Resources for Radical Job Shop Owners
Quit spinning your wheels, get smart, and get focused on your goals.
If you want to have a profitable, impactful business, you have to invest in yourself. People say “life is short,” but in reality, life is long for most of us. Make the most of your time on this earth by learning and sharing your knowledge.
When I look back through the goodreads list that I started during business school, it’s amazing how many books I’ve read about business, marketing, and personal development–with the odd fiction here and there.
I’ve listened to nearly as many podcasts while running at the dunes with my dogs and traveling to meet job shop clients and visit with family and friends. Many have been game-changing for me and my business, so I’m sharing them with you!
The Radical Job Shop Owner’s Book List
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
Yes, this is the Chicken Soup for the Soul guy… But I promise you, this will become your business owner’s manual.
Badass Your Brand by Pia Silva
This is the brainchild of my badass business coach, and the principles she teaches are exactly what we help our customers understand and implement.
Big Little Legends: How Everyday Leaders Build Irresistible Brands by Gair Maxwell
Want some real world examples of how small businesses can make a big name for themselves without spending a ton of money on marketing and advertising? Read this book.
Brand Now: How to Stand Out in a Crowded, Distracted World by Nick Westergaard
If you know nothing about branding except that it’s what farmers do to mark their cattle, this will give you the basics.
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Muigel Ruiz
This is required reading for every human on the planet IMHO, not just job shop owners. Ruiz has several books in this series, all worth a read.
The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Caroll
Now a global sensation, #Bujo is just a blank dotted notebook with numbered pages, but the process that Ryder Caroll developed and the journaling practice you cultivate will change your life. He has some free articles on his website and his fans have created a zillion helpful youtube videos and blog posts for further inspiration.
How to Hack Humans: Storytelling for Startups by Seth Erickson
Full disclosure; I know this guy, but this book is highly entertaining and educational. It was written for tech startups, but the same principles apply to all startups and small businesses. It even has a soundtrack! And the audiobook is even better.
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brene Brown
This book has become a staple in corporate leadership circles, but it’s just as powerful for Radical Job Shop leaders.
To Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others by Daniel H. Pink
This one is another classic–for good reason. If you’re like most people, you hate the idea of selling, but we have to learn to love it if we’re going to chase our dreams.
The Machine: A Radical Approach to the Sales Function by Justin Roff-Marsh
If you plan on having a sales team or even just one sales guy, this book will help maximize their effectiveness.
The Radical Job Shop Owner’s Podcast List
Machine Shop Mastery with Paul Van Metre
A former machine shop owner turned tech founder, Paul interviews other machine shop owners about their secrets to success and lessons learned.
Mavens of Manufacturing with Meaghan Ziemba
With a background in technical writing, Meaghan is a passionate champion for a more inclusive, diverse, and approachable manufacturing industry through her writing, speaking, and podcast. You can watch her interview with me here.
Manufacturing Happy Hour with Chris Lueke
Chris has taken his experience helping manufacturers reduce costs and drive profitability and growth through automation technologies and combined it with his podcasting experience and love of beer to help those same manufacturers tell their stories and attract the right clients and talent to their business.
Manufacturing Culture Podcast
You can’t have a radical, profitable, impactful job shop if your workplace culture sucks. Get ideas from manufacturing thought leaders throughout the industry on how to create a healthy, inviting environment.
Want More?
If you're a custom manufacturer and you're not winning the high-paying jobs worthy of your time, sign up for the Radical Job Shop Community. Once a week, you’ll get tips, inspiration, and ideas on ways you can metal up your shop.