Originally Posted by
J.R. Rutter
The most important requirement for making a good living in woodworking is business sense, including marketing and accounting. Secondary to that is the ability to produce what your customers are willing to pay for. Be organized and disciplined. Avoid debt. Drive costs down. Find the profitable niches. Take great care of customers. Get legal advice early on if contracts will be involved. Network with other business owners (not just woodworking).
I totally agree with J.R. I got my first business experience at age 8 in 1959. I built a shoeshine kit and went around to barbershops and asked if I could shine shoes at their shops. 5 or 6 turned me down,until I found one that let me. Dealing with real customers and performing a service was a valuable learning experience. I really believe it helped me when I got into the woodworking business.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t - you’re right."
- Henry Ford