The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of making things
The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of Making Things" is where craftsmanship meets business strategy. Hosted by Paul, founder of Philadelphia Table Co. and The Handcrafted Network, this podcast dives into the mindset, pricing, marketing, and systems that help makers turn their craft into a thriving business. Whether you're a woodworker, artisan, or creative entrepreneur, you’ll learn the strategies to build a profitable, sustainable business—because great craftsmanship deserves great business strategy.
The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of making things
Goals, Not Resolutions: How to Reverse-Engineer Your Revenue in 2026
Summary:
In this New Year episode, Paul kicks off 2026 by challenging the “new year, new me” mindset and reframing how makers should think about growth. Instead of vague resolutions, he makes the case for practical, achievable goal-setting—especially when it comes to revenue. Drawing from how he plans each year inside his own business, Paul walks listeners through a simple, repeatable framework for turning big annual goals into clear weekly targets.
The episode centers on reverse-engineering revenue: breaking a yearly number into monthly and weekly goals, then translating those numbers into actual pieces sold. Paul also explains why revenue alone isn’t always the best motivator—particularly for teams—and shares examples of team-wide goals that everyone can rally behind. The takeaway is clear: progress comes from clarity, consistency, and focusing on what you can execute this week, not from beating yourself up over missed targets.
Key takeaways:
- Resolutions vs. goals: Resolutions are often abstract and unrealistic; goals should be specific, measurable, and achievable.
- Reverse-engineer your revenue: Start with a yearly goal, then break it into monthly and weekly targets you can actually act on.
- Think in pieces, not dollars: Define how many tables, chairs, boards, or products you need to sell to hit each weekly goal.
- Use team goals when possible: Efficiency, output, and shared metrics give teams something concrete to rally behind beyond revenue alone.
- Adjust without guilt: Missing a goal isn’t failure—it’s feedback. Recalibrate, add revenue streams, or shift expectations as the year unfolds.
- Focus on one week at a time: Hitting small, consistent weekly goals is how long-term growth actually happens.
If you have questions or want access to Paul’s worksheets and planning framework, reach out at paul@thehandcraftednetwork.com
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