As the EVP of the Business to Consumer Division of the Dave Ramsey Show Suzanne Simms is responsible for the oversight of Ramsey Media, Live Events, Consumer Products, Ramsey Personalities, and EveryDollar Budgeting Tool. In other words, Simms is a very important person with the company.
The Dave Ramsey Show is celebrating its 25th year on radio in 2017 and Simms has been a big part of the success of that show, having been around since day one. Simms is also on Radio Ink‘s Most Influential Women in Radio list, which is set for release next week. One of the reasons Simms has been so successful is her attitude of never quitting. Here’s our extended interview with one of radio’s Most Influential, Suzanne Simms.
Radio Ink: Why are you successful and influential?
Suzanne Simms: I’ve been blessed to be a part of Dave’s team and his belief in me and my team to represent him has given us the support and confidence necessary to play a role… and for that I will be ever grateful. The attitude of never quitting and always imposing our will on the marketplace is core to the DNA of our organization. We have seen great success as a result!
Radio Ink: What are you doing to make the radio industry stronger?
Suzanne Simms: The Dave Ramsey Show celebrates its 25th anniversary on radio this year and our focus remains as true today as it did our first day on the air in 1992: to produce compelling and relevant content for our listeners. As a content provider, we have a responsibility to our affiliates of providing a top-notch product that then gives them the ability to develop, grow, and maintain a loyal listenership.
We follow that up in service by supporting them with the necessary resources. One example is our exclusive Media Resource Site designed specifically to support our local affiliate sales teams, as well as a separate section dedicated to the successful promotion of the show, our contribution to radio is to be there for them in the same way they have been there for us these past 25 years – it’s a true partnership.
Radio Ink: What advice can you offer readers on how to be successful today in radio?
Suzanne Simms: Never underestimate the power of radio and the loyalty of the listener… In this day and age of on-demand products, when a listener makes the conscious choice to listen or sample our program, we need to take that responsibility seriously and not disappoint. If we give them what they seek, they will return over and over again.
Radio Ink: What steps can or should they take to advance and head toward achieving their goals?
Suzanne Simms: Just keep moving forward and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way. Too many people in this industry are paralyzed by fear of change and the unknown. What was once a clearly defined industry is now rapidly changing, and adapting to the consumer each and every day.
Learn from those that have come before, both from their mistakes and achievements, and seek out mentoring opportunities at every turn. There are many wonderful people in this industry who are willing to sit down and share their experiences with the next generation to ensure the success of this industry.
Radio Ink: What do you want to see radio do better?
Suzanne Simms: Embrace future distribution opportunities and don’t allow yourself to be held back by the unknown. The opportunities to reach new audience and tap into new revenue sources has never been greater and we should not be held back by small thinkers who want to control the process. Take charge of your own future and take some chances – you will be surprised at what you can accomplish when you think for yourself.
