Join Terry and Aaron this week as they take a deep dive into four of the most coveted Secret Sauce segments from past episodes of 2 Regular Guys. From mastering the business mindset to unlocking ink mixing system hacks and achieving soft hand graphics in screen printing, they’ll uncover invaluable tips and tricks for industry success. Plus, don’t miss an extra special secret sauce segment from resident Art Guy, Dane Clement. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, this episode promises to deliver actionable insights to elevate your business game. Tune in and discover the secrets behind building a business you love, enhancing production efficiency, perfecting soft hand graphics, and mastering AI communication techniques.

Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, lectures, or selling. 2 Regular Guys was not created for our employers but rather for our industry. Since February 2013, The 2 Regular Guys have been the first and the most listened-to garment decorating industry podcast on this planet! We are humbled by all of you tuning in each week. We work hard to bring you information that will improve your business and our industry. Take a look at our incredible weekly guest list, and you’ll understand where this industry goes for news, interviews, and the heartbeat of garment decorating. Thanks for listening!

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News

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Dad Joke

Aaron: Do you know how much space is needed to grow fungi?

As mushroom as possible.

Printers Secret Sauce

How to Build a Business You Love (Aaron – December 15, 2023):

• The Importance of a Business Owner Mindset: Moving beyond chasing short-term trends or external validation, and instead, focusing on building a solid foundational mindset for long-term success.
• Simplicity in Concept, Complexity in Execution: It may seem simple (like running a set distance), the reality involves complex elements such as training, mental toughness, and persistence.
• A Business You Love is Part of Your Identity: This deep connection to your business is what makes it something you’re proud of, even on challenging days.
• Overcoming Excuses with Deep-Rooted Reasons: The final takeaway is the emphasis on having a reason for your business that is stronger than any excuses. This deep-rooted reason is what drives success and differentiates a truly loved business from just another job.

Ink Mixing System Hack (Terry – September 22, 2023):

• Customization Demand in Screen Printing: Specific color matches in screen printing, such as the John Deere green for a lawn tractor business, emphasizing the importance of being able to fulfill such specific demands.
• Practicality of Ink Mixing Systems: Great for small orders where purchasing a large quantity of a specific color would be impractical and potentially wasteful.
• Cost-Effectiveness and Efficiency: With a reasonable initial investment, can save money in the long run and allow for efficient production of the exact amount of ink needed for a job.
• Matching Precise Colors: A necessity of matching precise colors, particularly for corporate logos or college mascots, where close isn’t good enough and exact Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors are required.
• Enhancing Business Capability and Reputation: Investing in an ink mixing system not only enhances your capability to meet customer needs but also boosts your reputation as a versatile and high-quality service provider.

Screen Printing Soft Hand Graphics (Terry – September 1, 2023): 

• Plastisol Inks for Soft Hand Effect: A common misconception is that you need water-based inks for a soft hand effect; plastisol inks, preferred by most screen printers for their forgiving nature, can also achieve this.
• Thinning Plastisol Ink: One method to achieve a softer feel with plastisol ink is by thinning it. Stirring the ink or using a curable reducer can reduce viscosity, making the ink easier to print and resulting in a softer hand.
• Mesh Count and Printing Technique: Another key strategy is using a higher mesh count screen. This allows for a thinner layer of ink to be applied, contributing to the soft hand effect.
• Caution against Viscosity Reducers: Crucial warning about using viscosity reducers, which differ from curable reducers and can cause washability issues if used incorrectly.
• Achieving Desired Results with Proper Materials: Using the right materials and techniques – stirring, using a curable reducer, and choosing the right mesh – to achieve the desired soft hand effect with plastisol inks.

Mastering AI Communication: The Secret Sauce for Effective ChatGPT Prompts (Aaron – July 14, 2023):

• Specificity and Clarity in Prompts: The importance of being specific and clear when crafting prompts for AI tools like ChatGPT. Vague prompts lead to vague responses, so providing detailed information is crucial for obtaining useful results.
• Use Correct Spelling and Grammar: While ChatGPT can handle some language inaccuracies, using tools like Grammarly to maintain correct spelling and grammar can enhance communication and lead to more reliable responses from the AI.
• Specify Desired Output Format: Directly state how you want the information presented – whether as a list, step-by-step instructions, a concise paragraph, etc. This helps tailor ChatGPT’s response to your preferred format and style.
• Engage in a Dynamic Conversation: Treat interactions with ChatGPT as a conversation. Don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions for clarity or refinement. Experiment with different phrasings to find the most effective way of getting the information you need.

The Secret Sauce

We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar. Remember, the right tip at the right time can be just the secret ingredient you need for success.