pinkus411

I recommend a couple books that could help with planning, they are both by Martin Edic. 1)Profitable woodworking 2)Woodworkers marketing guide, The marketing guide seems a little outdated, but still gives you great ideas and info. I know when we think of marketing and business books, we start shacking in our boots but these books are short and informative, Keep it simple stupid, approach. I bought them on Amazon.com. Check them out!!

Corndog

Every Monday morning I have to get up at 4:30 and drag my butt to work and it brings me one step closer to biting the bullet. I'd rather be covered in sawdust than frozen cow!!!

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Geoff...

JON BELL

Hey Pink,thanks for the books.Corndog,i'm not even going to ask.

Corndog

Sorry, I thought it was common knowledge that I work at a meat packing plant!!! Well, if ya' didn't ya' do now!!!

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Geoff...

Gerry KIERNAN

Oh Well CD at least it pays the bills. Although, I have to be honest, it wouldn't be my first career choice either.

Gerry

Corndog

It PI$$ED rain here t'day and I was soaked to the skin and I werk in a giant refrigerator......so I bogged off werk early.

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Geoff...

Gerry KIERNAN

I can't say I blame you. Nothing worse than being cold and froze all at the same time. It was pretty soggy up here today too.

Gerry

TomD

My small business started about 4 years ago. Some sage advice has been given here. Don't quit your day job until you don't have time for anything but side work. Asses the quality of your work and charge accordingly. Make money on your materials, this is just starting to sink in with me. Don't strive to compete with bottom feeders and imports. Get paid before or at the finish. Get signed contracts. When giving estimates, figure your time and multiply by three. If this seems exorbitant, when you start out, add at least 50% to your time estimate. You won't make any money, but you'll go broke half as fast. I need woodworking tools for my marine electrical business. This winter, I'm going to build some flower pots and maybe a few simple chairs. This is an effort to use my tools and maybe pick up a few dollars while the winter season is here. I have a lot to learn and sort of stumbled onto this forum. Good Luck with your venture.

Tom

bluedog11

So you are starting a woodworking business? My best advice, and this is so "by the book," but you should write a business plan whether for your own use or for getting financing. Word of mouth marketing is a great way to get started, but as your business takes off be prepared for the growth. It would have helped 10 years ago if we had done some planning and goal setting. For example, early on we bought cheap tools, then had to replace them before the end of the year. Go ahead and get the good stuff with a bank loan now. Take advantage of the many ways to expose your work...call a home staging service in your area and see if there is an appropriate listing to show some of your work. As you begin to grow, a website is your best marketing tool...a place where people can see your work. Oh, and don't be afraid to charge what you are worth. Depending on your clientele, they may be turned off if it's priced too cheap. Good luck!
www.bluedogfurniture.com

Corndog

You may ask yourself..."Self, why is Corndog posting at noon??? Shouldn't he be at work???"

Short answer...no. I got laid off Oh well,woodwork biz here I come!!!!

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Geoff...

hubaseball

I was recently asked to building a cabinet with raised panel doors and sides. I was wondering if anyone knows of any articles, links or personal advice regarding making raised panels with a table saw. Thanks in advance.

Gerry KIERNAN

There I was, asking myself "Why is Corndog posting at noon? Shouldn't he be at work?", and you answered my question. Sorry man! What a crapper! However, maybe it is a sign from above that you should follow your heart. Hope so!

Gerry

Gerry KIERNAN

I too am going to take a crack at raised panel doors, but I am going to approach the issue with a router. However, that said, I know you can do raised panel doors with a table saw, because I have seen it in one of the threads on this forum. Unfortunately, what with old age and senility, I will be dammed If I can remeber which thread, and who posted it. I am sure though that some one will come to your rescue.

Gerry

neoshed

I just started a business that makes modern sheds and outdoor items.

I've sold 2 of my bird feeders so far and have just about broke even with them because of learning curves and mistakes. I now have all the kinks worked out so the next ones should be $$.

TomD

Corndog,

There is nothing wrong with pursuing a new career while being subsidized with an unemployment check. Check with your local unemployment office and see if any training is offered. It doesn't matter if the training is in woodworking or how to run a business. Free knowledge is not something to pass up.

Tom

Gerry KIERNAN

A very good point. This might be your opportunity to embark on an entirely different career. With the current labor shortages I can't see you being unemployed for very long.

Gerry

joesdad

New Jersey at least does offer a program that allows you to continue to collect unemployment while building your business and collect revenues from your business at the same time.

They offer free business start up classes and seminars so long as you follow their guidelines. Their idea is based on the fact that most don't turn a profit right from the start.

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"Well... it looked good on the drawing" :http://armandj.com

Corndog

Haven't been at the job long enough to qualify for un-employment. On to plan B...

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Geoff...