Why you're not making money... (How to Find Customers) | Maker's Money

➡️ Community for Makers who run a business: www.studstack.net
➡️ Our Programs: www.jennieanddavis.com/programs/
➡️ Our Podcast: www.letsquitpodcast.com/
This video is our best advice to anyone who is trying to start a business as a Maker. You have to get yourself known and find the right customers. Building a product is only half (or arguable less than half) of what you need to do to run a successful business.
Time Stamp
00:00 I told you so
00:39 How do I find someone to sell my work to?
02:03 Better known beats better product
03:25 GET KNOWN!!
05:17 Talk to people
06:04 Scenario 1- Change the conversation
06:29 Scenario 2- Change the conversation
06:58 Drown in work with this change
07:45 How do you close the sale? Next video!
07:53 Outro
Thanks so much for watching - subscribe and try out our channel for a few days! Will you be our newest friends?
Read the blog post on this project: *Link goes here when published
We're Jennie and Davis. We love watching people grow. That includes you! Join us as we learn to build a furniture business. We want to help people dominate their fears and weaknesses. You can learn from our mistakes ;)
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Music by:
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#Woodworking #SideHustle #Business #Furniture #Money #Maker #Project #DIY #DIYIdeas

[@joshuastevens2013]

"IT'S NOT LIKE YOUR MAKING MONEY WITH YOUR CURRENT PROCESS ANYWAYS." - Ruthless Love it!!!

[@terrellknight1756]

Yep, glad they left it in there! That’s the kinda talk that motivates me

[@hughanddigroover7436]

I've been tinkering in the garage with little things here and there but the past two weekends at a flea market has gotten me more work in 10 hours than in 15 months. All this by just talking and getting out there. Thank you.

[@BradsWorkbench]

I started going to a local farmers market, not to sell as much to get my name out there. It has helped so much and also helped me learn to sell my products. I think people buy the story behind each piece as much as the piece itself

[@yummyforadam7485]

Some much needed realtalk, I'm always so self conscious to tell people IRL about my side hustle and I dont know why. Every time I actually do they are interested and usually have something they need built!

[@tomhostetter8516]

My business started out in my driveway, my house backs up to a City Park, I was building a bench for my wife and was adding poli to the finished bench in my driveway and a Gentleman came up and offered me $180 for it, I had $50 in materials and about 2 hrs of labor in it. (2018) there were some things I would have changed if I were to redo the bench so I said sure... the next weekend same scenario got the revised bench outside and sold it to a lady for $220, when people at work asked me how was my weekend I'd say productive and would show pictures of what I'd made, thats how it started for me. The wife still doesn't have her bench but I bought her a glider until I do make her bench lol. Now people ask me hey can you make (picture) and my 1st question is what's your budget? 7 out of 10 times it's lower than the picture price and I turn them down but 3 out of 10 times I get I want it to be better than store bought so 2x price or 3x price... those are my customers and who I build for. Great video JD see you next time

[@OZYM1]

Thanks for sharing. Good tips.

[@JaredRandal]

Someone in the Studstack asked about this topic this very morning!! Glad to get them the link :) “Salesman woman” 🤣

[@madrosewoodworks631]

Scenario 1 is exactly how I've gotten started! Love your videos, they keep me motivated to grow my business! This series is excellent!

[@gabrielesh7916]

In short... how do you find people to sell to? Tell people you have stuff to sell. I love your videos!

[@iowaairgunner4220]

I have to agree, I tell everyone about my laser engraving business. Literally every person I meet and have gotten sales from doing so. I am just starting out and have not had many sales, but the vast majority is from doing this. I spent a couple days this past weekend at a local shop's open house and handed out endless business cards to people and got a couple sales. I took pictures of my stand and posted on social media and got three more from people I work with that could not make it to the event, but had been considering buying something from me. Talking about my business has been the best advertising I have experienced. Keep up the great videos guys!

[@JustaDude123]

Awesome video and great advice!

[@rotohcf1400]

"This lunch is a write-off". No, no, you are NOT kidding. So is the mileage to the coffee shop now.

[@brianfortney1532]

Thank you for your advice!

[@markfishburn8284]

That is a very good tip, 👍it does work. I run an electrical service business and do wood work in the evenings. Letting people know what you do will keep you busier then you know. Thank you for sharing your video.

[@kipwilson3771]

I am so happy that someone else feels the same way I do about Starbucks. I agree about grabbing every opportunity you get to talk about your business as long as you don't overdo it. I have one friend who got into some kind of "healthy chocolate 🍫 " and was constantly texting, emailing and messaging about that stuff and her answer to everything I'd post on Facebook was "You need healthy chocolate! " I got so sick of hearing "healthy chocolate" every time I turned around that I lost all interest in ever trying it. I love your approach and your examples. You bring up your business and arouse intetest in what you do without being a hardcore annoying high pressure salesperson. That's my approach. I like to keep the conversation comfortable and not be the kind of salesperson I can't stand when I am shopping for a product or service. The other side of this is listening to what a potential customer wants and being able to suggest things that they may be interested in to upsell, but not trying to pressure them into things thet don't want, need or that doesn't fit their budget. From watching you guys for a while, you seem pretty in tune with that part as well. You definitely seem like people I would enjoy doing business with.

[@TedH71]

Sounds like your friend needs a separate account for her "healthy chocolate" so people who are interested in that kind of thing could subscribe if they wanted to.

[@frankswd]

sounds like your friend needs a special wooden box made for their special chocolate to me! And maybe her other Chocolate groups too!

[@Pelthail]

This is great content. Keep it coming!

[@rodpotts6317]

100% correct. I have lived in the same area most of my life. Started a construction business many years ago and I have never had to advertise a lot of people already knew me and now clients tell other clients about us and our work and we always stay active in the community and see a lot of people.

[@davidbass6103]

Guys! This channel is fantastic! I'm super impressed with how you've learned so much business savvy, and you present it in clear, simple, easy to follow and reproduce ways. Most small business owners can't get out of their own head - "I'm not good enough/ no one will pay that" because they're putting their own values on other people. Your advice is awesome, and I totally get why most people don't take your advice. But it's the absolute BEST advice. Keep up the great work! You're providing necessary small business knowledge in a space where most people have a hard time accessing this info.

[@jennieanddavis]

Thank you so much, David! It's soooo hard to change people's minds - we always want to assume we know everything already... Would love to hear from you more in the comments!

[@sebastian.k390]

I will, thanks! You are awesome guys, I love your videos & your tips helping me allot!

[@mrfaw7530]

Thank you so much really appreciate your advices and I will do exactly as you advise. Thanks again

[@OZYM1]

Thank you guys again. I am loving this series. It is coming at a perfect time in my life. I have built some things around the house, but after losing my job last year due to Co-Vid, I now am seriously thinking about turning my expensive hobby into a business.

[@richardburtz7198]

This is so true, you have to talk up your business. I just made a delivery of one porch swings this past weekend to a seven figure neighborhood, scared? Yes. Nervous? Yes. But if you don't talk up your business no one will ever know of you or the fruits of your labor. Thank you for posting this video.

[@johnnygalt5867]

My high school boys have a nice maker Business going and have had great success by going store to store and talking with owners. I shared this video with them to reinforce this good behavior. Thanks!

[@michaelweaver6181]

Thank you for this video. We are just now getting started with our wood working business.

[@thenoblewiking6377]

You talked about that trick on your potcast and since then I frecquently use that and I acutally sold some fountain pens I make as a side hustle.

[@timdyer7692]

Very good advice and demo!

[@khaledelkazak3677]

Guys that tip helped me way before in your one of your old videos thank you so much. It worked

[@recoveringlibertarian5982]

Good point,

[@vonholz819]

Great tip

[@houstonsam6163]

Very similar to the advice I've given people for years in job searching networking sessions (which are really trying to solve a different version of the same problem) - talk about what you are doing. You cannot predict which conversation will be the beginning of the chain that leads you to a hiring manager, or a paying client.

[@bryantichota1207]

You are right. I was talking with a personal trainer and they said they were moving into a bigger place and wanted a specific headboard/footboard.

[@aligned4good]

Thank you!!!!! You are AWESOME!!!!!!

[@jennieanddavis]

No, YOU are awesome!

[@BruceAUlrich]

It seems too simple, but you're right...just changing your response to someone a little can really open a door.

[@jennieanddavis]

That's literally how we met lol. You asked about Mark getting picked up from the airport. Remember that?

[@BruceAUlrich]

@@jennieanddavis Yep! I can occasionally be conversational. ;)

[@rudyswoodwork7236]

Good morning good video keep up the good work ..

[@FalconLX-nf9uz]

Love the channel! May I ask where you got your Tuesday Night Dinner cup? My sister was killed in an accident about 5 years ago and we started a Tuesday night dinner with her 4 kids and husband that we still do today. It's become a thing that we have all treasured. I would love to pick up some cups! Also are you both pilots?? I fly for a company and attend Oshkosh every year. What aircraft are you guys wanting to build? Keep up the great content!

[@livingtree21]

Thank you for the videos. I get told that every weekend when I go to market days are trading days from other vendors you have to get out and about to sell people don’t buy from people that they don’t see all the time you guys are right…….🧐

[@yossid422]

Great video

[@ghmakes7853]

This is so true - I now make more money from repeat customers who found me during my early days of intense self promotion than I do from current SEO and new customers - Even just talking to local people has brought in so much work! Take this example: Recently I went to the local pub, got talking to a couple of people, showed them work pictures on my phone and came away with a "money no object" sign commission! Plus got GIVEN about 50 board feet of old oak and a (very expensive) set of letter and number stamps! Just from letting people know what I do...

[@workswithwoodyeg]

I have to agree with you. There is always someone out there that will buy your stuff. The first one might not be the best, and the first sale might not be the most polished, but you will miss 100% of the opportunities that you never take.

[@ajclark5079]

"cuz you're not making money with your current process" 😂🤣 Thought that was hilarious. And this video is very true for those starting a business. I've been at it for a little over a year. I've spent a lot of Facebook advertising. It helps a lot. Seems like a waste of money at first but that 3 bucks a day goes a long way.

[@wmcrash]

I used to have this friend, he always steered the conversation towards how he's an Amway rep. :D

[@jennieanddavis]

You must use your powers for good, not evil!

[@davenrees9822]

Lol there’s good reps and bad reps😅 regardless they love what they do typically. And same with woodworking. I’d say it comes up a similar amount when your passionate about somethin. Just give em a chance if you Havnt 😅 Most are good people

[@jaredhammonds8255]

Well I'd like to take this time to tell you about my "unique business opportunity" it's a lot like everything you have ever heard of but still somehow unique.

[@davenrees9822]

@@jaredhammonds8255 😂 It’s got it’s perks lol but I wouldn’t say it’s really different, just another thing out there people can be a part of 😂

[@GoToOne]

I love the roll plays lol

[@tschmath]

This makes perfect sense. As I was watching, it occurred to me that I should leave a business card at every restaurant I have a meal at. Just leave it on the table so it's visible after I leave. Same goes with every business I walk into. Grocery stores usually have community bulletin boards. Post one there. And give a card to every person to whom I mention my business. That way they have a permanent reference to my website, instead of having to remember it. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@jennieanddavis]

Love the way you're thinking. A conversation and a business card left behind is a great idea!

[@vegetarianhunterable]

Love you guys.

[@jennieanddavis]

Love you!

[@CodyLeCompte]

Damn, I can almost feel your breathe on my face! Great video!

[@ninjacats200]

I’m currently learning how to 3D model to make stuff on my 3D printer. My roommates said I should sell prints on Etsy for some money to help pay for filament. Been on the fence about it. Just found out about a thing called the Glow-forge the other day and now I’m tempted to try and sell enough prints to get a glow forge or similar product so I can make more stuff. I also would love a CNC mill. Temped to make my own like stuff made here did to learn how the machine works and functions. I currently work as a CNC machinest so building one at home to do at home projects just makes since to me. Would also love to get a welder so I can start metal working. I love making stuff and selling stuff I make to get more stuff to make stuff just makes since. So I guess I should start now and see where it takes me.

[@InfiniteFragments]

Dope

[@onefifthtoofifthwedfifthbr5371]

One time, I was hanging out with my buddy Tim, and we were looking for some gravy. We both knew that there was gravy at his gran’s house, but we also both knew that if we went there, someone was likely to get hurt. Bad. He suggested that we go over there and do the old in-and-out hi-and-goodbye, but I told him that that wouldn’t work. He insisted on it, so I told him it was a bad idea and I wouldn’t go. Well, yadda yadda yadda, now he’s mopping the bathrooms at the old five and dime store, still rueing the day. And we still had to eat dry fries with no gravy that night. His grandmother died later that same year of a broken heater.

[@mglinkowski]

How soon is too soon to start marketing yourself? I have some logs that I've been gathering on my days off and I haven't milled them yet and after that they'd need to go into a kiln, so at least 6-12months out. Love all the videos!

[@williammueller768]

"Cheesy acting aside" - Loved it

[@appliedclinicalvr2359]

I don't doubt in the least that it works. But the exception of my students, I just don't have a "Hi! How ya doin'?'" conversation with 5 different people a month, let alone 5 times a day. Work. Home. Rinse.Repeat. But I am thinking that maybe your advice might translate to the local farmer's market in a nearby upscale small city. The primary reason for renting space is exposure and not necessarily to sell product. I guess I'll find out. :-)

[@ookiee1]

Where do y’all get your boxes from that you mail your cutting boards in?

[@Griffinwoodworks]

I hate it when y’all look me in the eye and tell me about me. 😂 I’ll give it a shot, just know I’ll be kicking and screaming the whole time. 😂 Seriously, thanks y’all.

[@alexm5705]

Hi guys I have a question. I am thinking about starting my own charcuterie/cutting board buisness and I have a few questions about the finishing process. How many coats of finish should i use, and what finish? Should I sand in between? Do i need to give the costumers wax to tune it up in the future? What do you think?

[@darrelllucas2481]

First love your videos! Marketing is your true genius! Personality second! Not fine woodworking. You guys could sale ice to an eskimo! A lot of better craftsman just have no salesman ship. Not negative.....I am impressed!

[@enzprintco.8625]

I wanna see you 2 demonstrate the “I told you so dance”! Maybe I can use that to create sales...or close the sale 😝

[@jennieanddavis]

Haha maybe one day!

[@TylerBrownWoodworking]

You are 100% correct, but keep in mind the woodworker who lives in rural America, where selling a $164 cutting board would be harder than selling a Tesla to the Amish lol

[@jennieanddavis]

We built and sold LOTS of furniture in rural America at top-dollar. Just gotta be creative with marketing and find the wealthier people!

[@TylerBrownWoodworking]

@@jennieanddavis I agree, you have to be very creative, especially here in WV with one of the lowest average incomes in America.

[@cindyhammack68]

Salesperson or sales rep. That aside, is it possible to send a direct email to the people the realtors gave the cutting boards to? I know y'all put the flyer in the box but, I know when I get something the only piece of paper I look at is the instructions if there are any. Anything else goes into the recycling bin with the box.

[@jaredhammonds8255]

Thank you for using an original trilogy picture for your Star Wars reference

[@rileyswoodcraft]

Hi

[@Zamboni-0805]

Quality may not get the customer, but it will keep them coming back or recommending you....so don't underestimate the power of quality. It does not need to be the best ever, but it shoul reflect the cost.

[@theTeslaFalcon]

I live in a broken house that I am actively repairing (not a rock), AND have no social media. (FB free for 4 Years!) No, I have never had 5 of those interactions in a day. I bombed at MLM because I had no interactions to turn into biz convos. I know "word of mouth marketing" works. My parents built 3 businesses off of it. Unless u are intentionally putting yourself out there, it doesn't work. U buy coffee at a shop 4x a week? Seriously?! I haven't been to a coffee shop since we left Seattle in 1999.

[@jennieanddavis]

Then who, in your opinion, is someone that fits the description of ‘lives under a rock’?

[@tylerrickertsen4197]

I’ve never had to sell my self. By the time people talk to me they are already sold. I could literally name my price. I’ve never finished a job with out having my next 2-5 lined up.

[@johandutoit1773]

Increase your customer contact time and your sales WILL increase.

[@yootoobgoog]

Buc-ees! Best stop on any trip.

[@surenoblack2658]

How do you charge for friends?

[@gregvonhoene2745]

I was talking to an 80 year old man... and he told me... If there's one thing I've come to know ... it's that Everyone Likes to Make Their Own Mistakes. Lol...

[@jonathanrighetti5897]

someone who is better at selling, but is a lesser tech will always out perform someone who is a better technician, but poor at selling

[@sparechanges9117]

"Salesmanwoman"

[@SteveBlethyn]

I was literally just going to say that 🤣🤣🤣

[@Redlaserpryo]

How is it a side hustle if you don’t fly into weather storms anymore?

[@jennieanddavis]

We do. Man, ya'll gotta watch some more videos! We quit full-time active duty so that we could do part-time hurricane hunting, then run the businesses 'full time'.

[@Redlaserpryo]

I was just pulling your chain. I love this channel. The KZbin algorithm doesn’t alway put it too my feed.

[@rudyswoodwork7236]

I found clients on Home Depot..,

[@bobfognozzle]

You gotta fish where the fish are.

[@stevesmith-sb2df]

Buc-ee's

[@neilhorsley343]

What is it. Agreed tinkering with it isn't selling

[@PeterGarbacz]

It’s hard to reconcile the “salesman” with the “humble” that I usually am, but you’re exactly right - if you don’t talk about your business, how will people find out about it?

[@guybowers9094]

So, are you now doing your businesses full time instead of the flying

[@johandutoit1773]

Lol. I hate roleplays🤣🤣🤣

[@jennieanddavis]

We do, too. A while ago our mentors told us that a business forces you to face your fears and produce results.

[@frankgreen7988]

This has nothing to do with woodworking me and two other people have our own KZbin channel if you care to listen to it it is Greenwood classic Trio if you like it thank you just to get the edge off of what you guys are doing. Is 50s through the 80 songs all kinds

[@bobwadsworth4799]

Sorta like giving your teenagers advice. Well, honestly, being a parent of former teenagers, they're in their 20's now, they didn't ask for it, for as we as parents just gave it to them. Free. Unsolicited. Did they listen? Sure they did...TEN YEARS LATER! :-)

[@jaker2542]

Please take the money that yall make from this business and fix your nose/septum. Lots of love, this isn't intended as a neg.

[@jennieanddavis]

There are about 10 zillion better things we could do with that kind of money.

[@MichaelJordan-vk4vt]

I'm going to give this video a dislike because of the Starbucks hate😠😠😠😂

[@RandomShapeless]

This is too cringe.

[@ExSheriffFattyBoySkinnyArms]

Verbose. Channel has potential but … verbose

[@GoToOne]

Hi

[@rileyswoodcraft]

Hi

[@GoToOne]

@@rileyswoodcraft hi