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Artwork for The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of making things

The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of making things

Paul Mencel
Craftsmanship
Marketing
Branding
Business Strategy
Sales
Pricing
Philadelphia Table Company
Cash Flow Management
Business Growth
Entrepreneurship
Client Relationships
Small Business
Sustainability
Luxury Strategy
Flywheel Effect
Profitability
Pricing Strategy
Quality Control
Brand Narrative
Meta Ads

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 strateg... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes51Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsBusinessEntrepreneurship

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Artwork for The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of making things

Latest Episodes

Join the Community

Summary:

In this episode, Paul reflects on a family trip that did not go as planned, using it as a reminder to keep things real rather than polished for appearances. From there, he shifts into a deeper conversation on luxury strat... more

Join the Community

Summary:

In this short, journal-style episode, Paul reflects on something many makers and business owners struggle with: giving themselves permission to step away. As he prepares to leave for a family vacation, he shares why rest ... more

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Summary:

In this Office Hours episode of The Handcrafted Podcast, Paul answers four listener questions from makers navigating the realities of running a craft business. The conversation covers practical topics ranging from using I... more

Join the network. 

Summary:

In this reflective, journal-style episode, Paul opens up about a tough February—slow deals, internal challenges, and the emotional weight that comes with being the one ultimately responsible for everything. After a candid... more

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Host

Paul
Founder of Philadelphia Table Co. and The Handcrafted Network, sharing insights from both business and craftsmanship perspectives.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 11 ratings
  • Great insights

    Great stuff Paul! Really enjoy everything you’re sharing. Very helpful, and a great reminder to focus on marketing and sales!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MPBlacky
    United States8 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the insights shared by the host, particularly regarding practical business strategies.
The content is seen as both motivational and educational, aiding entrepreneurs in refining their craft and business approach.
The emphasis on community and personal growth resonates well with the audience.

Chart Rankings

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Apple Podcasts
#190
United States/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Office Hours: Instagram Strategy, Portfolio Projects, Hiring Makers, and Shop Efficiency
Q: What about efficiency in a shop that mostly does custom furniture?
Move toward collection pieces to streamline production while keeping room for custom work. Build tight systems (Trelo/ Kanban-style workflows, standardized finishes, pre-made jigs) and clearly map each project's lifecycle to reduce variability and boost throughput.
Office Hours: Instagram Strategy, Portfolio Projects, Hiring Makers, and Shop Efficiency
Q: How do you ensure quality and consistency if you hire another maker to scale production?
Establish clear standards and a detailed checklist covering appearance, finish, and functionality; implement a sign-off process before shipping and use a foreman or operations lead to enforce these standards across the shop.
Office Hours: Instagram Strategy, Portfolio Projects, Hiring Makers, and Shop Efficiency
Q: Should I take on projects that look amazing for my portfolio but aren't very profitable?
Avoid underpricing; use a balanced approach. Some portfolio pieces can be worthwhile as learning experiences, but don't clutter your schedule with unprofitable work. Prioritize profitable projects and consider portfolio pieces only when they align with long-term business goals.
Office Hours: Instagram Strategy, Portfolio Projects, Hiring Makers, and Shop Efficiency
Q: On Instagram, should I follow other lampshade makers or only target interior designers and designers' followers?
Engage with your audience and similar accounts to build relevance. It's not just about who you follow, but about actively communicating, liking, commenting, and creating connections through shared collaborators and content creators to expand reach to your ideal clients.
Office Hours: Income Goals, Timelines, Hiring, and Pricing for Makers
Q: How can I improve my pricing to avoid underpricing my work?
Track your labor and costs carefully, establish your desired profit margin, and don't rely on general pricing methods without analysis of COGS.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on the intersection of craftsmanship and business, this content provides valuable insights for makers and creative entrepreneurs aiming to thrive in their craft-based businesses. Key themes include effective marketing strategies, pricing dynamics, and operational systems that transform creative skills into profitable ventures. The host offers practical advice drawn from personal experience in the artisanal sector, cultivating a supportive community for listeners. Unique episodes frequently address the emotional and logistical challenges faced by makers, emphasizing accountability, community learning, and personal growth, ensuring both novice and seasoned creators find valuable resources to enhance their business strategies.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Shop Talk Live - Fine Woodworking
2. Your Money Guide on the Side
3. Wild Ideas Worth Living
4. Deep Questions with Cal Newport
5. The Rich Roll Podcast

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched a year ago and published 51 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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