As the calendar strikes 20-13, Woodworking Network wonders whether this will be a lucky year for the North American woodworking industry.

Sharing knowledge is a great way to convince people to work with you. The key is to avoid overwhelming them with too many decisions and options.

It is time for the woodworking wholesale market to take note of the new reality. Forget rebates, spiffs, regional promotions, distribution territories, and negotiated special pricing. The market knowledge has moved beyond the promotional systems of the last decade.

Woodworkers as a whole are the same as many craftspeople. We focus on the craft and forget we are running a business. I feel that it is more profitable to be a business person who runs a woodworking shop than a woodworker who has a business.

Rick Hill, Custom Woodworking Business' new sales and marketing columnist, invites readers for feedback, ideas and ongoing dialogue. In addition to his column in CWB, Hill authors a blog, posted every Wednesday on WoodworkingNetwork.com.