IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN.... BLADESHOW 2019 is just shy of 3 weeks away and GK is ready. On their 8th year of attendance, something is different. The usual 2-week, frantic crunch to stock up on product IS NOWHERE IN SIGHT. Not only do they have knives and SAGA pens ready, the 1776 American Independence knife is nearly finished aside from some final engraving! CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW POST! **You know you're a machinist when you measure time by trade show events.** A New Business Diagnostic If your company is growing, there's an important question to ask yourself: How does our business appear to a new hire? Are the roles, departments, and protocols clearly defined? Not only can this question give an outside perspective, it can also help you assess and diagnose problem areas. Suffering for Success? Hollywood has left no industry unscathed when it comes to dramatic portrayals. The question is, how much has it impacted your expectations?  Just because you're not endlessly toiling away in a dank, dark shop fraught with impossible odds doesn't mean you're not hustling. Let's call it "grinding smarter, not harder." The Million Dollar Question: HOW DO I GET MY BUSINESS STARTED? Data Tracking & Mentorship Shortly after Barry was hired as the GK accountant, production significantly improved--and that's not a coincidence! Grimsmo stresses the importance of tracking data. More specifically, how much product you need to produce to stay consistent. Saunders recommends checking out SCORE, the nation's largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. Technically, there isn't a right or wrong way to get started; however, there are ways to increase chances of success. Avoiding debt as much as possible continues to be at the top of the list. Plus, Saunders announces that CHIP BREAKS will be making a come back in the near future! TOMORROW, TOMORROW, The SWISS WILL COME TOMORROW...It's ONLY a DAAAAAY AAAAA-WAAAAY. We just want to know...does the 6000lbs INCLUDE the Fanuc manuals or is that an additional 6000lbs? Since it's Friday, enjoy this IG post of Grimsmo's new Tornos! CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW POST! Don't forget to use this promo code to get your Fusion 360 Academy pass for $99 (HALF OFF!).  CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION If you enjoy this podcast or it has helped you, please share it with others!