Podcast Episode 183: Free, Underrated Local Resources That Can Help You Grow Your Business
May 29, 2025
Ep 183 | Free, Underrated Local Resources That Can Help You Grow Your Business -with Preston Cox
WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/ge11SR1PwAg
About Preston:
Preston is a small town kid who loves supporting the local economy.
He lives in Stamford, Texas and is husband to Sarah and fur-dad to three dogs and a cat. In the past three years, he has served as the Chamber of Commerce manager in his hometown helping small and local businesses grow and succeed.
He also has a rapidly growing laser engraving business with a niche in making locally themed leather patch hats. Since we last spoke to him November 2024 - His Etsy shop now has over 600 sales and is grossing $2000 average monthly sales. He is in the midst of a big transition to expand his local business from side-hustle to full fledged business - acquiring a small, local embroidery shop to add to his ever-growing product line.
EPISODE SUMMARY:
This week I'm welcoming back the incredible Preston Cox (@277creative), a small-town entrepreneur who has been making waves in the handmade and local business community. We dive deep into Preston's journey since his last appearance on the podcast, where he shared his initial struggles and triumphs with his Etsy shop.
Preston has experienced remarkable growth, skyrocketing from just 100 sales to over 600 in a matter of months, with an impressive average of $3,000 in monthly sales. He shares the pivotal moment when he decided to expand his business by acquiring a local embroidery shop, allowing him to diversify his product offerings and cater to the local market's preferences. We discuss the importance of staying focused and not getting overwhelmed by the temptation to branch out into too many areas, emphasizing the need to understand what customers truly want.
Throughout our conversation, we touch on the significance of patience in entrepreneurship, especially in the context of building a sustainable business. I share my insights on the challenges many new sellers face, particularly the pressure to achieve immediate success. We both agree that Etsy is a long game, and it's crucial to approach it with a mindset of learning and adaptation.
A major highlight of this episode is our discussion about local resources that can significantly benefit Etsy sellers. Preston, with his experience as a Chamber of Commerce Manager, sheds light on the various opportunities available to small business owners, including grants, networking, and marketing support. We explore how local chambers can provide invaluable resources, from free advertising to mentorship programs, and how these can be leveraged by Etsy sellers to enhance their businesses.
We also delve into the importance of community and connection among entrepreneurs. Preston shares his experiences of collaborating with other local businesses and how these relationships have enriched his journey. We encourage listeners to think beyond their online shops and consider how they can engage with their local economies.
This episode is packed with actionable insights, inspiring stories, and practical advice for anyone looking to grow their Etsy shop or start a new venture. Whether you're a seasoned seller or just starting out, there's something here for everyone. Join us as we explore the intersection of local business and online selling, and discover how to tap into the resources available in your community to achieve your entrepreneurial dreams.
EPISODE DETAILS
Preston Cox (@277creative) is back on the show to talk about the untapped local resources that can help Etsy sellers grow their businesses. From chambers of commerce to local development corporations, Preston shares how these organizations offer valuable support, funding, and promotions that many sellers overlook. Tune in to discover how you can leverage these resources to take your Etsy business to the next level!
**“How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy” is not affiliated with or endorsed by Etsy.com
STUFF I MENTIONED:
🎉 Lizzie’s Coaching Group (one time fee = life time access): https://www.skool.com/lizzie-smileys-coaching-group-5863/about?ref=35c042acbd8f437e8314bf2298dc19e4
➡️ LIVE AI SVG Workshop: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/ai-svg-workshop
Use code SAVE50 to save $50
✅ NEW RESOURCES:
- Ultimate Niche Bundle (only $27): https://lizziesmiley.samcart.com/products/niche-secrets
- Trend Guide (only $5): https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/offers/T2Y8zR6S
⭐Previous Episode with Preston:
➡️Ep 156 | What happens if you don’t give up on Etsy? https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/156
➡️ Ep 164 | Lizzie in the coaching hot seat: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/164
⭐ Score Mentors for Business: https://www.score.org/
FIND PRESTON:
Instagram: @277Creative
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Learn from Lizzie:
➡️ Beginner Course: Six Figure Secrets to Getting Started on Etsy: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/six-figure-secrets
Use code SAVE50 to save $50
➡️Trendspotting Membership: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/offers/JxNYgLnw
Use code KEEP20 to save $20 on your first month
Get weekly emails with a trend report, over 160 high demand listing suggestions (POD/Digital), and a monthly group coaching call!
➡️ AI Coloring Page workshop: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/ai-coloring-pages-workshop
Save $50 with code SAVE50
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FIND LIZZIE:
Find me on Instagram and TikTok @HowtoSellYourStuff
HOW TO SELL YOUR STUFF WEBSITE: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/
HOW TO SELL YOUR STUFF SHOWNOTES: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/183
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:
The Six Figure Secrets to Getting Started on Etsy beginner course
Use code SAVE50 to save $50
https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/six-figure-secrets
AND
Trendspotting
Receive a weekly trendspotting report from me with all the biggest trends and a video showing how to use them!
➡️You’ll also get access to over 140 hot, low competition products in the POD and Digital Product space—with more added weekly.
➡️Need one-on-one support? I host a monthly group coaching call where you can ask questions and request a live shop review.
Grab your spot: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/offers/JxNYgLnw
Save $20 on your first month with code KEEP20
*Some of the links above are affiliate links which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. You can see my affiliate disclosure here: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/affiliate-disclosure
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