Stacy Nichols shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Stacy, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
Total Optim Bid was created to make the contracting process more accessible for small businesses by connecting them with government and corporate bid opportunities that align with their strengths. Through this work, the most surprising thing I’ve learned is how many small business owners are already qualified and capable of winning contracts, yet they assume the process is too complex or out of reach so they don’t actively pursue these opportunities.
Many of them have the right experience, certifications, and capacity, but what they’ve lacked is visibility and direction. Once they see how Total Optim Bid simplifies opportunity searches and helps them understand what buyers prioritize, their confidence grows quickly.
It’s reinforced for me that the biggest barrier isn’t ability, it’s access and awareness. When small businesses have the tools, guidance, and insight to compete, they can win, and they do!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Stacy Nichols, Founder and Senior Advisor of Total Optim Solutions, a consulting firm that helps small and mid-sized businesses compete for government and corporate contracts. Over the years, I’ve seen too many capable business owners miss out on opportunities simply because the bidding process felt overwhelming or out of reach.
That’s what inspired me to create Total Optim Bid, a subscription platform that makes contracting more accessible by connecting small businesses to curated opportunities, resources, and practical guidance. My goal is to help business owners move from uncertainty to confidence, spending less time chasing leads and more time winning contracts that help them grow.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work was my mom. She was a hardworking, dedicated employee who always went above and beyond in everything she did. She was kind and compassionate to everyone she worked with, and she taught me that being genuine, kind, and hardworking will always take you further than stepping on others to get ahead.
She also showed me that no matter what the job is, when people try to dim your light, you can still be yourself and let your talents and creativity shine through. My mom served the public first as a daycare teacher and later as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. To this day, you can see the impact she made—her former students from 40 years ago still send her Christmas cards every year, and her customers on her former route still affectionately call her “Mail Lady.”
That example shaped how I approach my work today. I strive to bring the same authenticity, care, and dedication to Total Optim Bid, giving my subscribers the best experience possible while staying true to who I am.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Something that completely changed my mindset after failing hard was realizing how much I cared about what others thought, so much that it held me back from trying anything new. After leaving corporate America, I felt like a failure. I had reached a high level in the company, but I was miserable and felt like I wasn’t making a real impact. When I left on less-than-ideal terms, I retreated and shut myself off, trying to put the past behind me and figure out what was next.
For a while, fear kept me stuck. I was afraid to start something new that might not succeed. But eventually, I realized my happiness, my success, and even my failures are mine alone. They belong to me—not to anyone else’s opinion. If I never try, I’ve already failed myself.
Now I take the approach that growth comes from moving forward, not from waiting for others’ approval. Every new idea, every risk, every setback is part of building something that reflects who I am and what I value.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A project I’m deeply committed to is Total Optim Bid. I’m not just trying to grow a subscriber base; I’m building a community of small business owners who succeed because of their ability to deliver real value through their products and services.
I believe small businesses, including my own, have an enormous amount to offer. I want to see us win. Small businesses make up over 99 percent of all businesses in the United States and employ nearly half of the private workforce, contributing about 44 percent of the U.S. GDP. That’s a powerful force driving our economy, yet we’re often overlooked when it comes to access and opportunity.
Through Total Optim Bid, and in everything I do, I’ll continue to be an advocate for small businesses. We deserve our fair share of opportunities, and my goal is to make sure more of us are in the rooms where those opportunities exist.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
If I ever look back with regret, it would be for not pushing hard enough to make a bigger impact for small business owners. I’ve seen firsthand how many incredible businesses never get the chance to compete because the process feels out of reach. If I don’t keep finding new ways to open doors, simplify access, and advocate for them, I’ll feel like I left something unfinished.
I want my legacy to be about more than building a business. I want it to reflect the lives changed because someone finally believed they could win. Not doing everything I can to make that happen—that’s what I would regret.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.totaloptim.com/bid
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-nichols/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BPRDsWvhv/
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