A practical ebook guide to running your own shop, a guide to dealing with some of the common pitfalls that beset luthiers.
“There is a lot of information available about how to build an instrument but not much available about how to make a living doing it. Nigel addresses topics and gives advice that every craftsman can benefit from. I wish this information had been available when I took the plunge from amateur to full time luthier.”
Robert O’Brien, luthier, teacher.
What’s in the ebook pdf? Here are the chapter headings to give you an idea of what to expect:
Somoygi’s advice Artist or businessman? Making a living from lutherie What this book can help you with What it can’t do for you What you can do yourself What to do first Skills this book will help you develop Where are things now? Finances Where are things now? Time Weekly timekeeping diary Timekeeping diary results So now what? Reclaim your time How to reclaim your time Why mornings are important to your business Breaks and errands How to cut down on distractions: The web How to manage web time: “The list” How to use email sensibly How to ruin your day: Forums Smartphones make you stupid How to waste your life: Social media How to use the internet and email for your business effectively The benefits of a web free day How to cut down distractions: Work environment…mess How to tidy the workshop (for those who’ve forgotten or never learned) “But this might come in useful one day” You only get one set of lungs How they do it in Japan Start again, start again, start again How to work less hard and get more done What to do when it all goes wrong What to do when it really all goes wrong Being realistic and setting achievable goals Remember the options “But the mess is part of who I am…” How to cut down on distractions: People How to deal with customers The #1 pitfall: “Guitar talk” How to deal with difficult situations The ideal repairer pickup/drop off routine More energy sinks Who gets “mates rates”? Sometimes it’s wise to say “no” When it turns into a bigger job than you thought: six common scenarios How to learn from your mistakes Conclusion: Gradual change
This ebook is about getting a little order in your workshop practices to help make lutherie a nice way to make a decent living and to help prevent it being a frustrating way to make a poor living.
It’s about that small amount of direction needed to keep the business side of things going to give us the freedom to maintain our artistic side.
Much of what I’m sharing in this book is based on my observation; observation of what works and what does not, and the pitfalls that trap many a good craftsman.
This ebook is about workshop practices – about ways of making your time in the workshop less stressful and more satisfying. This is NOT a book about making instruments or woodwork, but running your business so it doesn’t run you.
So there you go – 154 pdf pages of information for $15 (plus EU VAT if applicable) if you have a PayPal account you can buy your copy right now and the PayPal checkout will convert the currency for you.
This is not a physical book. It’s an ebook. A pdf.