September 25, 2016

Special Guest on MakerCast

September 25, 2016/ Todd Clippinger

MakerCast is one of my favorite podcasts. I love hearing of the journey and background stories of other craftsmen and makers.

I think one of the great things about MakerCast, is that Jon Berard covers such a broad scope of craftsmen, so there is something for everyone. If you listen to just a few episodes, I think you will find that as different as everyone seems to be initially, there are so many common threads to us all as creatives.

I am honored to be the guest on the most recent episode. I share my background, which seemingly has no relation with what I do now. But the reality is that I learned many lessons and principles in past experiences that help me with my current profession as a designer, craftsman, business owner, and artist.

I hope listeners will realize that, whatever it is you are doing, you are learning things that can be taken from your current experience, and applied if you want to step out into your own business.

Be sure to give a listen, and subscribe to MakerCast.

Your friend in the shop,

Todd A. Clippinger

Share the Love - Share the Knowledge

August 24, 2014

Nick Pancheau Interview: The Business of Woodworking

August 24, 2014/ Todd Clippinger

In this video, Nick Pancheau from Billings, MT shares his thoughts on marketing and branding for your business. He has worked hard, not only to design his furniture product line, but also to develop a strong marketing plan and brand image.

Nick's site is a great example of what a good website should be. It is clean, functions smoothly, and represents the style of his work very well. You can see it at PareFurniture.com

When you visit Nick's site, be sure to drop him a line of thanks. Nick is a great guy and he has really shared some solid information with us.

Nick has a great promo video created by Brian Murnion of Chute Media in Billings, MT. It is very professionally done and is a great another great example of marketing and ways to promote your brand. Brian also did the photography for Nick's site. Hiring a professional like Brian definitely makes a difference in product presentation.

Since the interview with Nick, he has started selling his work at Sonder Mill. Sonder Mill is the perfect outlet for the style of Nick's product. I think this is a good example of how Nick knows his market and where to reach it. Check out Nick's page at Sonder Mill.

Be sure to check out more at the Sonder Mill website. A lot of people try selling at Etsy, Custom Made, and a few other sites, but Sonder Mill really stands out above the rest. Keep in mind you need to have the right product to meet the potential customers that shop there.

Nick has a second woodworking business going with another creative friend, Sean Thomas. They are making pipes and selling them. This business venture is called the Montana Pipe Collective and you can check out them out on the Montana Pipe Collective FaceBook Page.

I am fortunate to know a lot of creative people. Sean Thomas is definitely among them and you can check out his work at MyAngryPanda.com

The Montana Pipe Collective target demographic: elderly women:)

I know a lot of people that make their living from the shop. It can be done but not without risk and hard work, so it has to be done with a good amount of business acumen. There is a large amount of investment in time and money on the front end in hopes that you will get a return, so proceed with a good plan and follow through with strong action.

I hope that you have found this series to be helpful with the various perspectives on the business of woodworking.

Your friend in the shop-

Todd A. Clippinger

Share the Love - Share the Knowledge

August 11, 2014

Brad Bernhart Interview: The Business of Woodworking

August 11, 2014/ Todd Clippinger

I this video, woodworker Brad Bernhart of Red Lodge, Montana shares a little about his business, the importance of lean manufacturing, and where he sells his work.

Check out Brad's website www.EarlyWoodDesigns.com to see his wonderfully designed and custom made kitchen utensils. Take note: his site is a great example of what a good website should be for a business.

When you check out his site, drop Brad a line saying "Thanks" for the great information that he has generously shared. I did not previously know Brad until I met him at SummerFair and asked him for an interview. I think it would be awesome to let him know that he has helped us out with his information and time as he shared some solid business information.

In this video I interview Brad Bernhart as part of the series about the business of woodworking. Brad shares some great insight on his strategy for manufacturing his products and how to sell. Check out Brad's website at http://www.earlywooddesigns.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earlywood_designs/ Facebook: http://www.earlywooddesigns.com Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/source/earlywooddesigns.com/ Be sure to drop him a line saying "thanks for sharing" at his contact page.

This video is part of a series where we are exploring how different woodworkers run their business and sell their work.