In this episode, we chat about our latest projects and updates. Mike shares his new chair design and the challenges of editing a long video. He talks about bidding on big projects and the need for a professional letterhead. We mention Mike's furniture company, Westview Furniture Company, and his plans for a showroom. Mike's splitting his business into Coffey Custom Builds for custom work and Westview for home decor and furniture, and he plans to hire a marketing firm for Westview.

Sam supports Mike's plans and imagines him having a showroom. We talk about reaching affluent clients and Sam's excitement after participating in a build-off event at Festool headquarters. Mike wants to create a furniture business that runs with minimal involvement from him and dreams of multiple showrooms. We also touch on the benefits of tools like the Festool Domino and Lamello for joinery.

We wrap up by discussing the importance of catchy thumbnails and titles on YouTube, the benefits of collaborating with other creators, and our upcoming projects. Sam's excited about a new furniture piece she's designing with Eric's touch. We encourage listeners to send in questions and share the podcast.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

In this episode, we cover personal updates, business wins, Instagram algorithm changes, and upcoming projects. We share our experiences with illness, new hires, and busy work schedules. We discuss the challenges of dealing with reshare accounts on Instagram and the recent algorithm changes that prioritize original content.

We emphasize the importance of community engagement and meaningful content. Our conversation highlights the impact of algorithm changes on Instagram, particularly the decrease in reach and engagement. We also discuss the importance of engagement over follower count, the need for better follower management features, and the potential for new platforms.

We conclude by discussing the pros and cons of posting shorts on YouTube, the importance of a clear content strategy, and the value of content creators in promoting products. We stress the importance of knowing your worth, adapting to algorithm changes, and diversifying across multiple platforms.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

In this chat, we explore planning for the future as business owners. We talk about our concerns with retirement, evolving our businesses, and finding new opportunities. We emphasize the importance of forward-thinking and adapting to stay relevant, despite the fears and uncertainties that come with it.

We share personal stories about the excitement and challenges of taking big leaps in life and business, stressing the value of a supportive network of mentors and friends. We also discuss the joy of pursuing our passions, even when they don't always promise financial success.

Mike shares his desire to focus on his passion for crafting without the financial worries of running a business, emphasizing the need for solid financial planning and professional advice.

We wrap up by discussing the benefits of investing in our skills and potentially doing live sessions for our Patreon supporters, appreciating their support.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

In this episode, we discuss various topics like website redesign, camera equipment, and the challenges of starting new tasks. We also talk about our current projects and future plans, emphasizing the importance of organization in video production and the use of editing software like Premiere and Final Cut. When engaging with brands, we highlight the importance of professionalism, choosing partnerships wisely, and focusing on creating quality content over just seeking brand deals. We delve into the practical aspects of working with brands, hiring employees versus investing in machinery, and the need for strategic decision-making in these areas. We stress understanding the 'why' behind brand collaborations and integrating products authentically into our content. Additionally, we discuss the financial and practical considerations of hiring employees or using freelancers, and the importance of offloading unenjoyable tasks to improve our mental health and business growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Number
07:59 Learning from Mistakes and New Camera Settings
15:11 Discussion on Various Topics
30:38 Using Premiere or Final Cut for Engaging Videos
37:17 Approaching Brands Professionally and Explaining Mutual Benefits
44:28 Building Relationships and Selectively Working with Brands
52:21 Hiring Employees vs. Investing in Machinery
01:05:54 Offloading Tasks
01:13:24 Financial Considerations

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

In this conversation, we reflect on our podcast's progress and share updates on our individual projects. Mike discusses hiring challenges at his furniture shop, while Sam shares her hesitation about starting a camper van project due to analysis paralysis. Jef talks about finding a new direction for his YouTube channel. We stress the importance of support and transparency in managing our businesses. Sam considers whether to increase his posting frequency or focus on longer, more detailed videos, noting that longer content might attract more viewers on YouTube. We also explore the idea of creating compilation videos and using Patreon for exclusive content. Sam is excited to work with her sister-in-law this summer, emphasizing the benefits of seeking help when overwhelmed. We discuss the potential of having guests on the podcast to provide diverse business perspectives. Finally, we express gratitude for our listeners' support and encourage them to share and review the podcast.

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on Progress and Episode Numbers
08:31 Navigating the Ups and Downs of Running a Business
24:41 Choosing Between Frequency and Quality of Videos
31:22 Balancing Audience Expectations and Quality Content
40:14 The Challenges of Meeting Audience Expectations
46:47 Embracing Growth and Overcoming Fear
55:15 Exploring Different Perspectives with Guest Speakers
01:02:53 Appreciating Support and Encouraging Engagement

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

In this episode, we discuss our YouTube experiences, focusing on the importance of internal motivation and realistic expectations. We explore how storytelling enhances viewer engagement and share personal success stories. We highlight the freedom and benefits of making independent decisions for our channels. We also stress the importance of producing relatable content, showing authenticity by revealing our mistakes, and the impact of these strategies on viewer reception. Additionally, we discuss the YouTube algorithm's response to deleting videos and the necessity of analyzing data to improve our content. We encourage our listeners to persist, provide feedback, and help shape future podcast episodes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Excitement about Podcast
11:24 The Power of Storytelling in YouTube Videos
29:30 Leaving Mystery in Your Videos to Spark Engagement
45:02 Analyzing Data to Improve Content
54:24 The Importance of Grit and Perseverance
01:01:23 Providing Feedback for Future Episodes

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

In this episode, we discuss our morning routines, our dogs, and updates on our projects and shop setups. Mike introduces his new dust collector and the necessity of effective dust management for health, while Sam talks about transforming her completed basement into a training space. Jef considers building an outdoor dust collection system due to frustrations with his current setup. We highlight the harmful trend of fear tactics and shaming within the woodworking community, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment that encourages creativity and learning. We also discuss the negative impacts of online anonymity and sensationalist social media content, urging our listeners to support each other and promote positivity, especially towards new woodworkers. We also tease future shifts in our video content towards more storytelling.

Chapters

00:00 Morning Routines and Dog Stories
03:48 Projects and Plans for the Shops
07:23 Challenges with Dust Collection
27:23 The Negative Trend of Fear Tactics and Shaming
42:17 Building a Supportive Community
50:03 The Impact of Online Anonymity
52:37 Curating a Positive Social Media Feed
53:01 Supporting New Woodworkers
57:44 Embracing Storytelling in Video Content

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

In this episode, we tackle key business topics, discussing how to handle tough clients, the critical role of contracts and legal advice, and effective strategies for attracting customers. We emphasize the importance of investing in advertising and marketing to expand a business. Our conversation spans the impact of AI on content creation, insights into financial management, and the nuances of setting shop rates. We also share personal experiences and tips on managing privacy and enhancing confidence for social media presence.

• Handling difficult clients requires patience, professionalism, and the ability to handle conflicts with tact and diplomacy.
• Contracts are essential for protecting both parties in a business transaction and should be tailored to the specific needs of the business.
• Having a lawyer on retainer or seeking legal advice can be beneficial for handling complex legal matters and protecting the business's interests.
• Finding customers requires a combination of online marketing strategies, such as social media, ads, and word-of-mouth referrals.
• Investing in advertising, particularly on platforms like Etsy, Google AdWords, and Facebook, can help businesses reach a wider audience and increase sales. Social media plays a significant role in landing clients and creating a community online.
• Ad marketing is crucial for reaching a wider audience and finding potential customers.
• The rise of AI-generated content poses a potential threat to content creators and influencers.
• Cashflow management is essential for the success and stability of a business.
• Understanding business finances and staying on top of money matters is crucial for long-term success. Running a business involves higher costs compared to working a day job, and it's important to factor in these expenses when determining your shop rate.
• Each business is unique, and it's essential to analyze your own costs and operations to determine the appropriate rate for your services.
• When sharing on social media, it's important to set boundaries and decide how much personal information you want to disclose.
• Getting comfortable in front of the camera takes practice, but it's important to be authentic and share what you love. Start by recording yourself doing what makes you happy and gradually build your confidence.
• Remember that the right people will find and support you, and sharing your passion can inspire others who may be shy or unsure where to start.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds