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
5 Moves That Actually Move the Needle This Week
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Summary:
In this episode, Paul shifts away from theory and focuses on immediate, practical actions makers can take to generate momentum in their business. Instead of overthinking strategy, he emphasizes simple, proven moves that directly impact revenue, positioning, and opportunity—many of which are already sitting right in front of you.
The core message: you don’t need a full overhaul to grow—you need decisive action. By executing just one or two of these tactics consistently, makers can create meaningful progress in a matter of weeks, not months.
Key Takeaways:
- Follow up like a professional
Most money is sitting in your inbox. Revisit quotes from the past 60–90 days and send thoughtful, low-pressure follow-ups that reopen conversations and create clarity. - Raise your prices (without announcing it)
Increase pricing 5–10% on new inquiries. This immediately improves margins, filters for better clients, and reinforces your positioning—without needing justification. - Create content that actually sells
Stop posting just to show work—create content that shifts perception. Talk on camera, explain the “why” behind pieces, and engage your audience in a way that attracts buyers, not other makers. - Tighten one system causing chaos
Don’t overhaul everything—fix one bottleneck. Whether it’s quoting, client communication, or production handoff, small system improvements reduce stress and unlock capacity. - Ask for one strategic introduction
One warm intro can change your entire quarter. Make it a habit to ask clients, peers, or your network for connections—especially in high-value circles like designers or hospitality.