importance of maintaining authenticity rather than adapting your persona for different social media platforms. He warns that while brands take years to build, they can be damaged in a day, making it crucial to stay vigilant about brand protection and narrative control. Through practical examples and straight-talk advice, Steve reveals why successful branding isn't just about marketing—it's about building a community and culture that naturally attracts loyal followers. This episode provides essential insights for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to develop a strong, authentic brand that resonates with their audience and stands the test of time. Learn why the true ROI of good branding lies in creating a following that chooses you over the competition, regardless of price or features.…

In this episode of Steve's Rants, Steve Sims tackles an uncomfortable truth - we're a civilization of liars. From the small, seemingly harmless lies we tell daily to others and ourselves, to the more significant self-deceptions that hold us back, Steve sheds light on how pervasive dishonesty has become. He shares personal anecdotes and insights on the importance of truthfulness, especially with oneself, and challenges us to break free from the lies that limit our potential. This rant is a powerful reminder to live authentically and push past self-imposed boundaries. Join Steve as he encourages entrepreneurs to ask "why not?" and live life on their terms.…

Welcome to another episode of Steve's Rants, where our host, Steve D Sims, dives into lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey. In today's episode, Steve shares valuable insights he wishes he knew in his 20s. From the importance of seeking continuous education, even when it's challenging, to the crucial role of relationship capital, and the power of a focused mindset—Steve breaks down these three fundamental principles that could propel any ambitious individual forward. Whether you're just starting out or deep into your business journey, these casual yet profound insights are designed to help you navigate the entrepreneurial world with greater wisdom. Let's jump in!…

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Art of Making Things Happen with Steve Sims . Today’s guest, Kaitlin Hannig, has made waves in the real estate world with her unique and authentic approach to social media. Despite being in the industry for just over a year, Kaitlin has already closed an impressive $2.2 million in deals. She joins us to talk about her rapid growth from 1,500 to over 50,000 followers in just 30 days, thanks to her genuine and satirical content style. In this episode, we dive deep into Kaitlin’s philosophy on the importance of authenticity, especially as we navigate a digital landscape increasingly influenced by AI. Kaitlin shares her journey, from shifting her content from purely educational to entertaining, to her goal of connecting people with real estate agents across the nation. We’ll also touch on her resilience, drawing from personal growth through challenging times, and her ability to handle feedback—both positive and negative. Steve and Kaitlin discuss the broader implications of her disruptive approach, and how her method of amplifying personal traits can resonate across various industries. With her potential as an influencer on the horizon and opportunities for television exposure, Kaitlin's journey is one worth following. It's a conversation full of insights, inspiration, and actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to embrace authenticity and stand out in their fields. So, tune in, subscribe, and let’s explore the art of making things happen with Kaitlin Hannig.…

Welcome back to Steve's Rants! In today's episode, Steve delves into the age-old question: Is it better to operate in a booming market or a depressed market? Drawing from a recent conversation with one of his coaching clients, Steve shares his thoughts on the underlying opportunities and challenges of different market conditions. Whether you're feeling disheartened by the current economic climate or just curious about market dynamics, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate the financial landscape.…

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.…