What does the sale of custom made cupcakes have in common with selling pottery? Both businesses depend on profits to continue to exist. They also have other similarities in terms of product, production and marketing. Many times both enterprises are focused on technical details without considering the long term financial essentials. Frequently the true costs of production and low profit margins are not noticed until the business is failing. It is often said that people with previous business experience who become potters are successful. Potters who do not have business skills either have to acquire that knowledge or fail at some point. Perversely, the lack of technical ability in producing functional pottery often does not inhibit sales when a superior marketing plan is in place.