Episode Description
Summary:
As February kicks off, Paul reflects on balancing life as a new dad and a business owner before diving into four of the most common (and costly) mistakes he sees maker business owners make—including mistakes he’s made himself. This episode is a practical, honest look at why so many talented makers struggle to grow sustainably, even when their craftsmanship is top-tier.
From trying to serve everyone, to focusing only on the product, to refusing help and struggling to trust others, Paul breaks down how these patterns limit growth—and what to do instead. The episode is a reminder that building the business is just as much a craft as building the work itself.
Key Takeaways:
- Not everyone is your client: Early on, you may need to say yes more often—but long-term growth requires narrowing your focus and choosing the right clients.
- Making the thing isn’t enough: Obsessing over the craft while ignoring sales, marketing, and profitability leads to feast-or-famine cycles.
- Stop trying to do it alone: Real growth starts when you ask for help, find mentors, and learn from people ahead of you.
- Trust is a growth skill: Micromanagement and lack of trust stall businesses—delegation, systems, and learning from mistakes unlock scale.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or stretched too thin, this episode offers a clear reset—and a reminder that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.