If it’s on your bucket list, Steve Sims can likely deliver it.
His company, The Bluefish, is the world’s leading luxury concierge firm. “Unique, once-in-a-lifetime memories that are beyond imagination†is the Bluefish trademark.
And that’s why Forbes and Entrepreneur magazines have dubbed this creative disruptor “the real-life Wizard of Oz.â€
Steve is the force behind world-class experiences like boarding a submarine for a trip to the Titanic, getting onstage with Lady Gaga, and having dinner in Italy while being serenaded by Andrea Bocelli.
He’s also coordinated Formula 1 car-racing experiences, cooking lessons from renowned chefs, jam sessions with celebrity recording artists, and walk-on roles with hit television shows.
Steve’s two books elaborate about his unique approach: "Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen" and "Go for Stupid – The Art of Achieving Ridiculous Goals."
If you ask Steve what he does, he’ll tell you, “I make things happen. I get people to do what they dream and desire by using my contacts and connections to pull it off.â€
That’s a little long for a business card, although I love his spirit. It got me thinking about how we have opportunities every day to match needs with resources.
Connecting the dots
You’ve likely been a catalyst at some point -- hearing about something a friend or client wants to accomplish and then pairing that with a resource to provide a solution.
I love to do this. Our brains are always scanning, and it’s fun when we can discover matchups that bring about results.
I first learned about Steve and other entrepreneurs in the book "Success & Something Greater: Your Magic Key." Authors Sharon Lechter and Dr. Greg Reid interviewed various leaders and shared their “special sauce†success stories, along with unique content from renowned personal development author and speaker, Napoleon Hill.
In Steve’s case, it begs the question, “How does one attain that level of influence? How do you acquire access to prestigious people and experiences?†In a nutshell, what makes Steve tick?
In his case – like many of ours – the roots began in childhood. He always wanted to get into places he wasn’t supposed to be in – and do things he wasn’t supposed to do. His uncanny ability to do just that grew into an art he’s perfected over the years.
He began using his talents in 1994 to get people into VIP events in Asia, according to authors Lechter and Reid. You’re likely to find him hosting entertainment superstars or tech giants.
Move over, Kevin Bacon
One of Steve’s unique skills is getting through the degrees of separation to find the one connection that can make anything happen. He’s known for cutting to the chase at lightning speed.
“Steve lets everyone know who he is -- and what he wants -- up front,†explain Lechter and Reid. “He hides nothing -- exposing the good, the bad and the ugly to make things happen.â€
While this may seem counterintuitive to some philosophies on how to win friends and influence people, Steve says his straightforward approach is refreshing.
“I have a direct policy,†Steve explains. “When I talk to people, I tell them what I need -- and ask how I can make it happen.
“Whether the person is the head of the Vatican, the Oscars or NASA, I need to be an incredible master communicator and let them know quickly what I want, what’s in it for them, and why it would be good for them to do it.â€
Getting to the point
Steve says this quality of frankness has become a lost art -- and that we take too long to get to the point.
While he has earned a reputation for being raw – even being described as “Ugly Sims†for his bluntness -- he also says people know where he’s coming from.
And that builds relationships and trust. “Respect grows when you remove your filter and get to the point," Steve says.
Think about our everyday desire for instant gratification by using Siri and Google. As Lechter and Reid point out, “Steve’s directness caters to the need of people for instant gratification because he tells them what he wants -- and what they need to know -- before they have a chance to question his motives.â€
It’s a style that Steve credits with his fast track to success. Check out a few of his tips.
1. State the purpose of your communication immediately.
Too often, people misconstrue what is being asked of them because it gets lost or watered down.
2. Avoid excess verbiage.
Being clear and concise shows that you respect the other person’s time -- and doesn’t cause them to question your motives.
3. Let them know what’s in it for them.
Make it clear how they will benefit by agreeing to your request.
(In our marketing company, we used the acronym WIIFT -- What’s In It For Them -- when strategizing for clients.)
4. Be authentic.
People will notice when you misrepresent who you are – or what you want.
“Steve has built a world-class business around respect, trust and authenticity,†shared Lechter and Reid. “Being ugly and raw is his claim to fame, but when we met Steve, we quickly realized there were no layers of the onion to peel away before we could get a glimpse into who he is – and the magic key to his success.
“It took no time at all to realize that his perfection was in his so-called imperfection, and through it he has created an engaging brand – one that attracts people to him and makes them want to help him.â€
Even if you you’re not up for an underwater tour of the Titanic, you’ve gotta admit Steve Sims can spark inspiration.
Think about applying his principles – and the tips above -- to one of your goals or dreams, and scale them for your own use.
You’ve had the power all along!
