The Laser Lounge Podcast at Pate Ranch

Sales are not dead, but the customer is changing. In this episode, James and I are talking about the K-shaped economy and what it means for makers, small shops, and creative business owners trying to sell right now. Some buyers are still spending. Some buyers are tightening up hard. And that means the “mushy middle” is getting harder to survive in. If your products are not clearly positioned as premium, practical, giftable, useful, or worth the money, they may be getting skipped over. We’re talking about perceived value, product positioning, when to rebrand versus discount, how to rethink your product line, and why B2B may be one of the smartest pivots makers can make right now. This is not a doom-and-gloom episode. It’s a “pay attention and get sharper” episode. Because sometimes the economy is part of the problem… but sometimes your product positioning needs to get its hair done and stop showing up in pajama pants. Hope Yoder Embroidery School: https://hopeyoder.com/product-category/courses/in-person-workshop/

In this episode, I sit down with Alison Todd from GS2 Awards for an inside look at their award-making business, the story behind it, and how they bring recognition to life through custom designs. We also discuss their role as a wholesale blanks supplier, the educational classes they offer for makers, and their position as official distributors for Trotec Laser USA and IkonicsImaging. https://gs2awards.com/

Today we’re digging into a conversation that every maker, laser owner, and creative entrepreneur needs to hear — the difference between a scrappy side hustle and a real-deal small business. I’m your host, Alisha Pate, and James is here with me at the ranch as we break down the mindsets, the money, the misconceptions, and the messy middle of it all. Is personalizing a blank really worth what we charge? Dang right it is — and we’re going to tell you why.Spoiler alert: if you’re still treating your shop like a hobby, that may be exactly what’s holding you back. This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsors:GS2 Awards & Trotec, Haotian Laser, and Phantom CNC — trusted names powering makers like you. Let’s talk shop — and let’s get real.

Welcome back to The Laser Lounge at Pate Ranch, the podcast where we talk all things laser engraving, making, and running a successful business in the maker world. I’m your host, Alisha Pate, and today we’re diving into a topic that can make or break your business—opportunity cost. Every decision you make in your shop—whether it’s taking on a new custom order, buying a new machine, or spending time learning a skill—comes with a hidden cost. What are you giving up by saying ‘yes’ to one thing over another? Are you making choices that actually grow your business, or are you stuck spinning your wheels on low-value work? In this episode, we’re breaking down how opportunity cost plays into pricing, time management, and business growth—so you can make smarter decisions that move you forward instead of holding you back. Let’s talk about what’s really costing you money in your business… and how to fix it!

Welcome to "Targeting Success: Strategies to Win Over Your Next Client" with James Pate! In this session, we'll dive deep into the art of client acquisition. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this livestream is designed to equip you with proven techniques and fresh insights to help you identify, attract, and secure your ideal clients. Together, we’ll explore targeted strategies that go beyond generic marketing, ensuring you can confidently connect with the right clients, build lasting relationships, and ultimately drive your business forward.

Mae Armstrong and I will be interviewing Erik Engström from FlowPaper. If you are not familiar with this tool it is excellent. Mae and I are both using this feature with our B2B clients. This is something you will want to see and a new great way to communicate with your client your shop offerings. You are going to want to watch this one lizards. https://flowpaper.com/ https://flowpaper.com/demo/#brochure

Welcome to 'Glowing Creativity: Crafting Neon Laser Signs' Join us as we delve into the craft of making laser engraved neon signs. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Jenna Musgrave, a seasoned artisan in neon sign making, sharing her expertise with us. From design concepts to the delicate balance of art and technology, Jenna will guide us through the intricate process of bringing visions to life through laser engraving techniques. Whether you're a seasoned creator or an aspiring enthusiast, get ready to ignite your passion for neon sign making with Jenna Musgrave on 'Glowing Creativity: Crafting Neon Laser Signs'.

Come listen to Mae Armstrong and I chat about what material and uses we like for each different laser. We will cover the 2D UV, 3D UV, Fiber and both CO2's (Galvo and Gantry). We will dive into some of the differences and what we both like or dislike about each for certain materials. Leather, wood, glass, metal, acrylic etc.. Neither one of us are affiliates for these companies and we will not be talking about the brands themselves. We will be talking about the technology behind them.

Howdy Lizards. We will have Michelle Mortman on a livestream on Friday to talk about working with influencers to highlight your products. She will highlight how to engage them, package your products for them to unbox and much more. Michelle has over 24 years of professional experience in strategic change management and also as a thought leader who helps clients achieve their goals and vision. She also has many years of running her own side business and a lot of experience working with influencers. Let's welcome her in the lounge and see what she has to share.

James and I talk about how we have transitioned our business from a sales based model to more of a business development based model with other companies. We talk about the definitions of each, what we have done and the pros and cons for us. Take a listen and I hope it gives you more insight to another option for other clients in your laser business.

Please Join Mae and I as we speak with James about finding your target market or you "Who". Finding your target market can be critical to your business taking off and keeping continual clients. Lets spend the lunch house with James and learn more about how YOU can determine your target market or your WHO. A target market is a group of potential customers that you identify to sell products or services to.

”Why” are you running your business? Have you ever asked yourself? Well you should. Also, sometimes you need to slow down to speed up. Slow down and identify your ”Wastes” in your shop. Fix them and be more productive. James Pate talks with us today on how and why we should find our ”Why” and also what ”Wastes” exist in business and how can you take those and start looking in your own shop where your wastes are.

This is a great conversation video with Jason Dorie, Owner and Creator of Lightburn. Join us as we get to know who he is, how he started, and what the next plans are for Lightburn. https://lightburnsoftware.com/ We also have a great online community so please join us. https://www.facebook.com/groups/laserlounge1