Consulting Woodworker

Everyone tells you you need a Twitter account and a FaceBook page. But do you know how and why they can work for you? Do you have the time and knowledge to maximize their use?

I am working with companies to help them figure out how best to utilize these new marketing avenues. Retail sales are different than offering services. Should you participate in forums and discussion groups? What sort of Social Media policies should your company have?

I am also providing marketing support to woodworking companies large and small. Copywriting services for websites blogs and newsletters, and demo videos showing your products or services in action.

If you want to know more, contact me and we can discuss what options you have.

Also, please check out my latest thoughts on this: My Blog

I can create written and video materials to support your online marketing efforts. Written product demos, backed up with photos that can be posted online or downloaded, similar to the series I wrote for Woodworker's Journal's "More on the Web" feature.

I can also produce short product review/demonstration videos that your customers can click on to see products in action prior to buying, like the one for Rockler's Bench Cookies.

These services are far more affordable than you may think, whether you buy the materials directly or pay for them on a "per-click" basis, reducing the financial risk to you. You only pay when your customers view them.

I have been working with clients applying Lean Manufacturing techniques to woodworking shops. Even custom shops can realize productivity, process control and profit advantages through applying lean techniques and adapting a culture of constant change and improvement.

Process Review is near the top of this list since this is where you will get your fastest return on investment. I will review with you and your staff the entire process from design to completion, and suggest improvements Typically there are small changes that can be implemented rapidly and cheaply so you see improvement before my initial visit is over. Most importantly, I'll teach you and your staff to continually review your process so that over time you become your own consultants.

Adding a CNC machine to an existing business is a daunting task. Are you utilizing it to the best advantage? Are you getting the most of your tooling? From your programming software?

A CNC can and should become the central hub of your shop floor. With over 12 years experience as a CNC operator and instructor, I can help you recover your investment more quickly.

Buying new equipment for your shop is a big decision. You need to get the right equipment without buying a lot of bells and whistles that you'll never use. As a former equipment salesman, I can help you research the right equipment and show you how it will work within your shop to help begin realizing a return on your investment. I spend many hours a month keeping track of what is available in the marketplace, so that you can spend your time keeping track of your business.

I'll bring my 20 years of shop experience with me and help train your staff. I'll work alongside your people, see what they are doing well, and teach them how to improve quality and productivity where needed.

The advantage of smaller businesses is the abiltiy to quickly and efficiently "shift gears" to meet a new need. If you are looking to produce a new product outside your normal envelope, I can help. I'll research the product line, specify equipment and materials, learn the processes if needed, and help you set up a new manufacturing line or adapt an existing one to get you up and running in as little time as posssible.

I began my woodworking career as a Jig and Fixture maker. Properly designed jigs and fixtures increase safety, allow less skilled workers to perform more skilled tasks, and improve quality and accuracy. Often, designing a site built jig or fixture can eliminate the need for buying new equipment. I can help your staff to design and build needed jigs and fixtures and teach them the concepts of successful design so they can build their own in the future.