I run a machine shop, and honestly one of the hardest parts right now is finding consistent new business.


For other shop owners, manufacturers, or B2B service companies, where are you actually getting leads from these days?


Is it referrals, LinkedIn, brokers, local relationships, RFQ platforms, cold outreach, trade shows, Google, or something else?


A lot of this industry still feels relationship-driven and word-of-mouth based, so I’m curious what’s actually working for people right now.

 

What do y'all specialize in? Any "exotic" metals? Have any 5-axis CNC's?

Could always try subcontractor jobs through Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, etc.

If you cut metal for the war machine, that is as consistent as you can get. The government still orders metal parts for vehicles decommissioned decades ago lol.

Also, trade shows! Look into any new "Build in America" laws. Some manufacturers may soon be forced to source from US-based machine shops!