Balancing perfection vs time spent is a daily battle. Also learned to never point out a flaw. All projects have flaws. 99.99% of the people will ever notice it.
Finally someone who cuts to the chase with the real problems instead of marketing strategies and business lingo. I haven't seen anybody else talk about the difference between what a customer wants and what we think is cool or "done with integrity" etc. Thanks for your insight and sharing your own mistakes - It makes me feel much better about some of my ideas.
I wish I had seen this many ,many years ago. Most of these mistakes, I see everyday where I work now. Have been in production woodworking for 35 years. I will be 55 in June and I'm finally going to try it on my own. I totally agree with concentrating on a niche market and having your shop setups dedicated to that market. Thank you Ryan for your words of wisdom. You seem very knowledgeable, beyond your years. Congrats on your success.
Ron Russell I’ve made ALL these mistakes too. Still making them. That’s why I’m here trying to change. I checked back at his face, he looks about 25-30 Very wise for that age. Trying to specialize/ assembly line idea is the key. And asking the customer what they want/ how much effort spent on the project is a big time saver
As a 30 year veteran in the industry, I can say that you are dead on target. A good compliment to this is to understand and embrace lean principles. A good first step for someone taking this advice would be to throw stuff at the wall, see what sticks, leverage #3 (understand your market), and make these principles a lifestyle.
Perfection of explanation. It's 1:14 am right now and I've been surfin all over RUclips on how to start my woodworking business. This was the last video I was going to watch before going to sleep. I am thankful I was able to watch this video. A lot of great tips. I'm always doing so many different projects and can'r stick to one. Now it's 1:17 am. Good night. :)
Man this hits home. I built my woodshop a little over a year ago. Ive watched basically all of your videos, and enjoy and learn from them all, but this one really spoke to me. Out of the 7 mistakes you listed, this year i have been and am currently making all 7 lol. Thanks for putting this and your other stuff out there Ryan. You are one of the only ones, maybe the only one, making videos that pertain to industrial level woodshop cnc. As an IS408 owner for a year now, and learning it all from scratch on my own, i always look forward to watching your new videos, and even go back and watch some of the older ones 2 and 3 times to learn about chip loads and the various bits. So thanks.
It took me 30 years in wood working to figure these out! Where were you in my high school shop class? This was very wise advice I wish my dad had taught but had to learn on my own. Thanks for this.
I have already shared this video to people who have nothing to do with woodworking just because those advises apply in any business. Well thought video with very good points. I am happy to admit we are on the same page in all of those points. Enjoyable to watch as always. Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing!
Excellent points 👍 Needlessly over-complicating things happens all too often. Years ago I worked with a company that was doing stair systems for large residential construction tracts. Cherry was one of their high end options. Quality Control was driving them crazy because someone (probably a perfectionist) installed 16 foot long all heart cherry handrails in their models. No problem for one stair system but try to do replicate in 1000 homes! Understandably, homeowners expected the same. After a few years of frustration, someone had the brilliant idea to put heart/sap Cherry handrails in the new models. Made their lives exponentially easier, sold it for the same price and never got a complaint. True story!
You are right about every single thing you said. I just keep making miscellaneous stuff and giving it all away to friends and family. Can't ever say no.
A lot of what you said, I already knew and or felt as a woodworker, but hearing it from someone else really put it into perspective. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!
This is so important for anyone making the transition from a dream to a reality in business. Not just a hobby, woodworking, to a woodshop business, but everyone. The businesses I think of while listening are many of Gordon Ramsay's and other TV show chefs' restaurants that get rescued on TV. One exceptional thing that stands out too often is large menu selections. So many businesses have menus up to 11 pages long on TV. If you were to write down MacDonald's menu, would it be 8 or more pages long? No. Neither would my favorite steak house with $35 Chicken Dinner as a lowest priced meal. 4 pages or less. As to cutting boards. Just think. You batch out 40 large. In comes an order for 22 small. You cut off 1 inch in width, 4 inches in length, and rechamfer 2 edges, and off you go.
I honestly wish I would have found you 2 years ago! But probably wouldn't have listened. I have started watching your videos just this morning. This is the fourth one, I believe. Honestly, I could cry, this hit home on so many levels, I am so overly critical of my work. I also have such a hard time saying no, for exactly the reasons you said, yes I can make it, but everything has to stop and because of then the perfection kicks in, I end up spending hours, days, if not weeks designing, redesigning, painting, or staining, then to think I know this can look better, so I go at it again. Ugh, it's killing me and my potential business. I also have this overwhelming need to please everyone, and if they then become critical (which most don't, because lets face it, its practically perfect before I allow them to even view it lol) but its the fear of them being disappointed. I am going to make a recording to play on a loop and signs posted everywhere to hold back and protect my yes's and that I don't have to sand or stain to my ideals of perfection. Literally, just this past week, last minute, I made a personalized family recipe cutting board for my husbands family reunion on the 4th, to be auctioned off (we all donate different items for prizes, bingo, etc, then auction certain items to raise money for those games, expenses.,....I had already made two other cutting boards, with the agreement Id add a monogram if they wanted. I had originally just planned to make the recipe board for my MIL as a gift, but when she learned of this, she asked if I could make one for the auction, if it wasn't too much trouble. Of course I agree, no trouble at all! Lord! But now it wasn't just going to my mil, it was up for anyone, I had to make sure it was gorgeous! Long story, longer, I missed the entire reunion, got there last minute to watch fireworks, and for last item of auction/drawing... it was cut earlier that morning, but just before my husband took it down, I looked at it again, and realized it hadn't been sanded again,, and that one of the recipes was just below the line of the grove I had added (how did I miss that?! exhaustion, that's how.... Therefore I spent the remaining day trying to fix, re-cut, and of course trying to do other items, I thought I could add to improve, or do more of, etc. Now this is way tmi, but I just wanted to thank you so much for this, and hopefully your video reaches others earlier in their journey than mine. Should they additionally read my comment, learn such a valuable lesson, I wish I had watched this particular video last Saturday! I wish I would walk away from trying to be perfect and that it's ok to say no and to spend time with your family!!! We care way more about things than most customers. Bless you Ryan for such helpful and appreciated advice! This old lady is gonna try her best to take! I wish you continued success in all areas of your life!
@@cutting-it-close thank you! just a little funny note to the recipe board story, I have requests to make 3 more of the same recipe board from the 4th. The "fixed" file has disappeared and I can only find the one with the mistake! So do I cut it with the last line not moved up, or fixed or should I just cut it the way it is? Ok let's not get crazy here! Let's just say I am a work in process, I have to fix that line!!!! LOL but I will only be giving a light final sanding! LOL baby steps, right?! Keep those video's coming, you definitely have a new follower/fan! Have a good weekend, take it off and enjoy!
Glad I found this. Very helpful as I’m venturing out and turning my side hustle into a more legitimate business. But I realize I have to find my niche, streamline, and become much more efficient. Everything you explained. Thank you for taking time to give advice to new starters like myself.
You are talking about woodworking but these rules are easily applicable to so many industries. Thank you so much for speaking about your experiences so clearly and presenting your helpful and much needed ideas. You're brilliant!🙂
Great video! Thanks! Everything you talk about makes perfect sense. Some may disagree. But I, who has spent 40+ yrs as business tax consultant, with a BS Degree in business, former Revenue Officer, find that this falls into the common sense of business management. In my semi-retirement I enjoy making crafts and woodworking. But I need to return to the old lessons learned to make something of this. Your points are spot on. Congratulations! I am returning to the basics I learned in college so many yrs ago. Great job!!
As an MBA who has started many small businesses, please accept my compliments on your choice of points to portray to up and coming entrepreneurs. This is a very good approachably presented video. Well done!
Great advice! I just scaled up and move into a real shop and I sure as hell have learned these lessons the hard way. It really helps to hear it from an outside source like yourself! Thanks!
Ryan, I get where you're coming from and I can see that you're going to be a great success at what you're doing. And I also agree with a lot of what you're saying as far as ways to stay out of trouble when it comes to understanding how best to serve your customer base. I've looked at your website and I see the kinds of products that you and your team are turning out and they're in line with the advice that you're providing. A lot of woodworkers dream of owning their own shop, upskilling their talents, finding a customer base and having a long term, diverse woodworking career. They and I believe that there's a bespoke quality to woodworking. When you remove that quality, you're drifting away from doing woodworking. You're going to be a success at making money. Woodworking is a craft. Programming a computer is a technological function and not a craft. Where I sit is that you're making money out modeling with wood and not woodworking. You're also not just using wood. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with what you're doing or your advice. I'm just saying that it's not woodworking. I also thought your prices were about 15% too low.
First video I’ve watched of yours but definitely helped if I can personally stick to it, that’s on me though. Appreciate the insight. Got my subscription. I’m in the process of selling the same table I’ve made a base for now 3 times, and spent a lot of time looking back at those builds trying to figure out exactly how I built it previously
Man, you summed it up for me perfectly. Most days I'm going 100mph and wheels are spinning. Projects all over the place with no efficiency and not profitable. Great advice all around.
I really enjoyed this vid. I'm a handyman now but grew up in a terrific cabinet shop that is mine now. I'm looking to turn my love of creating into a biz, and I just today decided to go for it. this vid was right on time.
Thank you very much! It's a big deal to share your real experience! You are the best! Keep doing what you do. I wish you more clients for your interesting and creative and expensive works ;) Best regards from Ukraine!
I've enjoyed this video. I would personally like to see a video on Rule #1. I think I fall in this category. But #4 was a definite for me. I'm glad you included this because I was wondering if I was wasting my time on this. However... I kinda knew the answer. I have done enough pieces now that people will ask for one and it's already sold. They ask if I can build another and usually the answer is yes.... but it won't be just like it. So I've started writing down plans. And taking notes. I use Trello to track things so I have a handy way to pull up my notes and pics to match.
I finally have a shop after 10 yrs. still moving machinery and it is small, like 12 x 12 small but I have a nice 12 x 12 storage loft and I'm determined to make this work. Not sure I can make a living with it but I'm gonna try. Your advice is solid. great video!!!
I live about 3000 miles from you. With all the points you made, I live inches from you. Everything you have said I have done and still do. Great video. Thanks from sunny London. Not London Texas to where I once visited.
Another great video for beginner and apply to almost all businesses. Better have detailed ideas about the background of the work. Keep up the good work mate.
Bro all these videos are obnoxiously useful, its no wonder why you became successful. You spend a lot of effort on accuracy in language. Awesome videos and a great reality check, thanks man.
Super late reply, but thank you, I shot a video today going over what I didn't like about upgrading to a commercial size CNC it should be out in a week or 2. It has been crazy busy in the shop.
This is all true. I have found that when I step out of my niche for a customer it doesn't work out for me. I always have problems. Even something as changing the sizes of my projects from the norm creates problems. I make about 10 different projects and I always do runs, never a one off piece. If I have to set up my tools for one piece I might as well make 10 or 100 so I don't have to set up again.
Found you by looking for something specific to educate myself. However the more I watch you the more sense your words make for whatever I had planned. Keep up the good videos, very easy to listen to you. Thanks
I am happy to say I follow this strategy to the T. It's crazy to hear it outloud when I never thought about it. Follow this man's advice, and you will be successful.
Ryan, excellent share. I'm a hobbyist for sure, but professionally I'm in the Risk Management business...and EVERYTHING you talked about applies. I was able to draw clear parallels between your examples and our business plan. I may even have my executive team watch this at next strategy meeting to understand why focus must be a base tenet of our mission statement. Thanks!
This is great wisdom. Thanks for sharing. It all makes sense. Doesn’t mean you still can’t do some one off custom stuff and even have it remain a hobby. But niche down and create an efficient system - and I’m thinking the money will follow. Cut down on the variables. Love this!
Nice video content! Excuse me for chiming in, I would appreciate your thoughts. Have you thought about - Proutklarton Money plant Plan (should be on google have a look)? It is a smashing exclusive guide for learning how to make a massive income by launching your own internet business without the headache. Ive heard some awesome things about it and my mate at last got astronomical results with it.
I gotta hand it to you... impressive insights here. If you figured all this out on your own then special props to you. If you listened to others and gleaned this wisdom - Way To Go. While there are successful hybrid models where you niche and do custom like do and love it... by far the best advice is to cater to a specific niche. It’s what I always recommend to young bucks getting into the field. Maybe not right away, as some varied experience will help you tremendously but definitely have it as a near term goal. Good stuff dude. Cheers Greg
Greg, Thank you, I love the industry and I am trying to learn as much as possible so I can make a real go at it. There is so much to learn and grow with!
Yeah this was very informative, I was probably going to end up frustrated because I wanted to do too many different types projects. Think I'm going to shrink it to two small products that don't take long to make and go from there. The other things can be my hobby once business is booming. Thank you.
All good advice. Just wanted to say that the way you communicated it was a near 10/10. Video was just the right length. You spoke clearly. There was no fluff. Just enough info to get across your point. I would love to hear some more of your strategies and how to properly serve a niche market!
Awesome advice! I just spent the summer insulating my workshop so that I can work in warmth all year. Now that the snow is flying I'm enjoying refining my skills. I will definitely put your advice to some use. Thanks from Sarah in southern Ontario, Canada.
The line between perfection and practical efficiency is a tough line to straddle. You have to ask yourself, "Am I creating a work of art, or am I manufacturing something?" They don't call them "starving artists" for nothing.
Great stuff! I recognize myself in a lot of the scenarios you mention. In other words, I'm starting to veer off from my original vision and make some of the mistakes you advise against. Getting my first cnc machine (Axiom AR8 Pro) got my head swimming with possibilities, but because of your sage advise, I'll refocus and use this great machine to SUPPLEMENT that vision. Thanks a bunch.
@@cutting-it-close Thanks for your reply. My plan is to make cutting boards for realtor closing gifts. How are you at marketing? :) Any tips on how to approach "industries"?
Kennyindia Build a few and give them to some realtors. And make sure they have your contact info, and tell them a set price that’s not super high, but not low ball to get in the door. Insurance agents(especially the ones that have been around forever and have a huge book of business, financial planners are another great one.
Great advice in fairness. I have a niche product but I give customers to many options, thats going to stop tomorrow.. Thanks for your advice and best wishes from the West of Ireland..
Saying no is great advice. My sister asked me to help with a remodel. 4 months, and countless hours building new cabinets and staining and custom work, she got a rediculously high end kitchen and all she had to do was pay for appliances and countertops. I painted the walls, I wired the electrical, I did the plumbing, I laid the custom tile, and built everything. And I didn’t even get a mention on fb. I lost an estimated 40 grand on that job, not counting what I had to turn away because of time.
Mustafa Alnoori fixing a sink is a favor. Renovating a entire kitchen with new custom cabinets and updating the entire electrical system in the house and paying for it out of your own pocket isn’t. That’s what I do for a living.
I’m in South Texas also (New Braunfels). My position was phased out at my work. As a result, I’m taking the plunge to go full time woodworking while I have some cash reserve for a few months. I’d love to pick your brain on some hurdles I’m working to overcome and get rolling. I’ve been focusing on custom poker tables under the name Judge Customs. Especially when it comes to marketing and shipping.
Couldn’t of said it any better myself. I find myself telling new upcoming Woodworkers the same thing. I must say I’m very envious of your Shop Sabre. I wish I had invested in one a few years ago.
Great vid I am new to RUclips with my wood working Consider myself a very busy hobbyist And agree with the niche thing and saying yes to everything You are spot on People ask me why no river tables or kitchen cabinets (these same guys fail) I say why? I am busy making the style of tables I make. To the point overwhelmed. So you are correct Going to subscribe I can always use advice Thanks
@@cutting-it-close thanks for asking I am doing pretty good woodworking wise not so good youtube wise but don't really care just love building furniture Goodluck
I think you've helped a lot of woodworkers on here 😏 u even pointed out some of my blind weaknesses. Oh how the family will run us into the ground lol. Love the video and nice job explaining it to easy to understand.
Oh my God your timing is perfect!! I’ve been starting to grow and running into growing pains and needless to say every single thing you hit topic on I am currently doing..I love you man, you might’ve saved my ass LOL
Details, yes. Too many go too overboard with unnecessary detail in the work. A wise old man once told me that success was not in perfection. It was in giving the best possible job in the best possible time with the best possible outcome. It has always worked for me.
Hahaha I'm in the high detail group. I learned that customers are happy with half the detail I put into it. Been in business for over 7 years and all his advice he is giving is 100% correct to mature into a stable business. At first I said yes to every one then because of demand I've become very selective. I removed complicated model to build and constantly thinking of a less expensive model to build faster and cheaper for the customer. Thanks you for a great video.
the one thing I learned from you is to specialize, I can attest that to be a generalist is to get nowhere, completly scattered, I'll keep my pen turning, these make great gifts, I am going to work on specializing on a small turned stylized vase, I am still trying out different designs, when I get to one I like, I'll refine this design, as you said, I'll have my set up of lathe, tools towards pen turning then my little vase. Thanks for posting this vid..
one of the more helpful channels I've found. What is your revenue breakdown of youtube vs business? Is youtube just something you started because you have employees doing the work and it's something you love? or is it a significant portion of income?
I liked your video Im just starting out as a wood shop and I'm glad I saw this video. This information is going to help me out a bunch in the future. I also had a question but maybe you can elaborate more on it in a different video or guide me to a video that you've already done. how do you go about making more money off using CNC machines? Is it practical to have more machines or just a few machines with the high-speed process?
Very good video and honest statements. Will definitely look into a niche market. Also to much of a perfectionist. Also have a hard time saying no. Thank You for the video. Custom Wood Works
Thanks for the great advice. I'm seeing this at the right time as I have spent the past 12 years purchasing new tools and equipment to start my shop up again while taking care of my mother who passed away last year. I'm taking part of my inheritance to put into the rest of what I need for my shop and a new place to set it up. I already started saying no to many things and many people, but I also have tons of ideas of things I want to make and have been trying to narrow it down before I begin to be more focused. So half of this I am already doing, but you have added extra perspective for me and the other half I needed to hear to have more to think about. I will be watching this a few more times and taking notes in my business planning notebook.
My biggest problem is finding "the niche item" for my area. I can and have made all kinds of "stuff" (from small jewelry to furniture) and have sold some pieces, but... they have been all custom "one off's" for customers. So how do you know what the niche is in your area?????? I'm to gun shy to make a bunch of stuff and hope it sales and be stuck with it only to be given away as christmas presents.
"Then make it out of PINE!" Funny cause it's true. You crack me up. This is amazing advice and you can tell it's from experience - not just regurgitated. Thanks man.
Very Good Advises, Enjoying your videos and passion for what you do, I am sure will learn a lot from you being a newbie, Please keep those videos coming back :)
1. Not focusing on a niche 0:58 2. Death By Choices 3:55 3. Not Understanding Your Market 7:26 4. Not Writing Down Previous Project Plans or Methods 9:14 5. Making What You Want, Not What the Customer Wants 11:04 6. Focusing on the Wrong Details 12:18 7. Saying Yes to Everyone 15:04
I was thinking that if I have multiple items more people will buy from me but today if you sell online like on Etsy people won't care because there's millions of sellers to choose from anyway! So it makes more sense to focus on a few items or just one, and another big problem is that I was using expensive lumber but people just don't care! Use the cheapest lumber with knots and putty and sand it, don't waste time getting it super smooth because your varnish will smooth it also!!
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Balancing perfection vs time spent is a daily battle. Also learned to never point out a flaw. All projects have flaws. 99.99% of the people will ever notice it.
Amen
*never ;)
Finally someone who cuts to the chase with the real problems instead of marketing strategies and business lingo. I haven't seen anybody else talk about the difference between what a customer wants and what we think is cool or "done with integrity" etc. Thanks for your insight and sharing your own mistakes - It makes me feel much better about some of my ideas.
Marketing and business strategy is 50% of the process, if you cant market it to the right audience, forget about selling anything
I wish I had seen this many ,many years ago. Most of these mistakes, I see everyday where I work now. Have been in production woodworking for 35 years. I will be 55 in June and I'm finally going to try it on my own. I totally agree with concentrating on a niche market and having your shop setups dedicated to that market. Thank you Ryan for your words of wisdom. You seem very knowledgeable, beyond your years. Congrats on your success.
Ron Russell
I’ve made ALL these mistakes too. Still making them. That’s why I’m here trying to change.
I checked back at his face, he looks about 25-30 Very wise for that age.
Trying to specialize/ assembly line idea is the key.
And asking the customer what they want/ how much effort spent on the project is a big time saver
As a 30 year veteran in the industry, I can say that you are dead on target. A good compliment to this is to understand and embrace lean principles. A good first step for someone taking this advice would be to throw stuff at the wall, see what sticks, leverage #3 (understand your market), and make these principles a lifestyle.
Perfection of explanation. It's 1:14 am right now and I've been surfin all over RUclips on how to start my woodworking business. This was the last video I was going to watch before going to sleep. I am thankful I was able to watch this video. A lot of great tips. I'm always doing so many different projects and can'r stick to one. Now it's 1:17 am. Good night. :)
Man this hits home. I built my woodshop a little over a year ago. Ive watched basically all of your videos, and enjoy and learn from them all, but this one really spoke to me. Out of the 7 mistakes you listed, this year i have been and am currently making all 7 lol. Thanks for putting this and your other stuff out there Ryan. You are one of the only ones, maybe the only one, making videos that pertain to industrial level woodshop cnc. As an IS408 owner for a year now, and learning it all from scratch on my own, i always look forward to watching your new videos, and even go back and watch some of the older ones 2 and 3 times to learn about chip loads and the various bits. So thanks.
I’ve been self employed since 2003 and I can say that you hit a lot of the key points right on the head. Great topic.
It took me 30 years in wood working to figure these out! Where were you in my high school shop class? This was very wise advice I wish my dad had taught but had to learn on my own. Thanks for this.
I have already shared this video to people who have nothing to do with woodworking just because those advises apply in any business. Well thought video with very good points. I am happy to admit we are on the same page in all of those points. Enjoyable to watch as always. Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing!
Excellent points 👍 Needlessly over-complicating things happens all too often. Years ago I worked with a company that was doing stair systems for large residential construction tracts. Cherry was one of their high end options. Quality Control was driving them crazy because someone (probably a perfectionist) installed 16 foot long all heart cherry handrails in their models. No problem for one stair system but try to do replicate in 1000 homes! Understandably, homeowners expected the same. After a few years of frustration, someone had the brilliant idea to put heart/sap Cherry handrails in the new models. Made their lives exponentially easier, sold it for the same price and never got a complaint. True story!
You are right about every single thing you said. I just keep making miscellaneous stuff and giving it all away to friends and family. Can't ever say no.
A lot of what you said, I already knew and or felt as a woodworker, but hearing it from someone else really put it into perspective. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!
This is so important for anyone making the transition from a dream to a reality in business. Not just a hobby, woodworking, to a woodshop business, but everyone. The businesses I think of while listening are many of Gordon Ramsay's and other TV show chefs' restaurants that get rescued on TV. One exceptional thing that stands out too often is large menu selections. So many businesses have menus up to 11 pages long on TV. If you were to write down MacDonald's menu, would it be 8 or more pages long? No. Neither would my favorite steak house with $35 Chicken Dinner as a lowest priced meal. 4 pages or less.
As to cutting boards. Just think. You batch out 40 large. In comes an order for 22 small. You cut off 1 inch in width, 4 inches in length, and rechamfer 2 edges, and off you go.
I honestly wish I would have found you 2 years ago! But probably wouldn't have listened. I have started watching your videos just this morning. This is the fourth one, I believe. Honestly, I could cry, this hit home on so many levels, I am so overly critical of my work. I also have such a hard time saying no, for exactly the reasons you said, yes I can make it, but everything has to stop and because of then the perfection kicks in, I end up spending hours, days, if not weeks designing, redesigning, painting, or staining, then to think I know this can look better, so I go at it again. Ugh, it's killing me and my potential business. I also have this overwhelming need to please everyone, and if they then become critical (which most don't, because lets face it, its practically perfect before I allow them to even view it lol) but its the fear of them being disappointed. I am going to make a recording to play on a loop and signs posted everywhere to hold back and protect my yes's and that I don't have to sand or stain to my ideals of perfection. Literally, just this past week, last minute, I made a personalized family recipe cutting board for my husbands family reunion on the 4th, to be auctioned off (we all donate different items for prizes, bingo, etc, then auction certain items to raise money for those games, expenses.,....I had already made two other cutting boards, with the agreement Id add a monogram if they wanted. I had originally just planned to make the recipe board for my MIL as a gift, but when she learned of this, she asked if I could make one for the auction, if it wasn't too much trouble. Of course I agree, no trouble at all! Lord! But now it wasn't just going to my mil, it was up for anyone, I had to make sure it was gorgeous! Long story, longer, I missed the entire reunion, got there last minute to watch fireworks, and for last item of auction/drawing... it was cut earlier that morning, but just before my husband took it down, I looked at it again, and realized it hadn't been sanded again,, and that one of the recipes was just below the line of the grove I had added (how did I miss that?! exhaustion, that's how.... Therefore I spent the remaining day trying to fix, re-cut, and of course trying to do other items, I thought I could add to improve, or do more of, etc. Now this is way tmi, but I just wanted to thank you so much for this, and hopefully your video reaches others earlier in their journey than mine. Should they additionally read my comment, learn such a valuable lesson, I wish I had watched this particular video last Saturday! I wish I would walk away from trying to be perfect and that it's ok to say no and to spend time with your family!!! We care way more about things than most customers.
Bless you Ryan for such helpful and appreciated advice!
This old lady is gonna try her best to take!
I wish you continued success in all areas of your life!
Thank you so much for sharing this!
@@cutting-it-close thank you! just a little funny note to the recipe board story, I have requests to make 3 more of the same recipe board from the 4th. The "fixed" file has disappeared and I can only find the one with the mistake! So do I cut it with the last line not moved up, or fixed or should I just cut it the way it is? Ok let's not get crazy here! Let's just say I am a work in process, I have to fix that line!!!! LOL but I will only be giving a light final sanding! LOL baby steps, right?! Keep those video's coming, you definitely have a new follower/fan! Have a good weekend, take it off and enjoy!
Glad I found this. Very helpful as I’m venturing out and turning my side hustle into a more legitimate business. But I realize I have to find my niche, streamline, and become much more efficient. Everything you explained. Thank you for taking time to give advice to new starters like myself.
I have no clue of your age but you young man have wisdom beyond your years. Thank you for sharing this.
You are talking about woodworking but these rules are easily applicable to so many industries. Thank you so much for speaking about your experiences so clearly and presenting your helpful and much needed ideas. You're brilliant!🙂
Great video! Thanks! Everything you talk about makes perfect sense. Some may disagree. But I, who has spent 40+ yrs as business tax consultant, with a BS Degree in business, former Revenue Officer, find that this falls into the common sense of business management. In my semi-retirement I enjoy making crafts and woodworking. But I need to return to the old lessons learned to make something of this. Your points are spot on. Congratulations! I am returning to the basics I learned in college so many yrs ago. Great job!!
As an MBA who has started many small businesses, please accept my compliments on your choice of points to portray to up and coming entrepreneurs. This is a very good approachably presented video. Well done!
Wow an MBA!
Great advice! I just scaled up and move into a real shop and I sure as hell have learned these lessons the hard way. It really helps to hear it from an outside source like yourself! Thanks!
These are brilliant business tips for ANY industry. Brilliant.
Ryan, I get where you're coming from and I can see that you're going to be a great success at what you're doing. And I also agree with a lot of what you're saying as far as ways to stay out of trouble when it comes to understanding how best to serve your customer base. I've looked at your website and I see the kinds of products that you and your team are turning out and they're in line with the advice that you're providing. A lot of woodworkers dream of owning their own shop, upskilling their talents, finding a customer base and having a long term, diverse woodworking career. They and I believe that there's a bespoke quality to woodworking. When you remove that quality, you're drifting away from doing woodworking. You're going to be a success at making money. Woodworking is a craft. Programming a computer is a technological function and not a craft. Where I sit is that you're making money out modeling with wood and not woodworking. You're also not just using wood. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with what you're doing or your advice. I'm just saying that it's not woodworking. I also thought your prices were about 15% too low.
First video I’ve watched of yours but definitely helped if I can personally stick to it, that’s on me though. Appreciate the insight. Got my subscription.
I’m in the process of selling the same table I’ve made a base for now 3 times, and spent a lot of time looking back at those builds trying to figure out exactly how I built it previously
Man, you summed it up for me perfectly. Most days I'm going 100mph and wheels are spinning. Projects all over the place with no efficiency and not profitable. Great advice all around.
I was breaking about 2-3 of these. And I see what I need to do change my marketing strategy. Thanks for this great, great video!!
I really enjoyed this vid.
I'm a handyman now but grew up in a terrific cabinet shop that is mine now.
I'm looking to turn my love of creating into a biz, and I just today decided to go for it.
this vid was right on time.
Thank you very much! It's a big deal to share your real experience! You are the best! Keep doing what you do. I wish you more clients for your interesting and creative and expensive works ;) Best regards from Ukraine!
I've enjoyed this video. I would personally like to see a video on Rule #1. I think I fall in this category. But #4 was a definite for me. I'm glad you included this because I was wondering if I was wasting my time on this. However... I kinda knew the answer. I have done enough pieces now that people will ask for one and it's already sold. They ask if I can build another and usually the answer is yes.... but it won't be just like it. So I've started writing down plans. And taking notes. I use Trello to track things so I have a handy way to pull up my notes and pics to match.
I finally have a shop after 10 yrs. still moving machinery and it is small, like 12 x 12 small but I have a nice 12 x 12 storage loft and I'm determined to make this work. Not sure I can make a living with it but I'm gonna try. Your advice is solid. great video!!!
I live about 3000 miles from you. With all the points you made, I live inches from you. Everything you have said I have done and still do. Great video. Thanks from sunny London. Not London Texas to where I once visited.
Common sense and the benefit of hind sight. I appreciate your sharing with us.
Another great video for beginner and apply to almost all businesses. Better have detailed ideas about the background of the work. Keep up the good work mate.
Bro all these videos are obnoxiously useful, its no wonder why you became successful. You spend a lot of effort on accuracy in language. Awesome videos and a great reality check, thanks man.
Super late reply, but thank you, I shot a video today going over what I didn't like about upgrading to a commercial size CNC it should be out in a week or 2. It has been crazy busy in the shop.
Thanks a lot, we can talk in 2022 God willingly. Definitely goin to follow your advise.
This is all true. I have found that when I step out of my niche for a customer it doesn't work out for me. I always have problems. Even something as changing the sizes of my projects from the norm creates problems. I make about 10 different projects and I always do runs, never a one off piece. If I have to set up my tools for one piece I might as well make 10 or 100 so I don't have to set up again.
Found you by looking for something specific to educate myself. However the more I watch you the more sense your words make for whatever I had planned. Keep up the good videos, very easy to listen to you. Thanks
I am happy to say I follow this strategy to the T. It's crazy to hear it outloud when I never thought about it. Follow this man's advice, and you will be successful.
Ryan, excellent share. I'm a hobbyist for sure, but professionally I'm in the Risk Management business...and EVERYTHING you talked about applies. I was able to draw clear parallels between your examples and our business plan. I may even have my executive team watch this at next strategy meeting to understand why focus must be a base tenet of our mission statement. Thanks!
This is great wisdom. Thanks for sharing. It all makes sense. Doesn’t mean you still can’t do some one off custom stuff and even have it remain a hobby. But niche down and create an efficient system - and I’m thinking the money will follow. Cut down on the variables. Love this!
Man these points are really relatable. Probably one of the best video on this topic that I’ve found on YT. Great job, keep on with these!
Nice video content! Excuse me for chiming in, I would appreciate your thoughts. Have you thought about - Proutklarton Money plant Plan (should be on google have a look)? It is a smashing exclusive guide for learning how to make a massive income by launching your own internet business without the headache. Ive heard some awesome things about it and my mate at last got astronomical results with it.
Good lessons learnt here, the niche not to focus much on details understand the market don't do everything and say no to what doesn't pay thank you.
I gotta hand it to you... impressive insights here. If you figured all this out on your own then special props to you. If you listened to others and gleaned this wisdom - Way To Go. While there are successful hybrid models where you niche and do custom like do and love it... by far the best advice is to cater to a specific niche. It’s what I always recommend to young bucks getting into the field. Maybe not right away, as some varied experience will help you tremendously but definitely have it as a near term goal.
Good stuff dude.
Cheers
Greg
Greg, Thank you, I love the industry and I am trying to learn as much as possible so I can make a real go at it. There is so much to learn and grow with!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this. This will help me focus so much better!
Круто! Прям все по полкам разложил) большое спасибо чувак! Буду делать именно так, не отступая от всех 7 пунктов
Yeah this was very informative, I was probably going to end up frustrated because I wanted to do too many different types projects. Think I'm going to shrink it to two small products that don't take long to make and go from there. The other things can be my hobby once business is booming. Thank you.
All good advice. Just wanted to say that the way you communicated it was a near 10/10. Video was just the right length. You spoke clearly. There was no fluff. Just enough info to get across your point.
I would love to hear some more of your strategies and how to properly serve a niche market!
Awesome advice! I just spent the summer insulating my workshop so that I can work in warmth all year. Now that the snow is flying I'm enjoying refining my skills. I will definitely put your advice to some use. Thanks from Sarah in southern Ontario, Canada.
I had to move my shop because of the noise the router made.
This is the best information I have ever gotten. Thank you for this.
Great video, I think your advice does help. I tend to want to build everything under the sun for people when they ask for something built.
The line between perfection and practical efficiency is a tough line to straddle. You have to ask yourself, "Am I creating a work of art, or am I manufacturing something?"
They don't call them "starving artists" for nothing.
Best advice I've seen on this topic! Please do more videos on profitability!
Great stuff! I recognize myself in a lot of the scenarios you mention. In other words, I'm starting to veer off from my original vision and make some of the mistakes you advise against. Getting my first cnc machine (Axiom AR8 Pro) got my head swimming with possibilities, but because of your sage advise, I'll refocus and use this great machine to SUPPLEMENT that vision.
Thanks a bunch.
@@cutting-it-close Thanks for your reply. My plan is to make cutting boards for realtor closing gifts. How are you at marketing? :) Any tips on how to approach "industries"?
I should say "quick tips". I know you're extremely busy.
Kennyindia Build a few and give them to some realtors. And make sure they have your contact info, and tell them a set price that’s not super high, but not low ball to get in the door. Insurance agents(especially the ones that have been around forever and have a huge book of business, financial planners are another great one.
@@joeymerrell8585 Thanks a lot for your reply. Sounds good!
Owww! You're stomping my toes! Thanks for this. I needed to hear this.
Great advice in fairness. I have a niche product but I give customers to many options, thats going to stop tomorrow..
Thanks for your advice and best wishes from the West of Ireland..
Gerry, How is everything going in Ireland for you?
Saying no is great advice. My sister asked me to help with a remodel. 4 months, and countless hours building new cabinets and staining and custom work, she got a rediculously high end kitchen and all she had to do was pay for appliances and countertops. I painted the walls, I wired the electrical, I did the plumbing, I laid the custom tile, and built everything. And I didn’t even get a mention on fb. I lost an estimated 40 grand on that job, not counting what I had to turn away because of time.
family love is unconditioned and you couldnot ask for anything in return
i will be more than happy to do a favor to my sister just to see her smile
Mustafa Alnoori fixing a sink is a favor. Renovating a entire kitchen with new custom cabinets and updating the entire electrical system in the house and paying for it out of your own pocket isn’t. That’s what I do for a living.
@@mustafaalnoori5213 I have five sisters
@@joeymerrell8585 Why would you pay it all of your own pocket? Designing and installing it for your sister should be more than enough.
@@egidis2 I was supposed to be paid for materials. I was doing the work for free. Instead I didn’t get anything.
You are amazing. Love what you have to say. God bless you. Keep up the great work and thank you.
I’m in South Texas also (New Braunfels). My position was phased out at my work. As a result, I’m taking the plunge to go full time woodworking while I have some cash reserve for a few months. I’d love to pick your brain on some hurdles I’m working to overcome and get rolling. I’ve been focusing on custom poker tables under the name Judge Customs. Especially when it comes to marketing and shipping.
Great Informative Video, blessing to hear another pro emphasize the factors of this business
great words of advice - thanks for the honesty
Thanks that really helps and yes I’m all over the place making different items for different people, it’s doing my head in, No More! Cheers
Great video I was very impressed with your knowledge and presentation. Good job 👏
so,so,so,so,so, much true. THX A LOT!!!
I agree with you because this is very important for making money.
Thank you
You hit the nail on the head, I said Yes too many times
Great information that gets right to the point. Thank you!
This is an outstanding presentation. You really tie all relevant facts together nicely. SUBSCRIBED!!!!!
Couldn’t of said it any better myself. I find myself telling new upcoming Woodworkers the same thing. I must say I’m very envious of your Shop Sabre. I wish I had invested in one a few years ago.
Great vid
I am new to RUclips with my wood working
Consider myself a very busy hobbyist
And agree with the niche thing and saying yes to everything
You are spot on
People ask me why no river tables or kitchen cabinets (these same guys fail) I say why?
I am busy making the style of tables I make. To the point overwhelmed.
So you are correct
Going to subscribe
I can always use advice
Thanks
I hope everything is going well!
@@cutting-it-close thanks for asking I am doing pretty good woodworking wise not so good youtube wise but don't really care just love building furniture
Goodluck
@@fanelliscustoms Same here man, building things out of wood takes precedence over making videos of doing it any day of the week.
Excellent advice, well said!
great points. Good luck with your future videos.
I think you've helped a lot of woodworkers on here 😏 u even pointed out some of my blind weaknesses. Oh how the family will run us into the ground lol. Love the video and nice job explaining it to easy to understand.
All tips are 100% true!! Very well done!
@@cutting-it-close keep it up!! Your doing a great job for the new ppl!! Subd!
Great overview and advice! Thanks for sharing.
Oh my God your timing is perfect!!
I’ve been starting to grow and running into growing pains and needless to say every single thing you hit topic on I am currently doing..I love you man, you might’ve saved my ass LOL
Very informative - appreciate the help man
No problem 👍
Details, yes. Too many go too overboard with unnecessary detail in the work. A wise old man once told me that success was not in perfection. It was in giving the best possible job in the best possible time with the best possible outcome. It has always worked for me.
Needed to hear this so bad. WOW!!..
What was the most impactful?
Hahaha I'm in the high detail group. I learned that customers are happy with half the detail I put into it. Been in business for over 7 years and all his advice he is giving is 100% correct to mature into a stable business. At first I said yes to every one then because of demand I've become very selective. I removed complicated model to build and constantly thinking of a less expensive model to build faster and cheaper for the customer. Thanks you for a great video.
This is incredible information
Best advice video I’ve seen
the one thing I learned from you is to specialize, I can attest that to be a generalist is to get nowhere, completly scattered, I'll keep my pen turning, these make great gifts, I am going to work on specializing on a small turned stylized vase, I am still trying out different designs, when I get to one I like, I'll refine this design, as you said, I'll have my set up of lathe, tools towards pen turning then my little vase. Thanks for posting this vid..
Your very welcome!
one of the more helpful channels I've found. What is your revenue breakdown of youtube vs business? Is youtube just something you started because you have employees doing the work and it's something you love? or is it a significant portion of income?
It is just something I like to do, less than 1% of any income that I have.
@@cutting-it-close Thanks for the tips, they are very helpful, what is your primary product line?
This video was spot on! Appreciate the info 👌🏽
Thank you for this man ! Great tips !
Thank you really made me think about a couple things that were not intuitively obvious.
I liked your video Im just starting out as a wood shop and I'm glad I saw this video. This information is going to help me out a bunch in the future. I also had a question but maybe you can elaborate more on it in a different video or guide me to a video that you've already done. how do you go about making more money off using CNC machines? Is it practical to have more machines or just a few machines with the high-speed process?
This is good information and what you are saying is true this has helped me a lot nice one
NIce video. Best regards, hoping to see more :)
Great info for any business!
Very good video and honest statements. Will definitely look into a niche market. Also to much of a perfectionist. Also have a hard time saying no. Thank You for the video.
Custom Wood Works
Thanks for the great advice. I'm seeing this at the right time as I have spent the past 12 years purchasing new tools and equipment to start my shop up again while taking care of my mother who passed away last year. I'm taking part of my inheritance to put into the rest of what I need for my shop and a new place to set it up. I already started saying no to many things and many people, but I also have tons of ideas of things I want to make and have been trying to narrow it down before I begin to be more focused. So half of this I am already doing, but you have added extra perspective for me and the other half I needed to hear to have more to think about.
I will be watching this a few more times and taking notes in my business planning notebook.
Wow! Great information, thank you for sharing.
My biggest problem is finding "the niche item" for my area. I can and have made all kinds of "stuff" (from small jewelry to furniture) and have sold some pieces, but... they have been all custom "one off's" for customers. So how do you know what the niche is in your area?????? I'm to gun shy to make a bunch of stuff and hope it sales and be stuck with it only to be given away as christmas presents.
These are very helpful, thank you for sharing your knowledge
"Then make it out of PINE!" Funny cause it's true. You crack me up. This is amazing advice and you can tell it's from experience - not just regurgitated. Thanks man.
Very Good Advises, Enjoying your videos and passion for what you do, I am sure will learn a lot from you being a newbie, Please keep those videos coming back :)
1. Not focusing on a niche 0:58
2. Death By Choices 3:55
3. Not Understanding Your Market 7:26
4. Not Writing Down Previous Project Plans or Methods 9:14
5. Making What You Want, Not What the Customer Wants 11:04
6. Focusing on the Wrong Details 12:18
7. Saying Yes to Everyone 15:04
I was thinking that if I have multiple items more people will buy from me but today if you sell online like on Etsy people won't care because there's millions of sellers to choose from anyway! So it makes more sense to focus on a few items or just one, and another big problem is that I was using expensive lumber but people just don't care! Use the cheapest lumber with knots and putty and sand it, don't waste time getting it super smooth because your varnish will smooth it also!!
You hit the nail on the head!!!
@@cutting-it-close great video! I thought I was not doing it right by not using expensive lumber!
Realy a eye opener thanks