Looking for some great podcasts to help you start your own custom apparel business? Look no further! Here are 10 of the best podcasts out there, specifically tailored for entrepreneurs like you. Each of these podcasts offers valuable information and advice on starting and running a successful business. So whether you’re just getting started or you’re looking to take your business to the next level, these podcasts will definitely help!
Focusing on YOUR Business
Starting at the bottom of the list and working our way up, our first set of podcast recommendations helps you keep your business laser-focused on your goals.
The CustomApparelStartups.com Podcast is a great resource for those looking to start, or already own, a t-shirt business. This podcast is hosted by Mark Stephenson, and Marc Vila, the custom product industry’s most successful advisors to new startups.
#10 -Emails that YOU Should be SENDING OUT.
Email 1: Intro/Welcome
After someone gets on your email list, the basic first email should be an introduction. This would include delivering the information you promised (if you promised something. like a free download or coupon) Thank them for visiting you, purchasing, signing up. How to contact you in the future A very summary of who you are and/or what you do. Links to your website, socials, etc.
Email 2: New Product
This is an email that goes out to your list in a batch and blast. This is to gather interest and catch attention. You might send out things like:
- There is a new style of shirts you like from Fruit of the Loom you think works great with your decorating method.
- You just added an Avance embroidery machine or DigitalHeat FX Printer or Compress UV Printer.
- You never offered hats before and now you do.
- You have an online store and have new designs that came out.
The frequency of the above email depends on your store. If you mainly do customized apparel, you may only announce things with the season. e.g., long sleeve apparel for the winter, or sports based on their season.
Email 3: Sales/Promos/Events
The only way your customers will know if you have a sale, promo or event is if you tell them. Examples of these emails:
- You are offering a promo buy 10 shirts get a customized hat free
- Your apparel supplier has specific shirts on sale and you can pass on that savings to customers (save 10% on all XYZ brand shirt orders the next 2 weeks )
- You have free shipping offer on your website this week
- BOGO offer
- Your business has a booth at the Jazz, Fishing and Noodling Expo
Email 4: Infotainment
This is entertaining your customers with information. Educational content they will want to read or watch. This could be:
- How to wash apparel for the best life of shirt video
- Do’s and Don’ts of picking sizes for shirts
- How to properly design a t-shirt
- How to manage a fund-raising event for shirts at your school
#9 - How to Hire an Expert!
The key to hiring an expert is understanding what your needs are and why you need them, starting with your Accountant or CPA – if you’re trying to solve a financial problem, then that’s where these people come in!
A good Accountant or CPA can help with taxes (filing), bookkeeping/accounting records management etc., so make sure they understand all the different aspects related specifically around business finances before offering payment for their services or accommodation at any stage during negotiations.
You can also look for a Business Consultant, they are someone with serious advice targeted to your industry. That’s the kind of advice you get by regularly listing to podcasts like CAS.
When you’re looking for an expert to help with your project, it’s important that the person or company has what they promise and can do their job. The first step in hiring is making sure there are no red flags before moving on from potential vendors
When getting referrals try going two steps back: ask friends who used them recently if everything seems legit; check online reviews (on both Yelp etc.) If something sounds too good be True, then maybe look elsewhere.
#8 - Getting More Customers with Networking
If you own an apparel business, you know how important it is to gain new customers and expand your business. One way to do this is through professional business networking. When you meet other people in the apparel industry, you can share ideas, learn about new trends, and find out about potential customers.
You can also build relationships with other businesses that can help you expand your reach. For example, if you meet a t-shirt printer at a networking event, you can develop a partnership that will allow you to print t-shirts for your customers. Business networking can be a great way to gain new customers and expand your business.
By establishing relationships with other businesses, apparel businesses can increase their visibility and reach a wider range of potential customers. In addition, networking can provide apparel businesses with access to resources and information that can help them to improve their products and services.
Finally, networking can also lead to opportunities for joint ventures and partnerships, which can enable apparel businesses to grow their operations and increase their profitability. Consequently, professional business networking is an essential tool for any apparel business that wants to succeed.
#7 - Advertising and Marketing to Your Niche
As an apparel business, it’s important to know how to market and advertise to your niche. There are a lot of different ways to reach your target audience, and it can be tricky to figure out what will work best for your business.
One way to get started is by using t-shirt printing to promote your brand. This is a great way to get your name out there and to reach people who might be interested in your products or services. You can also use social media and other online platforms to reach your target audience. With a little bit of effort, you can easily find the right people to market and advertise your apparel business to.
#1 Goal of this is that everyone in your niche, in your area, knows who you are and what you do.
- Networking in the niche – including events
- Where what you do – all the time
- Actual Sales – Active Word of Mouth
- Like approaching the owner of an archery range/store
- Visiting your niche directly – if you sell to hair salons, for example
- Advertising locally
- In Print
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- Local FB Groups and Meetups
#6 - Creating an Experience Your Customers WON’T forget
When it comes to apparel businesses, there’s a lot of competition out there. It’s important to set yourself apart from the rest to attract and retain customers.
One way to do this is by offering an exceptional customer experience. This could involve something as simple as providing a wide range of shirt sizes and styles to choose from or offering a unique design service that helps customers create one-of-a-kind garments. Whatever you do, make sure your customers feel valued and appreciated. If you can provide an experience that they can’t get anywhere else, you’re sure to stand out from the crowd.
- Focus on quality. When it comes to printing t-shirts, quality is key. Make sure that your shirts are made from high-quality materials and that the printing is done with care. This attention to detail will make a big impression on your customers.
- Offer a unique design. T-shirt printing companies often have similar designs to choose from. But if you offer something unique, it will help your company stand out. This could be a custom design.
#5 - What Success Looks Like in DTG Printing and More
Mark and Marc sat down with Mark Biletnikoff. Mark got his start with direct to garment printing as a novice in 2010 and now has both a retails space and a rapidly expanding contract t-shirt printing company. During our talk, we and Mark B describe his biggest failures, great successes and what he’s done to grow to 12 DTG printers, 2 screen setups, embroidery, vinyl and more.
Success in the t-shirt printing business can mean different things to different people. For some, it might simply mean staying afloat and making a modest profit. For others, it might entail growing their business to the point where they can quit their day job and focus on t-shirt printing full-time. Regardless of what success looks like, there are a few key ingredients that are essential for any t-shirt printing business.
First and foremost, you need to have a great design portfolio. This will help you attract customers and win jobs. Second, you need to have high-quality printing equipment. This will ensure that your prints look professional and meet your customers’ expectations. Finally, you need to be organized and efficient in your workflow. Listen-in to learn more from the interview.
#4 - 12 Steps to Grow Your Home-Based Business
T-shirt printing can be a great way to make some extra money or even start your own home-based business. However, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are a few things you need to keep in mind if you want to be successful. First, you’ll need to find a printer that is able to produce high-quality t-shirts. There are many different types of printers on the market, so it’s important to do your research and find one that suits your needs.
Once you’ve found a printer, you’ll need to design your t-shirts. This can be done yourself or you can hire a designer. If you’re designing the t-shirts yourself, it’s important to keep in mind that simplicity. But after all that, its time to grow, and you’ll want to have some good steps to follow:
12 Steps to grow your home-based business.
- Start thinking about it and treating it like a business
- Evaluate your profitability
- Look at your equipment
- Define and Amplify your Niche… who do you sell to now? DO more of that.. Shirts for sales teams. Dance and Cheer. No effort into anything else
- Dig deeper into current customers … call to ask for more business, ask what else they do/order
- Then expand product lines to match where you can…. koozies, bags, promotional items
- Create a solid referral plan – find a way for customers to refer you, ask for referrals, give out coupon codes, etc
- Live Social – BNI, Chamber of commerce, charity groups, church groups, sports clubs, car clubs
- Go online – build a web store and get your customers visiting. pick products your “niche” might buy and push to them via email / flyers / word of mouth
- Partner with other businesses – you don’t sell signs? partner with a sign company. award company, paper printer
- Hire freelancers – get people to write for your website, send emails for you, do accounting, do art (even work with your kids, spouse, etc)
- Expand your niche to a second market… repeat first steps
#3 - Your Business Success Plan
If you’re looking to expand your home-based business, t-shirt printing is a great option. With a t-shirt printer, you can print designs on t-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel. Plus, t-shirt printing is relatively inexpensive, so you can get started without having to make a big investment.
However, every new business requires a success plan. Coming out of the pandemic during 2021 was hard for many businesses and that’s why Episode 149 was super helpful.
- Identify opportunities in your area. What will be the next big event or series of events by you? Sports, school events, concerts, Renaissance Festivals, business openings (restaurants, paint ball, mini golf)
- What is your opportunity? Do you sell something that would be for these potential customers? T-shirts, Mugs, signs, etc.
- What risks / plans are you willing to make?
#2 - How to Build Your Online Store – The Right Way!
T-shirt printing and custom apparel businesses are becoming increasingly popular. There are a few things you need to do to make sure you set your business up for success. First, you need to research the t-shirt printing market and find out what services and products are in demand.
Next, you need to create a business plan that outlines your t-shirt printing business goals, strategies, and marketing budget. Finally, you need to choose a t-shirt printing method that best suits your business needs. With some hard work and dedication, you can build a successful t-shirt printing and custom apparel business.
In today’s digital age, more and more businesses are moving online. If you’re thinking about starting your own online store, there are a few things you need to do to be successful. First, you need to choose the right platform for your store.
There are several different ecommerce platforms out there, so take some time to research which one would be the best fit for your business. Once you’ve chosen your platform, it’s time to start building your store. Make sure to include high-quality product photos and descriptions, and don’t forget to market your store once it’s up and running. With a little effort, you can create a thriving online business.
#1 - Your Cricut Based Business Next Steps
If you find yourself reading this, it’s likely that you already own a Cricut or Silhouette – a cutting machine that was purchased from a local hobby store for around $200-$600.
With this machine, you’ve likely made items not only for yourself but also for friends and family. It’s possible that you’ve even started making a bit of extra money on the side through an Esty shop. In fact, you might be fulfilling orders daily.
However, there’s always room for growth. You might be interested in taking the next step to expanding your Cricut or Silhouette business and making it into something more substantial. Luckily, there are plenty of resources available to help you reach this
As anyone who has ever owned a Cricut or Silhouette knows, these machines are capable of creating some truly amazing things. From personalized gifts to one-of-a-kind home decor, there is virtually no limit to what can be created with a little imagination and a lot of patience.
For many people, working with their Cricut or Silhouette is simply a hobby that brings them joy. However, there are also those who have taken their passion for cutting and transformed it into a successful business. Whether selling their creations online or fulfilling orders for local shops, these entrepreneurs have found a way to turn their hobby into a thriving business. For anyone looking to take their Cricut or Silhouette to the next level, this podcast is for you!
