Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

Episode Overview

In this episode, I talk about what shop owners can focus on from late October through the end of the year. The inspiration for this episode started with a conversation with a client, where I told her that her Q4 outcomes are mostly already set. The inventory is ordered, the staff is in and hopefully trained, and the marketing is built and running. What is left is executing the plan, building the plan should be over. It's time to refine and lead.

This matters now because the next nine weeks can feel frantic, and I don't think they have to. Busy is good, but there is a difference between productive busy and scattered busy. The shops that stay steady tend to be the ones who know where they are going and can now lead with a calm routine and execute the plan stress-free.

By the end, you will understand how a weekly business date can protect your sales and your margins, how to adjust your marketing around the inventory you still have, and how to support your team without hovering over them.

Why your Q4 results are largely baked in, and where the freedom lies for well-prepared retailers

How a weekly CEO date keeps you on track with sales, projections, and what to move over the next two weeks

Why moving inventory and protecting your margins matters more than bringing in more customers, and how to plan ahead so seasonal products do not go stale

What refining your marketing looks like when you focus on the inventory you still have, and why marketing and sales happen inside your store as much as outside it

How to lead your team by protecting your own energy, keeping standards high, and trusting the training you've provided instead of micromanaging

Key Takeaways For Shop Owners

Hold a weekly CEO date, especially for the next nine weeks. Look at where last week's sales came from, what you projected, and whether you are on track. Then look ahead at the next two weeks and decide what needs a push.

Protect what you keep, not only what you sell. More customers coming in will not make you money if you mark products down every week and sell them at a loss. Plan to move seasonal items before they go stale so markdowns are not your only option.

Refine your marketing around your actual inventory. If you have an abundance of something, give it more attention in your emails, move it to a table, or teach your staff to bundle it with something else. Marketing is the whole effort to move products, and a lot of it happens inside your store.

Protect your energy as part of leading. How you show up filters into your team, your family, and your community. I believe you cannot lead well if you are burnt out, so this belongs on your CEO date too.

Trust your team and stay on top of standards. Keep checking in, explain what done looks like, and correct when needed. If you trained them well, step back from micromanaging and let your staff do their part while you conduct.

If your next nine weeks feel a little loud, I hope you'll listen in and then sit down for one calm CEO date with yourself this week.

"On the opposite end of micromanaging is trust." - Wendy Batten

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Resources Mentioned and Related Podcasts

Join me in The Collective: a 12-month coaching experience for established business owners who want a well-run, profitable business that supports the life they want to live.

Episode 322: Energy Debt and Burnout: Running on Empty Isn't a Time Management Problem with Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur

Episode 273: Train Your Retail Team to Sell Without Feeling Pushy

Let's hang out in a private coaching session!

Follow along and chat with me on Instagram and join my love list.

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met…I'm Wendy Batten. I've been a small business owner, coach, and mentor for over 25 years. I help thoughtful, established entrepreneurs step into their role as CEO and build businesses that are profitable, meaningful, and supportive of the lives they want to live. My work blends real-world strategy with a life-first philosophy, shaped by lived experience, not theory. I've been there! Through honest conversations and practical insight, I invite you into bigger thinking about leadership, possibility, and how to build both business and life on purpose.

For more support from Wendy

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer.Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your reviews help other retailers find my podcast, and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

Episode Overview

Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Canadian naturopathic doctor who supports high-achieving women who feel like they have hit a wall. Many of them have ignored their health for a long time and perhaps feel destabilized. Dr. Sarah and I use this episode to talk about burnout, brain fog, and the grief that comes when you can no longer perform the way you used to.

This matters for shop owners because so many of us have been rewarded for carrying everything since we were children. Dr. Sarah explains that when our capacity to recover goes down but the demands stay the same, we start spending more energy than we take in. She compares it to opening a profit and loss statement and seeing expenses exceed income month after month.

By the end of this conversation, you will understand the four categories of energy (body, brain, heart, and spirit). You will also have a simple way to check in with yourself and a way to line up your time, money, and energy with what you actually value.

Why so many high-achieving women feel grief when they can't perform at their old level, and why that grief is tied to identity

What energy debt is, and how it resembles a business running at a loss

How the four energy categories (body, brain, heart, and spirit) each drain differently

Why water, sleep, and regular meal timing come first

How to build your own energy prescriptions and ignore what others are doing

Why choosing your number one thing, and defining your weekly work hours, changes where your energy goes

Key Takeaways For Shop Owners

Energy works like a profit and loss statement. If you spend more than you put back in day after day, you end up in debt, and you may not recover it overnight. Dr. Sarah points out that for many women, the ability to recover drops while the demands stay the same, so the gap keeps growing.

Fatigue is not only physical. Dr. Sarah describes four categories: body, brain, heart, and spirit. You can be doing well in one and still feel terrible if another is drained, so it helps to know which one needs attention.

Start with the basics, then listen to yourself. Dr. Sarah's bare bones are water, at least seven to eight hours of sleep, and regular meal timing. Beyond that, she encourages you to stop and ask what you need right now, because no one knows that better than you do.

Check your battery before you spend it. A 30-second scan each morning shows where you are, and you can decide where your best energy goes. Without that plan, most of us give it all to working hours and leave the scraps for the people who matter most.

Align your time, money, and energy with what you value. Pick your actual number one thing and make one small change that supports it. Dr. Sarah and I both see how hard it is for self-employed people to decide how many hours they want to work, and without that decision everything else fills in underneath.

If you have been carrying a lot for a long time, I invite you to listen and notice which of the four energy categories could use a little attention this week.

"The people that we claim to be the most important are usually getting the scraps of energy that we have left after we've overspent all day long." - Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur

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Resources Mentioned and Related Podcasts

Join me in The Collective: a 12-month coaching experience for established business owners who want a well-run, profitable business that supports the life they want to live.

Episode 185: Avoid Burnout with Dr. Ashley Margeson

Episode 285: Avoiding Retail Burnout: Closing Loops and Leaning In to Your People

Let's hang out in a private coaching session!

Follow along and chat with me on Instagram and join my love list.

About Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur

Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner with over 15 years of experience and 3,500 patients served. Named one of Canada's Top 35 Menopause Influencers, she is a sought after speaker and host of The Fatigue Fixer podcast.

Follow along with Dr. Sarah:

Instagram | Website

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met…I'm Wendy Batten. I've been a small business owner, coach, and mentor for over 25 years. I help thoughtful, established entrepreneurs step into their role as CEO and build businesses that are profitable, meaningful, and supportive of the lives they want to live. My work blends real-world strategy with a life-first philosophy, shaped by lived experience, not theory. I've been there! Through honest conversations and practical insight, I invite you into bigger thinking about leadership, possibility, and how to build both business and life on purpose.

For more support from Wendy

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer.Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your reviews help other retailers find my podcast, and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

Episode Overview

As our businesses grow, our roles change. The things that worked in an earlier stage may not be what we need in the next one. In this episode, I'm talking about what it means to stay true to your own vision, values, taste, and way of doing business as your shop evolves.

I share a story from the days when I taught paint workshops and how a room full of people could start with the same supplies, the same guidance, and the same goal, yet create completely different projects. That's a lot like running a business. We need the foundational pieces, but we also get to decide what our business looks like and how we build it.

As a business grows, especially when a team becomes part of the picture, our vision needs to grow too. I walk through the areas I believe are important to get clear on, including motivation, intent, leadership, customers, team, standards, culture, and values, and how those pieces can help guide the decisions we make.

Why staying true to your own vision matters as your business changes and grows

How having clear vision and mission can help you avoid copying what other businesses are doing

What needs to expand in your vision as your business grows beyond just you

Why motivation, intent, customers, leadership, team, standards, and culture are important parts of a three-to-five-year vision

How your values can become a decision filter for your strategy, marketing, customer experience, and the inventory you choose to sell

Key Takeaways For Shop Owners

You get to build your business your way. Having the right foundational pieces doesn't mean there is only one way to use them. Just like the people in my workshop created completely different signs from the same materials, our businesses can reflect our own taste, vision, and uniqueness.

Your vision has to grow with your business. As your role changes and your team grows, your vision needs to become something other people can understand and get behind. It can no longer live only in your head or exist only as your personal vision.

Get clear on what you actually need from the business. I talk about the difference between motivation and intent. Motivation is what drives you, while intent gets into the results and resources you need, including time, money, energy, and the impact you want to have.

Your business vision needs to include more than the founder. As you grow, you need to think about who you are serving, what your team looks like, your standards, and the culture you are creating. The business and brand become bigger than just your own thing.

Your values can help you make decisions. When your vision, mission, and values are clear, they can become filters for decisions around your strategy, marketing, customer experience, inventory, and the way you serve your clients.

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Resources Mentioned and Related Podcasts

Join me in The Collective: a 12-month coaching experience for established business owners who want a well-run, profitable business that supports the life they want to live.

Episode 215: Customer Service vs. Customer Experience

Episode 173: Find the Right Customer for Your Shop

Let's hang out in a private coaching session!

Follow along and chat with me on Instagram and join my love list.

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met…I'm Wendy Batten. I've been a small business owner, coach, and mentor for over 25 years. I help thoughtful, established entrepreneurs step into their role as CEO and build businesses that are profitable, meaningful, and supportive of the lives they want to live. My work blends real-world strategy with a life-first philosophy, shaped by lived experience, not theory. I've been there! Through honest conversations and practical insight, I invite you into bigger thinking about leadership, possibility, and how to build both business and life on purpose.

For more support from Wendy

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer.Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your reviews help other retailers find my podcast, and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

Want to work with me to plan out your week so it's built with intention? Something that works easily for you and your business? I'm hosting a workshop on September 29th to help you do just that! Join me for Your CEO Time: From Spinning to Soaring. It's only $47 and will change the way you look at your time - I promise.

Episode Overview

It's story time. In this episode, I'm sharing something personal about how my business ambitions have changed and evolved over the years.

Ten years ago, I realized that even though my husband's and my businesses were successful and our lives were busy, I was ready for a big change. I had to step back and dig deep on these questions: What do I want to do, be, have, and experience in my life? From there, we began designing our life first and reverse engineering our businesses around it.

It was hard. But we did it. We started living differently. We stayed open to possibilities. We sold some of our businesses. We moved to our crooked cottage by the sea. I started my coaching business and my Inner Circle.

And yet, here we are, an entire decade later, I'm asking those same questions again. I'm curating again and I'm feeling extremely ambitious and excited for what the next 10 years will look like in my business. So let's talk about it: what it means to stay curious, to listen to what is changing, and to continue refining both business and life as our priorities evolve.

I also share what I'm building next, including the Collective, a new space that brings life and business planning together for entrepreneurs who want to build sustainable businesses around the lives they actually want. Let's do this.

Why I realized that a successful, busy business and a full life weren't necessarily the same thing

How a moment of clarity changed the way my husband and I thought about our ambitions, our business, and our life.

What it means to design your life first and then reverse engineer the business around it.

Why staying curious and listening to yourself and your clients matters as your business evolves.

How I'm bringing life and business coaching together in the next phase of my work with The Collective - you'll want to hear about this!

Key Takeaways For Shop Owners

Your definition of ambition can change. Ten years ago, my ambition looked very different from what it looks like today. I've learned that it's worth revisiting what I actually want instead of continuing toward goals simply because they were once important to me.

Start with the life you want, then build the business around it. Rather than automatically allowing the business to dictate how life looks, I've found value in asking what I want for my life first and then figuring out what needs to be true for the business to support that vision.

Curiosity creates room for change. I talk about continuing to listen, including listening to clients, pushing boundaries, and not being afraid to change. Staying fresh in business can mean being willing to reconsider how you're doing things.

Fear can be part of making a meaningful change. I've had ideas and decisions that I knew I wanted to act on but delayed because I was afraid. I'm learning again that moving into something new can require working through that fear rather than waiting for it to disappear.

Your business can be built around your needs and values. I'm thinking differently about business support now, with more attention on the wellbeing of the entrepreneur alongside the business itself. For me, that means creating something sustainable and customized rather than simply adding more information, strategies, or things to do.

"We don't have any more time to mess around." - Wendy Batten

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Resources Mentioned and Related Podcasts

Want to work with me to plan out your week so it's built with intention that works for you and your business? I'm hosting a workshop on September 29th to help you do just that! Join me for Your CEO Time: From Spinning to Soaring.

LAST CHANCE! Need some help getting familiar with your numbers? Grab my Profit Planning Masterclass now for $47!

LAST CHANCE! Be the retailer who walks into Q4 with a plan, not panic. Grab the Holiday Success Bootcamp now for $97 before it is gone at the end of September!

Episode 319: The One Thing Retailers Need to Know Before October

Let's hang out in a private coaching session!

Follow along and chat with me on Instagram and join my love list.

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met…I'm Wendy Batten. I've been a small business owner, coach, and mentor for over 25 years. I help thoughtful, established entrepreneurs step into their role as CEO and build businesses that are profitable, meaningful, and supportive of the lives they want to live. My work blends real-world strategy with a life-first philosophy, shaped by lived experience, not theory. I've been there! Through honest conversations and practical insight, I invite you into bigger thinking about leadership, possibility, and how to build both business and life on purpose.

For more support from Wendy

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer.Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your reviews help other retailers find my podcast, and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

Episode Overview

As October approaches, it seems that most retailers are either fired up and ready for the season or feeling frozen and overwhelmed by everything that is coming. Q4 is usually quite busy for most making it easy to move into a reactive mode: doing what we have always done without being strategic about where the business is headed. Kind of like, "we know this (whatever this is) works, so let's just do that again." Sound familiar?

Before getting caught up in marketing, events, teams, and everything else that comes with a busy season, I want retailers to get very clear on their numbers. Understanding operating costs, margins, profit goals, budgets, and what you want to take home gives you a much clearer picture of what you are actually trying to achieve.

When I know my numbers, I can make better decisions about where to spend my time and where to push the gas or maybe pump the brakes. In this episode, I talk about looking month by month through October, November, December, and January so I can understand where the business is today, where I want it to go, and what I need to direct as the founder and CEO in Q4.

Why getting clear on your numbers should come before getting busy with marketing and other Q4 activity.

What financial clarity can tell you about your budget, operating costs, margins, profit goals, and what you want to take home.

How looking at October through January helps you understand what you are trying to achieve and which levers you need to pull.

Why your role as the founder and visionary is to direct the business rather than try to be the person doing everything.

How knowing your numbers can help you make decisions, stay focused, and avoid reacting to the noise of Q4.

Key Takeaways For Shop Owners

Know your numbers before the busy season takes over. You need to understand the financial side of your business before you start making decisions about marketing, events, hiring, or other investments. Without that clarity, it is much harder to know what you are actually trying to accomplish. (Need help? Grab my Profit Planning Masterclass for $47 now. It's available as a stand alone course until the end of October!)

Look beyond a single month. I encourage retailers to look at October, November, December, and even January together. Seeing the months ahead as a whole gives a better understanding of what is coming and what needs to happen financially.

Get curious about the numbers. Instead of simply looking at the numbers, you can ask why they are what they are, what they make possible, and what you need to do to reach the results you want. That curiosity can turn the math into a tool for making decisions.

Step into the CEO role. As the visionary and founder, your job is to direct the business. That means understanding where you are investing money, what needs attention, and where your time is best spent rather than trying to do every piece yourself.

Build goals around the business and life you want now. You do not need to make your goals about beating last year's numbers. (In fact, please don't!) You need a clear picture of the business as it is today, where you want it to go, what you want the profit to provide, and what you want for your life.

Want to work with me to plan out your week? I'm hosting a workshop on September 29th to help you do just that! Join me for CEO Time: Spinning to Soaring.

"When you know your numbers, every decision gets easier." -Wendy Batten

INSERT IMAGE HERE

Resources Mentioned and Related Podcasts

Need some help getting familiar with your numbers? Grab my Profit Planning Masterclass now for $47!

Be the retailer who walks into Q4 with a plan, not panic. Grab the Holiday Success Bootcamp now for $97 before it is gone at the end of September!

Episode 317: Take Control of Your Time as a Business Owner

Let's hang out in a private coaching session!

Follow along and chat with me on Instagram and join my love list.

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met…I'm Wendy Batten. I've been a small business owner, coach, and mentor for over 25 years. I help thoughtful, established entrepreneurs step into their role as CEO and build businesses that are profitable, meaningful, and supportive of the lives they want to live. My work blends real-world strategy with a life-first philosophy, shaped by lived experience, not theory. I've been there! Through honest conversations and practical insight, I invite you into bigger thinking about leadership, possibility, and how to build both business and life on purpose.

For more support from Wendy

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer.Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your reviews help other retailers find my podcast, and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

Episode Overview

In this episode, I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what it feels like to be in the messy middle of making big, important changes in a business. My friends, I am in the middle of it! So let's talk about it: In this episode, I'm sharing the challenges (and major wins) I've been facing while upgrading my own business, from competing priorities and projects taking longer than expected to learning new things and asking for help.

I also share what has helped me move through the mess. I'm reminding myself to take action, invest in the right people, return to the reason behind the work, and ask what I actually need in the moment.

For me, this is also a reminder that as our businesses evolve, our roles evolve too. The goal isn't to avoid every difficult season. It's to have the systems, people, mindset, and perspective that help us navigate those seasons well.

Why business growth can feel messy: How evolving businesses often require us to evolve our roles, systems, and priorities too.

How to move forward when things feel overwhelming: Using imperfect action, realistic expectations, and the willingness to adjust when plans take longer than expected.

Why you don't have to do everything yourself: Recognizing when to hire, delegate, ask for help, or learn something step by step.

What it takes to lead well through change: Taking care of yourself, challenging negative self-talk, and making sure you're grounded enough to lead your business and team.

How to decide what deserves your time: Returning to the bigger purpose, prioritizing the people in front of you, and using the four Ds: do, delegate, defer, and delete.

Key Takeaways For Shop Owners

Our role has to evolve as the business evolves. I can't keep approaching every new stage of my business exactly as I did before. Growth often requires me to step into a different kind of leadership.

Imperfect action is still action. I've found that taking action, even when it isn't perfect, helps me move forward instead of staying stuck in stress and anxiety. I don't need every piece figured out before I begin.

I don't have to do everything myself. One of the ways I've been moving through this season is by hiring people who already know how to do some of the things I'm trying to learn or accomplish. Delegating has helped me move forward.

I need to take care of myself in order to lead well. I'm reminding myself that wearing myself out is not a badge of honor. Sometimes what I need is a morning off, a step back, or simply some space to get grounded again.

I can choose what stays on my list. The four Ds give me a practical way to look at my priorities: what do I need to do, delegate, defer, or delete? Not everything that lands on my list needs to happen right now.

Want to work with me to plan out your week? I'm hosting a workshop on September 29th to help you do just that! Join me for Your Week By Design.

"Imperfect action wins over no action any day." -Wendy Batten

INSERT IMAGE HERE

Resources Mentioned and Related Podcasts

Are you ready to stop duct taping your marketing pieces together? To start putting real strategy in place that actually worked for your business around your marketing? The Sales and Marketing Accelerator Program is available on demand!

Episode 261: How to Stay Focused and Get Things Done

Episode 285: Avoiding Retail Burnout: Closing Loops and Leaning Into Your People

Let's hang out in a private coaching session!

Follow along and chat with me on Instagram and join my love list.

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met…I'm Wendy Batten. I've been a small business owner, coach, and mentor for over 25 years. I help thoughtful, established entrepreneurs step into their role as CEO and build businesses that are profitable, meaningful, and supportive of the lives they want to live. My work blends real-world strategy with a life-first philosophy, shaped by lived experience, not theory. I've been there! Through honest conversations and practical insight, I invite you into bigger thinking about leadership, possibility, and how to build both business and life on purpose.

For more support from Wendy

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer.Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your reviews help other retailers find my podcast, and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

Episode Overview

Of course you love what you do - and that's why you started your business. But perhaps you also took this leap because you wanted more control over your schedule and more freedom to do the things you love outside of work.

This episode centers around answering a question that has come up countless times in my years as a retail coach and that I have even grappled with in the past as a business owner: where should I be spending my time? As business owners, we have three major resources to manage: time, money, and capacity or energy. Time is finite, which means we have to be intentional about how we use it.

We're covering a lot of ground in this episode from setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, why you should plan your week around the life you want to live now, and a time management framework that helps me think about where my time is best spent as CEO of my business.

I hope from this episode you'll think about what you really want in your life and then reverse engineer your business time to reflect your life goals and needs.

Why work expands to fill the time available and how setting clear boundaries can change that (Parkinson's Law at work!)

How to build a life-first business by defining personal needs and capacity before determining work hours

Why the business owner's role needs to evolve as the business grows, including shifting from founder to CEO

What CEO and business development time should include, from planning and financials to marketing, sales, and customer experience

How to protect your time, energy, and capacity by reducing time spent on administrative and repeatable tasks

Key Takeaways For Shop Owners

Your personal time needs boundaries, too. Stop thinking you need to work all the time. I've learned that I have to define my own boundaries around when I work and when I'm finished, because there will always be something else I could be doing in my business.

Your business gets to fit into your life. Look honestly at what your life needs right now, whether that means time off, family time, travel, creative time, or simply space to enjoy your life. Then you can determine how much work time actually fits.

Your CEO time cannot be the first thing to go when you are short on time. Business development includes planning, financials, decision-making, vision, and intentional learning. I've found that this is often the first category to disappear when things get busy, even though it is where the business needs leadership most. This is so important.

Not everything that feels productive is moving the business forward. I want to distinguish between meaningful marketing and sales work and simply staying busy with activities like posting on social media. Dedicated time for strategy, events, emails, launches, customer experience, merchandising, conversion, and other sales activities matters.

You must protect your energy. Our businesses can only grow when we are taking care of ourselves and protecting our energy. I see this as part of leadership because the energy and enthusiasm at the top of the business affect the culture and the people who interact with it.

Want to work with me to plan out your week? I'm hosting a workshop on September 29th to help you do just that! Join me for Your Week By Design.

"Our businesses can only grow if we protect the asset. And we are the asset." -Wendy Batten

INSERT IMAGE HERE

Resources Mentioned and Related Podcasts

Are you ready to stop duct taping your marketing pieces together? To start putting real strategy in place that actually worked for your business around your marketing? The Sales and Marketing Accelerator Program is available on demand!

Episode 263: Why CEO Time Isn't Optional in Your Retail Business

Let's hang out in a private coaching session!

Follow along and chat with me on Instagram and join my love list.

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met…I'm Wendy Batten. I've been a small business owner, coach, and mentor for over 25 years. I help thoughtful, established entrepreneurs step into their role as CEO and build businesses that are profitable, meaningful, and supportive of the lives they want to live. My work blends real-world strategy with a life-first philosophy, shaped by lived experience, not theory. I've been there! Through honest conversations and practical insight, I invite you into bigger thinking about leadership, possibility, and how to build both business and life on purpose.

For more support from Wendy

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer.Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your reviews help other retailers find my podcast, and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast/

In This Episode:

As a retail shop owner, have you given much thought to the difference between customer service and customer experience as it relates to your brand? In this short coffee chat episode, I'll share the difference between the two and what you can do to ensure your brand is having the impact you want it to on your customers. Remember: it doesn't matter what you sell in your shop, the goal should be to build a brand your ideal customers want to be a part of.

l also touch on customer journey mapping and becoming a destination shop in this episode. If you want to dig in more on these topics, additional episodes are linked in the Related Podcasts section of the show notes.

So grab a cup of coffee (or tea - or whatever you like!) and let's dive in!

Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer's Inner Circle.

Here's everything you need to know about the Retailer's Inner Circle. You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you'll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 69: Becoming a Destination Shop

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

Let's have a coffee chat around being a big deal in your community, shall we?

Recently, I had a conversation with a client where she relayed to me that being a "big deal" in her community felt awkward for her because she didn't want to show off or flaunt herself. I want to be the first to tell you that being a big deal isn't about you personally, but rather, it's about making sure your brand is known in your community. It's about knowing what makes your brand special and making sure your community knows. It's about having confidence in what you are doing in your retail store and sharing it with your community.

"Confidence comes from doing."

If you need a little pep talk around gathering the confidence to get your name out there in the community, this coffee chat is for you! Grab yourself a cup and let's dive in. Be sure to check out the related podcast list this week for a deep dive on visibility.

Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer's Inner Circle.

Here's everything you need to know about the Retailer's Inner Circle. You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you'll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episodes 198-200: Stop Hiding and Be Known: The Retailer's Visibility Series

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

If your retail shop is in an area where summertime means things slow down a little bit, it's not time to settle into vacation mode just yet! As we move into summer, there are a few things that we can be doing around our retail shops to set us up for success when things get busier this Fall. In this episode, I'm going to share 5 areas retail shop owners could focus on this summer so you won't be winging it when Q4 arrives.

The 5 areas I'll be discussing in this episode are:

Any maintenance and physical changes to your shop

Updating processes & systems

Reorganizing and making changes/additions to your team

Your marketing plan

Review and know your numbers

You can ease off the gas and take a little break this summer, even as you focus on these areas. There is time for both… for now! So let's get to planning in Q3 so we can set ourselves up for a phenomenal Q4 in 2024. Let's dive in!

Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer's Inner Circle.

Here's everything you need to know about the Retailer's Inner Circle. You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you'll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 112: How to Do a Mid-Year Review and Check-up

Episode 162: What to Focus on in Q3

Episode 166: Simple Sales Strategy Series

Episode 195: What Numbers Successful Retail Shop Owners are Measuring

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

When you are feeling stuck in your retail business or in life, what tricks do you use to change your mindset? How do you push through the blocks that feel as though they are keeping you stuck?

In this episode, I'm joined by mixed media artist, creative coach, and former client Jane Bellante to chat about all things mindset. Jane's business has transformed over the years from a retail shop to creative coaching. Today she hosts The ArtFusion Podcast and helps retailers and creatives let go of negative thought patterns to create art and personal brands. If you need some inspiration around flipping your mindset and overcoming business blocks, this episode is for you!

"As you start to walk on the way, the way appears." -Rumi

Just a few of the points we chat about:

The magic of stillness

Trusting yourself and listening to your intuition

Tying habits to positive affirmations

How changing your thought patterns can also change your neuropathways

Being brave enough to let go of the things that are no longer serving you and your business

The connection between you, your customers, and your branding (This conversation may surprise you!)

Jane also gives us great advice on seeking progress over perfection, or as I like to say, "done is better than perfect!"

What's holding you back? How can I help? Reach out and let's chat!

About our Guest, Jane Bellante

Jane Bellante is an expert at helping people let go of negative thought patterns to create the art and personal brands they have always wanted with joy, confidence and ease. She has been a mixed media artist for 30 years, is an International Best Selling Author, a 3 time published artist and has a Masters Degree in Adult Education. She is host of the ArtFusion Podcast, founder of the 5 Day Letting Go Workshop, the Creating Confidently (ArtFusion) course, IGNITE mastermind leader, and is a married mother of 2 kids and 2 pets.

Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer's Inner Circle.

Here's everything you need to know about the Retailer's Inner Circle. You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you'll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 185: Avoid Burnout with Guest Expert Dr. Ashley Margeson

Episode 194: Feeling Stuck? 20 Prompts to Help You Flip Your Mindset

Episode 133: Retail Success Series: Community, Culture, & CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

Our business growth is dependent on relationships. Customers, team, and others in your community.

Being intentional about relationship marketing is key. As a retail shop owner, have you thought about which other businesses in your community might be a good fit to build relationships with? Listen in on this episode to expand your network: the perfect collaboration might not be with who you think!

Relationship marketing can be beneficial to you and your community in big ways. In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I'm sharing all about relationship marketing: how and why it works, where to find your collaborators, and ideas on how to build your network. Put on your CEO hat and let's dive in!

"Your network is your net worth." - Porter Gale

In this episode, you will learn:

How building community relationships can enhance your retail business

The importance of learning what your customers are looking for when planning collaborations

Who you should be aligning and collaborating with

Why collaborations work and how to build your network

The impacts good retail marketing can have on your visibility strategy

This episode is a great companion to the Visibility Series we shared a few months back! You can find the link to those episodes below. So grab a pen and paper and let's dig in! If you have any a-ha moments, ideas, or experiences to share around this episode, jump into my DMs on Instagram! I would love to hear from you.

Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer's Inner Circle.

Here's everything you need to know about the Retailer's Inner Circle. You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you'll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episodes 198-200: Stop Hiding and Be Known: Retailer's Visibility Series Parts 1-3

Episode 55: Unscalable Conversations: A Free, Simple & Powerful Marketing Tool

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

Looking for ideas and ways to grow your social media presence for your independent retail business?

Look no further than this conversation with business coach Brooke Riley. Brooke started her entrepreneurial career with a DIY/creative blog and website and is a great success story of how businesses can grow and pivot. Today, Brooke still runs her blog and has since added an online boutique and started a coaching community where she serves others and helps entrepreneurs grow their online presence. In this episode, I'm sharing our conversation about what she sees that's working right now in social media and retail business growth.

Throughout the episode, we chat about:

Some tips on going live

The importance of video

Why you need to personalize/humanization of your brand on your social accounts

Hiring to your weakness

Tips on working with your partner/spouse

Why you need to stay connected with those you like to learn from (coaches, mentors, etc)

There are quite a few golden nuggets of wisdom throughout this episode - even in the rapid fire round of questions (book recommendations and more!) So grab a pen and some paper, and let's dive in.

About Our Guest, Brooke Riley

Brooke Riley is the CEO and Founder of Re-Fabbed, a DIY decorating and lifestyle website, and Re-Fabbed Boutique, an online women's boutique. She has maximized her social media presence to well over a million followers and offers online business coaching to teach entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners how to grow and maximize their online presence for profit.

You can follow along with Brooke here:

Facebook | Instagram | Blog | Store | Coaching Group

Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer's Inner Circle.

Here's everything you need to know about the Retailer's Inner Circle. You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you'll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 142: How to Make Real Progress in Your Business with Guest Expert Richard Ralston

Episode 160: Simplifying Social Media with Guest Expert Leanne Pressly

Episode 191: Retail Growth Through Small Steps

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

I just returned from a seven-state two-week road trip from Nova Scotia, Canada to North Carolina, USA! The trip's destination was Mount Holly, North Carolina to meet with my mastermind group at member Jeff Lee's shop, The Vintage Nest. John and I weaved down the East Coast, taking time to stop in and visit with Inner Circle members and peruse independent retail shops along the way.

In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I'm sharing my observations that will help you level up your retail business and be known in your community, including:

Why it's important to get out in your community and observe what shoppers are doing/buying

Updating your retail shop's profile on Google (like, right this minute)

Why shop standards matter: employee behavior, greetings, pricing your items, etc.

What should be on the outside of your shop

Being known in your community by other independent business owners

I encourage you to step outside and get a bird's eye view of your retail shop to make sure you aren't missing the mark on any of these simple yet incredibly impactful tips.

Are you missing the mark on any of them? Anything you recently changed that has had an impactful effect on your business? Jump into my DMs on instagram and let's chat!

Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer's Inner Circle.

Here's everything you need to know about the Retailer's Inner Circle. You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you'll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 113: Retail Success Series: Growth Mindset with Jeff Lee from The Vintage Nest

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 201: Cell Phone Usage: What's Your Store Policy?

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

When you hire employees to work in your retail shop, you aren't simply giving them a job. As a shop owner, you are uniquely positioned to offer career opportunities that better the lives of people in your community.

In Episode 208 of the Creative Shop Talk podcast, I'm sitting down with the host of the Stacking Your Team podcast, Shelli Warren. Through her podcast and in her role as a Leadership Advisor, Shelli has dedicated her time to teaching women how to build capable leaders in their businesses so as owners, they can focus on the higher-level growth of the company.

Sound familiar? Shelli will teach you how to stack your team so you can get your CEO hat on and focus on the growth and well-being of your business.

Shelli and I chat about:

The difference between a job and a career

How to attract and hire the "right" people

The balance of incorporating and encouraging your employees' ideas and keeping healthy boundaries

Advice on how to have difficult conversations with good employees - even if you are a self-proclaimed people pleaser!

Unique ways to keep employees motivated and happy (Shelli has a great freebie on her website about motivating your team here)

What you should be sharing and not sharing with your employees

So let's dive in and start stacking our teams!

About our guest, Shelli Warren

As a distinguished women's Leadership Advisor and host of the Stacking Your Team podcast, Shelli Warren helps small business owners set up their teams to take over the daily operations of their business so they can focus on higher-level growth activities. With a track record of steering multi-million dollar projects for a Fortune 50 corporation and iconic billion-dollar brands, Shelli has leveraged her background in building and leading technical teams to coach business owners for the last decade. Now in its fifth year, The Stacking Your Team podcast is a top-rated show with over 500,000 downloads that teaches women leaders how to establish a capable leadership team that ensures the daily direction needed to delight their business.

You can find Shelli on all of these platforms:

LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Website

Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer's Inner Circle.

Here's everything you need to know about the Retailer's Inner Circle. You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 151: How to Have Difficult Conversations with Good Staff

Episode 155: Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Rest: The Key to Sustainable Business Growth

Episode 185: Avoid Burnout with Guest Expert Dr. Ashley Margeson

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

Ready for another controversial episode? Let's do it!

Let's talk about name tags and uniforms. If you are a retail shop owner who thinks uniforms don't apply or fit with your brand, I hope you'll keep listening and reconsider after hearing this short episode. It's not as stuffy as it sounds. I promise.

In the episode I'll cover:

Why uniforms don't have to be stuffy or formal (and can feel quite magical!)

How uniforms make your brand more cohesive and professional

Why employees will buy in and feel more unified with your retail shop

How do you feel about uniforms?

Do your employees wear a uniform that aligns with your brand? If not, why not?

Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer's Inner Circle.

Here's everything you need to know about the Retailer's Inner Circle. You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple. Not ready for a monthly commitment yet? Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course. We start on April 24th! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 171: Colorful, Cute & Creative Ways to Grow Your Business with Madeline Muñoz-Bustamante from Colorful Cute

Episode 193: Retailers: First Impressions Count!

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

We are all passionate, creative, and imperfect business owners who want to do it all. But as our businesses grow, it's harder to keep all of our plates spinning. As our businesses evolve, we cannot simply keep adding to our already full plates, so it's important to acknowledge that and adjust where necessary.

My mission has always been (and continues to be) to help as many retailers grow their businesses as possible. With that comes change.

In Episode 206 of the podcast, we're going inside the Retailer's Inner Circle and inside my brain: I'm sharing some of the changes I've been making in the Inner Circle (including the monthly planning document your retail business NEEDS called The Playbook) and how I hope these changes make your beautiful retail business better.

The Retailer's Inner Circle is always open for new members. Inside, you'll find countless masterclasses covering topics from money to marketing to business operations; a tight knit community of retailers active in our Facebook group, monthly coaching roundtable meetings, editable Canva graphics, and so much more. The Playbook is your easy button for all of your planning, marketing, and monthly operations. I want to make retail easy for you so you can feel confident in your role as CEO as your business grows.

I'll also share some of the things I'm seeing my retailers doing that are bringing success including:

Connecting with community

Humanizing their brands

Varying their marketing

Planning

And more…

Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer's Inner Circle.

Here's everything you need to know about the Retailer's Inner Circle. You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple. Not ready for a monthly commitment yet? Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course. We start on April 24th! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 55: Unscalable Conversations: A Free, Simple & Powerful Marketing Tool to Use

Episodes 198-200: Retailer's Visibility Series

Episode 204: Behind the Counter: Meet Inner Circle Member Jeanne Terrill

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

If you are looking for a way to distinguish your retail shop from your competition and add a revenue stream, this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast is for you. In Episode 205, I'm sharing how adding workshops and classes to your calendar can be a game changer that levels up your retail shop. If you've already mentally rejected the idea of workshops, I'm challenging you to listen to this episode. It will surely change your perspective!

Many retailers are hesitant about teaching workshops, but the reality is that not hosting classes is a huge missed opportunity for your retail shop's visibility. And honestly, you don't even have to be the one who teaches the workshop!

Throughout this episode:

I'll share some ideas on how to decide what types of workshops/classes you might want to consider hosting (you'll want them to mesh with your brand/product offerings)

Who in the community you could contact for class collaborations

When it makes sense for the workshop to take place outside of your retail shop entirely! (Have I gotten your attention yet!?)

I'll also share:

Tips for making your workshops/classes successful

How to get bums in seats

A hot take: your current customer base might not be the people you are interested in bringing in for workshops, it might be an opportunity to expand.

Hopefully, I've convinced you to consider classes of some sort. It's time to get out of your own way and figure out how you want to gather people in your retail shop through hosting and/or teaching workshops! Let's dig in!

Get your list of workshop tips HERE!

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple. Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course.

We start on April 24th! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 143: How to Plan & Host Successful Events and Promotions in Your Retail Shop

Episode 145: How to Market Promotional Events in Your Retail Shop

Episode 176: Retail Marketing for Gen Z to Boomers

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

I'm taking you behind the counter of Junque Rescuers in Lake Jackson, Texas to chat with shop owner and Inner Circle member Jeanne Terrill in this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. Buckle up because Jeanne is taking us on a ride and sharing her journey from accidental entrepreneur to thriving shop owner!

In the episode, she shares how her shop has evolved since opening as an antique/vintage shop in 2017. We talk about many of her challenges including moving locations, why incredible success caused her to change her product mix, and learning to put her CEO hat on and the changes that come along with that. Jeanne also shares examples of specific actions she has taken and changes she has made as a result of what she has learned from the Inner Circle masterclasses and our tight-knit community.

I loved this conversation with Jeanne and I hope you do too! It's always awesome to catch up with my Inner Circle retailers and share their successes with our podcast listeners. Did anything strike a chord for you? Anything you'll be reflecting on or changes you are going to make based on the conversation you just listened to?

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple. Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course.

We start April 24! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 55: Unscalable Conversations - A Free, Simple, and Powerful Marketing Tool

Episode 75: Adding Ecommerce to Your Brick and Mortar with Special Guest Susan Bradley

Episode 176: Retail Marketing for Gen Z to Boomers

About Jeanne Terrill and Junque Rescuers

Junque Rescuers LLC is a well-established brick-and-mortar lifestyle boutique located in downtown Lake Jackson, Texas. With eight years of experience, the business has evolved from its roots as a vintage and vintage-inspired home decor store to become a versatile lifestyle brand.

You can follow along here: Website | Instagram | Facebook

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

Looking for a quick and easy retail promotion to sell off older inventory, seasonal items, or even just a new fun way to move merchandise? I've got you!

In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, we are discussing mystery bags/bundles. I'll share how they can work for you, how to determine a price point for your audience, and what you should be putting in the bags. It's important to remember that not all mystery bag buyers aren't discount shoppers. If done right, your ideal customer base will love these!

We'll also talk about why you need to keep your brand in mind while putting these bags together. I'll touch on how to market your mystery bags and how mystery bag stuffers can be a great marketing tool.

So what's stopping you? I'd love to hear if you've tried selling mystery bags in your retail shop and how it went! If it wasn't what you expected, I hope this episode gave you some insight and the courage to try again. Let's go!

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple. Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course.

We start in April! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 21: An Intro to Subscription Boxes with Sarah Williams

Episode 126: 10 Simple Ways to Level Up Your Shop

Episode 156: 6 Proven Ways to Improve Your Shop's Merchandising

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

Don't skip this because you're not a "touristy" shop.

Many of you will want to skip this episode because you may think souvenirs would not fit in with your shop's brand but I'm challenging that perspective in Episode 202 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. Your retail shop may not be in a traditional "tourist town," or maybe it is and you just leave that to the regular tourist shops, but not carrying locally branded merchandise could be a HUGE missed opportunity.

In this episode, I'll share some "souvenir" ideas that you may want to incorporate into your product line. Local merchandise and souvenirs don't have to be mass produced (even though there is also a market for that too!) Even if you aren't in a tourist town, many of your customers are likely proud of their hometown or have friends and family whom they buy for who have moved away and are missing home.

Consider what local businesses you can collaborate with to add some locally branded merchandise to your product line.

I'm hoping this episode helped change your perspective on adding souvenirs. Let us know if you decide to bring some products in and tag me in IG with your photos.

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple. Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course.

We start in April! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 56: How to Add Additional Revenue Streams to Your Retail Business

Episode 156: 6 Proven Ways to Improve Your Shop's Merchandising

Episode 173: Find the Right Customer for Your Shop

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

Hot topic. Is cell phone use an issue with your employees? Let's nip that in the bud today.

What is your retail shop's policy around employee cell phone use? In Episode 201 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I'm sharing my advice on this issue. And trust me - it is a huge issue for some!

As retail shop owners, you are in the business of hospitality. The very last thing you want your customers to feel is that they are a bother to your employees. Let me be clear: when customers enter your shop and your employees' heads are buried in their cell phones (whether they are doing work or not), what are the optics around that?

I'll share my (perhaps controversial) thoughts on cell phone use: when and where it is appropriate, what to do if employees push back, and how your employees' cell phone use and other behavior may be eroding your brand.

If you don't have a policy in place it's time to get one. What changes should you make to your shop's policy around cell phones? What kind of thoughts came up? Agree or disagree with me on this one?

Jump in my DM's on IG and let me know.

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple. Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course.

We start in April! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 93: How to Wow & Delight Your Customers and Keep Them Coming Back

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 151: How to have Difficult Conversations with Good Staff

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

Become better known in your community!

The third episode in the Retailer's Visibility Series is about connecting through community and leveraging your business through collaborations with other businesses in your area. I'll share exactly what collaborations are, how collaborations can grow your ideal customer audience, and who you should be contacting.

There are a lot of opportunities in your own community to connect with your customers. Where in your community is your ideal customer hanging out? Let's figure out how to get those people into your retail shop!

There is also an element of community involvement and support and I'll share my thoughts on when to say yes to all those sponsorships you are asked for. The goal is for potential customers to see you and your brand everywhere in the community! Remember: involvement doesn't always mean attending a fancy gala or some big networking event!

Listen in and hear how to make it easy, free and fun!

I'd love to know if this series was helpful to you and which of the 3 strategies you will amp up?

Let me know how you make out.

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple. Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course.

We start in April! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 199: Stop Hiding and Be Known: Part 2 of the Retailer's Visibility Series

Episode 198: Stop Hiding and Be Known: Part 1 of the Retailer's Visibility Series

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

How do we get our brick-and-mortar retail business found and seen by more people?

Welcome to Part 2 of the Retailer's Visibility Series! In this episode, I'm sharing three things you can update today for free to ensure your shop is being found when potential customers are searching for businesses like yours online. And it's not all about social media! We'll touch on what SEO can do for your retail business and what you may need to update on your Google Business account and your shop's website. I'll also share my thoughts on blogging! (Hint: it's not dead!)

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple. Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course.

We start in April! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 96: Before You Pay For Ads, Do These 3 Things

Episode 142: How to Make Real Progress in Your Business with Guest Expert Richard Ralston

Episode 177: Local SEO Simplified with Matt Diamante of HeyTony

Episode 198: Stop Hiding and Be Known: Part 1 of the Retailer's Visibility Series

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

Are you hiding from your customers?

Have you ever heard someone refer to a business as a "best-kept secret?" While this is typically a compliment, we don't want that to be us! It's time to stop hiding and make sure everyone in your community (and beyond!) knows who you are and what you are doing.

Episode 198 is the first in a series of three podcasts dedicated to getting your shop found. We start with your Attract Strategy: the ways you are attracting new customers to your shop. We'll cover lots of important topics in this episode including what you should be doing on social media and why your front-facing assets need to tell a compelling story about you and your shop.

Inside the episode, I'm giving you three EASY action items to complete so you know you are doing everything you can to make sure your Attract Strategy is working for you and your retail business.

On the next episode of the podcast, we will continue the series specifically covering how your retail shop can be found. Don't miss it!

Need more?

Your free gift is HERE! Grab your copy of my best Attract Strategy tools today!

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple. Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course. We start in April! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 96: Before You Pay For Ads, Do These 3 Things

Episodes 163-166: Simple Sales Strategy Series

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank y

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

The monthly debrief is a simple process that can be an important factor to the growth and sustainability of your retail business. And it's easy peasy.

If you've ever found yourself repeating mistakes or wondering why a promotion or event you tried in your retail shop didn't work, this episode is for you. Stop reinventing the wheel and trying to "remember." (We won't!) 🙂

The term "debrief" may scare some people off, but I promise doing this simple exercise every month will help you tremendously in your business. This episode is full of prompts and questions you should be answering at the end of every month during your operational debrief CEO time. We'll cover all the bases from your KPIs to what the weather was like during your big event to making sure your "big rocks" are scheduled for the next month.

As a member of my Retailer's Inner Circle, you have access to the full checklist/list of debrief questions. Ready to join us? Here's how.

Don't miss Coaching Week inside the Retailer's Inner Circle in February!

I'm providing a full week of live coaching in the Retailer's Inner Circle February 19-23, 2014 all you have to do is be a member! I will go live in our Facebook group going through the foundational principles of my signature course, Retail Made Simple, which as a member you will have full access to. Retail Made Simple has helped hundreds of retailers simplify their business from understanding financials to gaining confidence to manage your team. There is no better time than now to join me and other like-minded retailers. Let's go!

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 33: The CEO Date: This Non-Negotiable Habit is Key to Creative CEO Success

Episode 133: Retail Success Series: Community, Culture, and CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh

Episode 195: What Numbers Successful Retail Shop Owners are Measuring

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been

privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

I'm sure you've all heard the phrase "work smarter, not harder"- possibly even from me during this podcast! How have you applied that in your retail business? Are you wondering how you can expand your business in new ways without reinventing the wheel? In this episode, I'm sharing ways you can build your retail business by optimizing revenue streams that work for you and your brand.

In addition, this episode is FULL of specific examples of new revenue streams that fit into each area from subscriptions and memberships to ways to earn "other" income.

How will you know if a new revenue stream is a good fit for your retail business? We'll work through that too! I'll share some questions you'll want to ask yourself before diving headfirst into something new.

It's not about adding more to your plate, it's about optimizing your business model.

If you are ready to grow your business using some of the tools you already have in place, this episode is for you. Let's dive in!

Don't miss Coaching Week inside the Retailer's Inner Circle in February!

I'm providing a full week of live coaching in the Retailer's Inner Circle February 19-23 - all you have to do is be a member! I will go live in our Facebook group going through the foundational principles of my signature course, Retail Made Simple, which as a member you will have full access to. Retail Made Simple has helped hundreds of retailers simplify their business from understanding financials to gaining confidence to manage your team. There is no better time than now to join me and other like-minded retailers. Let's go!

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 32: Retailer Success Series: Susanne Dropped a Huge Revenue Stream and Made More Profit

Episode 56: How to Add Additional Revenue Streams to Your Retail Business

Episode 66: Find Revenue Streams That Light You Up: Retail Success Series with Virginia Warner

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been

privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

Have you ever heard the saying "What gets measured gets managed"?

But what should we look at (other than total sales?)

Exactly WHAT should we measure?

How should that apply to your unique business? In Episode 195 of the Creative Shop Talk podcast, we are talking about Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). I am sharing which ones you should be measuring as an independent retail shop owner, why they are important, and the document I've created that makes it easy for you to track them. We'll talk specifically about a few of the financial and marketing KPIs you may want to be tracking regularly.

Don't let metrics and math scare you away. It's how you learn to scale your time and lessen your overwhelm - oh and increase your sales.

I know so many retailers and shop owners shy away when we start talking numbers, but this episode will make this concept so easy to understand. Once you have a handle on your KPIs, I promise you'll feel empowered to put your CEO hat on and make business decisions confidently.

So grab a pen and some paper and let's get down to business!

Don't miss Coaching Week inside the Retailer's Inner Circle in February!

I'm providing a full week of live coaching in the Retailer's Inner Circle February 19-23 - all you have to do is be a member! I will go live in our Facebook group going through the foundational principles of my signature course, Retail Made Simple, which as a member you will have full access to. Retail Made Simple has helped hundreds of retailers simplify their business from understanding financials to gaining confidence to manage your team. There is no better time than now to join me and other like-minded retailers. Let's go!

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 33: The CEO Date: This Non-Negotiable Habit is Key to Creative CEO Success

Episode 183: Fine Tuning Your Retail Business Operations with Business Strategist Gwen Bortner

Episode 187: Make 2024 Your Best Year Ever in Your Retail Business

This week's podcast is sponsored by our friends at Stitchcraft Marketing

Looking for some help with social media and content creation? My friend Leanne can help! Her business, Stitchcraft Marketing, is a niche marketing agency specializing in social media and content creation for wholesale and retail businesses in the soft craft industries. After you've listened to our chat on Episode 160 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, reach out and see what she and her team can offer that can help you grow your business in 2024. You won't regret it!

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been

privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

Ever feel stuck? Or maybe feeling uninspired in your retail business? Sometimes we need a mindset shift. In this episode, I'm sharing some tips and prompts (with the occasional motivational quote thrown in for good luck!) to help you "flip the script" so negative thoughts don't sabotage your business. If you are working on building your leadership muscle, this episode is for you!

From my thoughts on B+ work to the permission to let things go, the prompts I share throughout this episode will help you move from negative thinking around your business to constructive planning for 2024.

This is an episode you'll need a notebook and pen for.

Don't miss Coaching Week inside the Retailer's Inner Circle in February!

I'm providing a full week of live coaching in the Retailer's Inner Circle February 19-23 - all you have to do is be a member! I will go live in our Facebook group going through the foundational principles of my signature course, Retail Made Simple, which as a member you will have full access to. Retail Made Simple has helped hundreds of retailers simplify their business from understanding financials to gaining confidence to manage your team. There is no better time than now to join me and other like-minded retailers. Let's go!

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 147: How to Reframe Your Mindset Around Competition

Episode 153: Recipe for Success: 4 Leadership Lessons We Can Learn From Erin French of The Lost Kitchen

Episode 187: Make 2024 Your Best Year Ever in Your Retail Shop

This week's podcast is sponsored by our friends at Stitchcraft Marketing

Looking for some help with social media and content creation? My friend Leanne can help! Her business, Stitchcraft Marketing, is a niche marketing agency specializing in social media and content creation for wholesale and retail businesses in the soft craft industries. After you've listened to our chat on Episode 160 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, reach out and see what she and her team can offer that can help you grow your business in 2024.

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been

privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

First impressions count! When new customers come into your retail shop, what is the first thing they notice? It's likely they first notice NOT the prices of your pieces, but rather the beautiful displays, your awesome branding, and the way your shop makes them FEEL.

We want our shops to be memorable. In this episode of the podcast, I'm chatting about the importance of first impressions and specific ways you can make your customers' experiences in your shop memorable. This will keep them coming back again and again and talking about you to their friends. Let's dive in!

Three things I'll touch on (some may surprise you!):

1. The 5 senses in your shop

2. Training your staff

3. Having the right inventory to reflect your brand

This week's podcast is sponsored by our friends at Stitchcraft Marketing

Looking for some help with social media and content creation? My friend Leanne can help! Her business, Stitchcraft Marketing, is a niche marketing agency specializing in social media and content creation for wholesale and retail businesses in the soft craft industries. After you've listened to our chat on Episode 160 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, reach out and see what she and her team can offer that can help you grow your business in 2024.

How is your 2024 planning going? Are you prepared for your best retail year ever? If you think you might need some help, join us in the Retailer's Inner Circle! We are a casual, positive group of likeminded retailers who are constantly trying new things and supporting each other along the way. Also, if you join now, you'll get a free 30-minute one-on-one coaching session with me! This bonus doesn't last long, so if you were on the fence before, now is the time to join. See you inside!

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 96: Before You Pay for Ads: Do These Three Things

Episode 141: Are You Running the Store of Your Dreams?

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been

privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

As an unwavering advocate for independent retail shops, I often get asked "What are retailers doing that drives you crazy?" In this episode, I am going to share a few. These are the five things that drive me crazy in retail shops. Hopefully you aren't caught in any of these traps! If you are, it's time to give some thought to them and fix them. Let's dive in!

The Five Things I'll Chat About:

1. What happens when you brand your product lines not yourself

2. Retailers not doing everything they can to get sales

3. Treating your business like a hobby

4. Messy/dirty shops

5. Your attitude matters

This week's podcast is sponsored by our friends at Stitchcraft Marketing

Looking for some help with social media and content creation? My friend Leanne can help! Her business, Stitchcraft Marketing, is a niche marketing agency specializing in social media and content creation for wholesale and retail businesses in the soft craft industries. After you've listened to our chat on Episode 160 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, reach out and see what she and her team can offer that can help you grow your business in 2024.

How is your 2024 planning going? Are you prepared for your best retail year ever? If you think you might need some help, join us in the Retailer's Inner Circle! We are a casual, positive group of likeminded retailers who are constantly trying new things and supporting each other along the way. Also, if you join now, you'll get a free 30-minute one-on-one coaching session with me! This bonus doesn't last long, so if you were on the fence before, now is the time to join. See you inside!

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 190: Five Areas to Focus on in Your Retail Business

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 39: Retailer Success Series: How Jill Went from Hobbyist to Creative CEO

Customer Map

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been

privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

Don't set yourself up for failure!

In This Episode:

"Baby steps!" It's what everyone tells us when we are trying to achieve a big goal. Maybe aren't getting there as fast as we'd like, or maybe when we are trying to make progress more quickly than is realistic.

Episode 191 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast is about just that: growing and managing our retail businesses through small (baby) steps. I'm here to remind you that 180 degree changes don't happen overnight.

"Success is the product of daily habits - not once-in-a-lifetime transformations." -James Clear, Author of Atomic Habits

What's one small habit or step you can change or take right now to start making progress in your business?

This week's podcast is sponsored by our friends at Stitchcraft Marketing

Looking for some help with social media and content creation? My friend Leanne can help! Her business, Stitchcraft Marketing, is a niche marketing agency specializing in social media and content creation for wholesale and retail businesses in the soft craft industries. After you've listened to our chat on Episode 160 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, reach out and see what she and her team can offer that can help you grow your business in 2024.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 160: Simplifying Social Media with Guest Expert Leanne Pressly

Episode 141: Are You Running the Store of Your Dreams?

Episode 36: How Planning Kept Emily Kerley Thriving

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been

privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/190/

Welcome to Season 5 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast!

Topics Covered in This Episode:

As we roll into 2024, the way we market our businesses, our customers' expectations, and so many other things are going to change. Not in a HUGE way, but in Episode 190 I'm going to lay out and then dig deep into the 5 areas I believe you should be focusing on in your retail business so you can see big success in 2024.

The 5 Areas I Will Explain in Detail

1. Your Shop's Financial Well Being

2. Your Sales & Marketing Strategy & Assets (and I don't just mean social media!)

3. Service and Hospitality

4. Being a Leader to Your Team

5. Your CEO Mindset (and Skillset)

If you are looking for support as we move into 2024, my Retailer's Inner Circle is always open. One of my members just told me the other day that she now feels "large and in charge" versus how she felt prior to joining - what a compliment! My members are doing the work and have access to countless masterclasses and trainings to support them - not to mention an incredible group of likeminded retailers and me as your coach. Join us today!

"My mission is to help more retailers enjoy more joy, freedom, and profitability in their shops this year." -Wendy Batten

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episodes 163-166: Simple Sales Strategy Series

Episode 63: Making Bookkeeping Simple with Guest Expert Kelly Christian

Episodes 40-43: Plan Your Best Year Ever

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been

privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/189/

The Creative Shop Talk Podcast reached 176,000 downloads! As we wrap up Season 4 of the podcast, I wanted to thank every single person who has listened, downloaded, left a review, shared the podcast, all of it. I started this podcast in March of 2020 just hoping to reach and help more retailers and it is working! Podcasting isn't an easy or inexpensive venture, but with the help of my small but mighty team, I am proud to say we are wrapping up Season 4 excited to start recording Season 5. We appreciate every single listen, share and comment.

Thank you!

Topics Covered in This Episode:

As I'm sure you know, the brain of a retailer never stops. As we wrap up Season 4 and enjoy our holidays, I wanted to give you a few things to noodle on. Here are three questions to think over as you snuggle by the fire that will help move the needle for your retail business in 2024.

Listen in this week and find out the 3 things you can work on, in your PJ's with your feet up.

You'll want to take your answers to the three questions and dive into the Best Retail Year Ever Workshop - our Annual Planning Workshop - you'll be well on your way to seeing the results you are looking for in your retail business in 2024. Retailers who purchase the workshop (or who are in my Retailer's Inner Circle) are invited to join me live on January 17th for a Q+A!

So get your goals all on one page and see a better 2024, and jump in before the end of the year and save $200. There is one week left to get EARLY BIRD PRICING (in effect until Dec 31st, 2023!)

SAVE $200! YES SAVE $200!

Join here

I am confident that you can find epic success in your retail business - no matter what success looks like for you - by taking the time to adequately plan. I'd love to help and support you through your 2024 planning. Join us in the Inner Circle for access to the workshop and a community of like minded retailers or purchase the Design Your Best Year Workshop on-demand - discounted if you purchase before the end of the year! Happy Planning!

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 185: Avoid Burnout with Guest Expert Dr. Ashley Margeson

Episode 138: Wins, Insights, Lessons & Struggles

Episode 136: Annual Planning That Fills Your Life Buckets

Episodes 40-43: Plan Your Best Year Ever

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

Show Notes:

Don't miss joining the Best Retail Year Ever Workshop - our Annual Planning Workshop.

Get your goals all on one page and see a better 2024, and jump in before the end of the year and save $200!

EARLY BIRD PRICING in effect until Dec 31st, 2023!

SAVE $200! YES SAVE $200!

Join here

I am confident that you can find epic success in your retail business - no matter what success looks like for you - by taking the time to adequately plan. I'd love to help and support you through your 2024 planning. Join us in the Inner Circle for access to the workshop and a community of like minded retailers or purchase the Design Your Best Year Workshop on-demand - discounted if you purchase before the end of the year! Happy Planning!

You know I'm all about setting you up for success in 2024 and that includes making your life of running a retail business easier. On Episode 188 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I'm sharing 10 of the top business tools my team and my retailers are using and loving in 10-ish minutes. Throughout the episode, I'll also share HOW and WHY these tools can help you in your retail business.

The 10 Tools we shared and links :

1. Google Workspace: grow up your business

2. Flodesk for email marketing services

3. The Planner Pad: the planner for the non-traditional 9-5 worker/entrepreneur

4. Descript: content creation

5. When I Work

6. ThriveCart & ThriveLearn: course creation & check out all at one price

7. ChatGPT: use for social posts, newsletter, ideas

8. Canva AI Tools

9. Libro FM for audiobooks

10. Voxer

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 187: Make 2024 Your Best Year Ever in Your Retail Shop

Episodes 40-43: Plan Your Best Retail Year Ever Parts 1-4

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/187/

Show Notes:

Don't miss joining the Best Retail Year Ever Workshop - our Annual Planning Workshop.

Get your goals all on one page and see a better 2024, and jump in before the end of the year and save $200!

A new year is almost upon us, my friends, so that means it's time to plan and set new goals in your retail business. So what does success look like to you? Are your goals just revenue driven? On Episode 187 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I'm challenging you to plan for an EPIC 2024 by making sure you first plan what you want FROM your business first then set shop goals to achieve just that.

Topics We'll Cover in This Episode:

Getting out of the routine of running your business the way you always have

Prioritizing what you want from your business first and plan your business around that

Your role in the shop's Front of House vs. Back of House

Two incredible resources I've created for you

I'm excited to share with you two resources to help make 2024 your best retail year ever:

1. Planning Your Best Year 4 Part Podcast Series

2. Grab this workshop: Design Your Best Year Workshop: a 60 minute on-demand workshop (available free to all of my Retailer's Inner Circle members) and to non-members for purchase through my website.

EARLY BIRD PRICING in effect until Dec 31st, 2023!

SAVE $200 YES SAVE $200!

Join here

I am confident that you can find epic success in your retail business - no matter what success looks like for you - by taking the time to adequately plan. I'd love to help and support you through your 2024 planning. Join us in the Inner Circle for access to the workshop and a community of like minded retailers or purchase the Design Your Best Year Workshop on-demand - discounted if you purchase before the end of the year! Happy Planning!

"Planning is bringing the future into the present so you can do something about it now." - Alan Lakin

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episodes 40-43: Plan Your Best Retail Year Ever Parts 1-4

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/186/

Show Notes:

Q4 proves time and again that it is the most stressful quarter of the year for retail shop owners - but it doesn't have to be! Inside this episode of the podcast, I'm encouraging you to CHOOSE JOY: to change your mindset around how you are "supposed" to feel this time of year while running your retail business. Instead of finishing this year strong (as we so often hear), I'm encouraging you to end the year HAPPY.

Topics We'll Cover in This Episode:

How your vibe and energy affect how others are feeling in your shop

Why you need to reframe your "yeah, but" responses

The best way to respond to compliments

Reframing your "have to's" and "should's" into "get to's"

The power of simply making a decision and moving on

Reframing our expectations of our customers and our staff

Flipping the script and detaching yourself from bad outcomes

Sleeping in and baking cookies… unconventional advice this time of year perhaps? Oh well, I said what I said!

Reflecting on what went right

If you are feeling stressed during this time of year in your retail shop, I hope this episode gives you a glimpse into what it might look like if you flipped the script this holiday season and chose joy and happiness over stress and hustle. I promise this mindset will bring you more joy as we finish out 2023.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 178: 3 Top Mindset Musts for Retailer Owners

Episode 172: Retailers: Solve Any Problem & Get Better Results By Doing This

Episode 153: Recipe for Success: 4 Leadership Lessons We Can Learn from Erin French of The Lost Kitchen

Episode 130: The Karate Kid Stages Will Help Your Retail Business

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/185/

Show Notes:

Retailers take note.

If you've ever experienced burnout in your home tasks or business, you know it's something that's best to manage in its early stages. In Episode 185 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, Dr. Ashley Margeson joins me for a dynamic discussion about burnout, including what it is, and methods for prevention and recovery. If you are like many of my retailers and have said things like "I love what I do, but…" "I just need to hustle through this one event/season/month…" This conversation is for you.

What is burnout?

Burnout has been studied since the 1970s. It is an interesting phenomenon that the WHO set as a true diagnosis only a few years ago, identifiable by three key symptoms: depressive-like feelings, apathy towards your work (whether it be at home, entrepreneurship, etc), and a loss of productivity/performance. Burnout is tough to recognize at its earliest stages because we keep justifying it with logic.

Dr. Ashley explains that burnout occurs when we overuse adrenaline as our main energy source. The longer we use adrenaline as energy, cortisol production is suppressed. Cortisol is your energy & stress response hormone that should rise in the morning and stay steady throughout the day. As entrepreneurs, our first instinct is often to just "do more," which leads to living on adrenaline. Living on adrenaline leads to burnout.

Managing Burnout Like A Bank Account

An easy way to think about managing burnout is to think of a bank account. Like a bank account withdrawal, our energy is depleted for things we spend it on. Similarly, an energy "deposit" can be made into our bank through things like eating healthy meals and adequate sleep.

4 Modes/Stages of Burnout:

1. Savings/Investing Mode: Early Stage Burnout: We have lots of deposits coming in so we are able to "spend" our energy/adrenaline.

2. Paycheck to Paycheck: In this mode, there is just enough energy coming in to deal with what's going out.

3. Overdraft: There is no longer enough energy coming in to cover what is going out. At this stage, you aren't quite apathetic, moreso irritated. You start putting things off.

4. The creditors are calling: In this stage, you are no longer getting out of bed. Once you get to this stage, you may need medical intervention and recovery can take months and months.

One of the things that Dr. Ashley points out early on in our conversation is that burnout can't necessarily be avoided. Rather, severe burnout should be managed/prevented so that recovery can be a walk outside vs. 18 months of rest. From a retail perspective, this could mean identifying what you can do in Q1 - Q3 that will limit the energy withdrawals you are making in Q4 that can lead to burnout.

Dr. Ashley explains that energy deposits can take the form of 30 second "glimmers" throughout your day, deposits that take 5-15 minutes, and deposits that take over 20 minutes. Oftentimes, we are so focused on the energy deposits that take more than 20 minutes (having dinner with a friend, for example) that we miss the smallest deposits ("glimmers" like a glass of water, a post-it note on the computer, etc). These are the sources that give us small, sustainable bumps in energy.

The "cornerstone" deposits are the ones we should be spending our energy on: sleep, fueling, self-awareness, and movement.

"No one ever gets to burnout because they failed. We burn out because we care about showing up and doing the right things." - Dr. Ashley

Dr. Ashley's advice:

1. Determine what stage of burnout you are in.

2. Make a list of deposits that give you energy in each of the three timeframes listed above.

3. Of the cornerstone deposits, which matters most to you? Focus on that one.

About Dr. Ashley:

Dr. Ashley Margeson is a Naturopathic Doctor who believes that your health should work for you, not against you.As the COO of Cornerstone Naturopathic, a Halifax, Nova Scotia-based clinic, she focuses on Burnout Recovery and Prevention, guiding individuals towards revitalization and well-being.

At the helm of her mission, Dr. Ashley is also the host of "The Superwoman Code," a dynamic podcast supporting busy women in optimizing their health, homes, and hormones to infuse life back into their lifestyles. Her impactful contributions have garnered recognition from platforms such as Business Insider, The Globe and Mail, Shondaland, The Strategist, Cosmopolitan Magazine and more. Additionally, she is a regular contributor to health matters on Global and CTV Morning Live.

Dr. Ashley extends her influence to the digital realm through The Superwoman Code Course Suite, a comprehensive online hub offering online support meticulously crafted to foster healthy habits without the stress.

Beyond her professional commitments, Dr. Ashley is a devoted dog mom to Loki and full-time stepmom to Caleb and Elise. Her expertise doesn't stop at her clinic; she is also a sought-after freelance consultant, partnering with companies and organizations to integrate Burnout Prevention Strategies into their work environments, nurturing resilience and well-being among employees.

For a deeper connection with Dr. Ashley Margeson ND, explore her insights and offerings at www.ashleymargeson.com or engage with her through her vibrant social channels on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Through her holistic approach, she empowers individuals to reshape their health journeys and foster lasting vitality.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 86: Avoid Biz Burnout - Take Control and See the Full Potential of Your Business

Episode 92: Morning Routines & Why They Work - Even For People Who Hate Morning Routines

Episode 100: Why It's Important to Celebrate Your Business Milestones

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/184/

You are in for a very special holiday treat on this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, my friends! Joining me on this episode are three of my Level Up Mastermind and Retailer's Inner Circle members: Amy Cseh, Amy Hart, and Jeff Lee, all brilliant and longstanding independent retail shop owners who have been in the trenches and experienced ups and downs just like many. (Links to follow along with all of them are below.)

The interview, which originally aired exclusively in the Retailer's Inner Circle Facebook group, is FULL of holiday sales tips from these three seasoned shop owners.

Here are just a few of the sales tips we dug into:

Take advantage of any of the events that are organized by the community or town.

Ensure your staff is well trained and knows exactly what you are trying to accomplish.

Set specific numbers goals for your staff so they can be engaged and track progress.

Know your customer base and anticipate what they are looking for. Don't "panic buy" merchandise just because you have FOMO or think that's what you should be doing.

If you are an Inner Circle member, implement the sales strategies in the Sales Accelerator masterclass. (And if you aren't a member, maybe it's time to join the Retailer's Inner Circle!)

Don't miss the after Christmas rush! Customers want to shop that week between Christmas and New Year's.

Have a plan for projected sales/buying plan for Q1. Sales will slow down after the holidays are over and you don't want to be caught off guard. There is a new masterclass that just released into the Inner Circle this week all about Open to Buy Inventory Management that all members have access to.

Pay attention to your return rate per square foot. If something isn't selling fast enough, you may need to make a decision to downsize the display or get rid of the line completely.

Plan your events & weekly emails ahead of time so you aren't missing personal things during the holiday season. It doesn't feel good to let personal things slide for the "sake of the store."

Do everything you can in advance, including personal things. (By the time this podcast airs, Jeff's house will have been fully decorated for Christmas for 2+ weeks!)

Amy C.'s advice: "Bless and release!" You've trained your staff and they are good at their jobs. Schedule your days off and enjoy your time outside of your shop.

YOU are the only one who is going to notice what doesn't get done.

Know what your "no's" are and stick to them. If something is causing you stress, give it to a team member or simply don't do it.

If you are interested in joining the Level Up Mastermind, we are opening 3 seats and would love to hear from you. Now that you've "met" three of the retailers who are part of the Level Up Mastermind, you may have a better feel for who we are. Here is the link with more information.

About the Panelists:

Jeff Lee owns The Vintage Nest Home & Gifts in Mount Holly, NC. Facebook | Instagram

Amy Cseh owns Schoolhouse Salvage in Chagrin Falls, OH. Facebook | Instagram

Amy Hart owns The Hare and the Hart in Thomasville, GA. Facebook | Instagram

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Holiday Playlist: Favorite Holiday-Themed Creative Shop Talk Podcast Playlist

Episode 182: Fresh Ways to Wow & Delight Your Customers This Holiday Season

Episode 157: Best of Series: Growth Mindset with Jeff Lee

Episode 133: Retailer Success Series: Community, Culture, and CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh

Episode 78: Retailer Success Stories: Learning to Level Up with Amy Hart

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

Show Notes:

What should we focus on in our retail operations? On Episode 183 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, fellow retail business coach Gwen Bortner and I turned on the mics for a little impromptu chat about retail business operations. Like me, Gwen has a background in retail. Her coaching business focuses on the operations of her clients' businesses so that their businesses support their lives rather than the other way around.

In our coaching careers, Gwen and I have found that after the start-up phase of business is over (in my experience 2-3 years after start-up), business owners are spending their energy mostly on marketing, in reality, it's often the operations of the business that also needs our top attention and consistent fine tuning.

In order to move the needle in your business, the first step is to identify where the bottleneck is.

Gwen's clients participate in a rating exercise called The GEARS Assessment. It is an assessment of operations and is designed to be completely subjective. Essentially, you evaluate 5 operational aspects of your business on a scale of 1-4. The total number can give you an idea of how you feel about the operations of your business and individual scores can give you an idea on where the most necessary (and likely easiest) operational fix in your business is right now.

You can take the GEARS Assessment for FREE on Gwen's website HERE.

Goods – Products and services you sell

Effectiveness – Personal and team productivity, business leadership

Accountability – Prioritizing what is important and taking consistent action to reach goals

Resources – People, money, equipment, technology, and similar

Systems – Processes, routines, and reporting

Gwen is a special guest coach inside the Retailer's Inner Circle, teaching Open To Buy inventory management.

As listeners of this podcast, you know I encourage weekly CEO dates: something that doesn't often come easily to creative business owners. So many of us are accidental entrepreneurs: our businesses started as a passion project that grew and grew leaving us on a hamster wheel. What you need to remember is that it is okay to ask for help: NO ONE IS DOING THIS ALONE - nor should they! However, as leaders of our businesses we need to have our finger on the pulse of all of the operational aspects of our businesses. Gwen's GEARS Assessment is the perfect place to start.

About Gwen:

Gwen Bortner is the founder of Everyday Effectiveness, an operational advisory firm that helps visionary entrepreneurs scale their businesses to seven figures and beyond. Before becoming a full-time business advisor in 2015, Gwen solved operations problems for corporate giants like General Mills and for niche companies like the world's largest supplier of bull semen. To date, she's advised executives, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs in over 40 industries, including craft retailers and industry leaders. In addition to advising and speaking on operational strategy, Gwen is the author of the best-selling knitting book, Entrée to Entrelac, and teaches knitting internationally for Craft Cruises, Inc.

Follow along with Gwen on LinkedIn.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 18: What's Possible: The Accidental Shopkeeper with a Thriving Store with Jeff Lee

Episode 60: How Focused Learning Can Grow Your Business

Episode 70: You're Not Just a Shopkeeper, You're a Creative CEO

Episode 89: Money Talk & Mindset with Profits First Coach April Stroink

Episode 95: Tips to Tame the Admin and Stay Ahead of Business Trouble

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. my signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/182-2/

Show Notes:

If you want to put your best foot forward this Holiday season and beyond in your retail shop, join the Retailer's Inner Circle! The Inner Circle is my private coaching group. We've got a vibrant group of retailers from all over the globe in our community and we want to help you too! In October, we launched our monthly playbook inside the Inner Circle. The monthly playbook is changing the way my retailers approach marketing! It's taking the pressure off: you'll no longer have to ask yourself "What do I need to do? When do I need to do it? What emails should I be sending?" In addition to goal setting, it's full of tips, ideas, and timelines to help independent creative retailers navigate small business ownership. Check it out today!

Holiday Retail Marketing can feel so hard. But it doesn't have to be.

One extra step and an important step in the marketing framework I teach is to "wow & delight" our retail customers to keep them coming back. This is such an important part of independent retail because it is one of our true advantages over the big box stores. We can build communities of allies, believers and advocates for our shops. Hospitality is what connects people to you and your retail brand. This week on the podcast I'm sharing some extra tips for you this season.

Tips to Wow & Delight Your Customers:

1. Send a gift to your top/milestone clients: Even if you don't have access to home addresses of your best customers, you can make up small "thank you" gifts to hand out when your best clients come in to shop. Get creative!

2. Think beyond the bench: Do unexpected things! We've all thought about placing a bench outside of the dressing room or a place for the husbands to hang out, but what else can we do that will wow your customers unexpectedly? In this episode, I'm sharing a bunch of ideas my clients are using now.

3. In-store and ongoing promotions: Think about what you can do in your shop that will help out your clients that is unique to you. Make your promotions fun and different. Elevate your gift registries, bag stuffers, all of the things! How can you make your customers smile?

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 93: How to Wow & Delight Your Customers to Keep Them Coming Back

Episode 143: How to Plan and Host Successful Events and Promotions in Your Shop

Episode 145: How to Market Promotional Events in Your Shop

Wow and delight

Episode 181: 3 Areas to Focus on in Q4 in Your Retail Shop

About your host, Retail Coach Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. my signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's sources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/181-2/

Show Notes:

If you are looking for support in your retail business, now is a great time to join my private coaching group, the Retailer's Inner Circle! We just added a monthly playbook that will help guide you through your weekly CEO dates. We'll give you marketing tips and ideas, email topics for your list, number tracking, event organization, ALL THE THINGS! We are so excited for this new document. It will surely help every member of the Inner Circle, and YOU can be one of them. The Retailer's Inner Circle is the group I couldn't find when I had a brick + mortar and needed support. Get more info and join us HERE.

In Episode 181 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I'm sharing 3 things that will help you maximize your sales this holiday season end the year in your retail shop with a little more energy and profits. Remember: it's not about chasing the sales and our top line.

Three Things to Focus on in Q4

1. Your Team: Ensure your team knows the daily/weekly sales goals. Think about how you can motivate them to meet those goals. Can you gamify the goals for your staff? Make sure your team is feeling empowered, are trained properly in the products you sell, and that you are communicating properly with them.

Does your team know to greet your customers? Are you asking "is there anyone else you have to buy for?"

2. Stop Random Acts of Marketing/Discounts: Random last minute sales confuse our customers and our staff. Any sales/discounts should be planned in advance with intention and communicated properly to our staff and customers.

If you are starting to panic because things are slower than you expected, try going live on Facebook or Instagram. Show the value of your products through bundling, offering gift baskets etc.

3. Wow & Delight New Customers: This is the time of year that new customers will be coming into your shop. Maybe their friends told them about you, maybe holiday shopping gave them a reason to make their first visit. Take time to show them around your shop, introduce yourself, and make that first impression a good one. We want these customers to come back in the new year.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 169: 5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Profit Margins (And Why You Should!)

Episode 168: Merchandising to Sell: Intuitive Merchandising

Episode 107: Turn Browsers Into Buyers

Episode 99: Listener's Question: How Should We Greet Our Customers?

Episode 93: How to Wow & Delight Your Customers and Keep Them Coming Back

Check out the top Holiday Sales Podcast Playlist of our top retail sales podcasts.

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. my signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/180/

Show Notes:

Did you know we have an active book club in my Level Up Mastermind? It's true - we do! One of our amazing members - Millie Blackwell of Mrs. Blackwell's Village Bookshop - curates an incredible list of books for our Mastermind members and leads our book club each month. Today on the podcast, Millie and I are having a fun time reviewing the books we read so far this year, complete with star ratings!

Don't miss the first episode Millie and I recorded together. Bonus points for whoever knows which of the books we review today Millie called out as a favorite in Episode 132. It's linked below!

A quick reminder - before you shop the big guys for you reading and listening think local retail first.

How to support your local booksellers:

1. Shop in store! This is the very best way for your local booksellers to help you find exactly what you are looking for - and maybe even a little more!

2. Shop your local bookstore's website or through bookshop.org . Bookshop.org is an amazing alternative to shopping on Amazon. You can choose which shop you want your purchase to support. Use bookshop.org if your favorite local bookstore doesn't have their own website.

3. Purchase audiobooks through Libro.fm. Libro.fm is an alternative to Audible.

New Zealand followers, you can shop directly with Millie HERE.

The Books:

Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead by Tara Mohr (2014)

Our thoughts/themes/takeaways: To us, this book was all about overcoming your inner critic and self doubt.

Millie shared this quote:

"Feedback can only tell you something about the person giving you the feedback. It can't tell you anything essential about yourself." - Tara Mohr

I loved this one:

"I wrote this book because I'm tired of meeting women who have important messages to share but whose self-doubt is keeping them quiet. I'm tired of encountering woman after woman diluted by the myth that she needs to be MORE of something: more qualified, more prepared… than she already is in order to share her ideas." - Tara Mohr

Millie & Wendy's Star Rating: 3.5 / 5 stars - We both loved the book but the themes have been exhausted over the past 9 years.Therefore, it didn't hit home as much as it would have had the book been read back when it was written in 2014.

Get Different: Marketing That Can't Be Ignored by Mike Michalowicz (2021)

Our thoughts/themes/takeaways: Following your industry's "best practice" marketing creates white noise. If everyone else is doing it, your business won't stand out. We have to differentiate our marketing to stand out from the competition.

Millie and Wendy's Star Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars - Millie loved this one so much that she listened to the audio and then bought the book to highlight and refer back. We both liked that this book had practical, actionable marketing ideas for small business owners.

I'll Be Back: How to Get Customers to Come Back Again and Again by Shep Hyken (2021)

Our thoughts/themes/takeaways: Customer loyalty is not about a lifetime, it's about the next time every time. Hyken talks about marketing for loyalty vs. loyalty programs: We need our customers to want to choose us. We need to have our team on board with knowing why we can't just be mediocre.

Millie & Wendy's Star Rating - 4 / 5 stars: Shep knows his audience (busy shop owners) and caters to them: this book is easy to read and has great chapter summaries.

I interviewed Shep Hyken back in Episode 118.

Perennial Seller: The Art of Making and Marketing Work That Lasts by Ryan Holiday (2017)

Our thoughts/themes/takeaways: We need to always be looking outside of our own industry for inspiration. Another takeaway that got us thinking was Holiday's idea of relationships as a platform that needs to be nurtured.

Millie & Wendy's Star Rating - 4.5 / 5 stars: Lots of the ideas in this book were new ones that we hadn't heard before.

4000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman (2021)

Our thoughts/themes/takeaways: If you live to the age of 80, you will live for 4000 weeks which, according to Millie is "terrifyingly and insultingly short." This "time reminder" (not time management) book is all about embracing that limit and realizing we will never get everything done in our lives that we want to get done. We need to be intentional about what is important to us including rest and recovery.

Millie's Star Rating - 5 / 5 stars: Millie reminds US readers to not judge this book by its cover.

Wendy's Star Rating - 4.75 / 5 stars: I would give the audiobook 5 / 5, but found the paperback harder to pick up.

How to Grow Your Small Business by Donald Miller (2023)

Our thoughts/themes/takeaways: This one is textbook-like, specific, all-action: A great how-to guide for someone who wants to start a small business. Miller uses an airplane analogy to break a business down into 6 parts which when we discussed in the mastermind, many had strong feelings.

Millie and Wendy's Star Rating: 4 / 5 - Neither of us were in the space of needing a book like this at the time we read it, but it is great if it is the type of business book you are looking for.

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown (2014)

Our thoughts/themes/takeaways: Millie loved the chapter on sleep and buffering: creating buffers in our lives to relieve stress. My big takeaway was the reminder that there are trade-offs with every decision and you have to be disciplined with decision making.

"Simplify, eliminate, reduce. Do less but better." - Greg McKeown

About Millie and Mrs. Blackwell's Village Bookshop:

Mrs. Blackwell is a specialist in non-fiction categories and stationery. She grew up on an apricot orchard in Central Otago but never really cared for the taste of the fruit. Mrs. Blackwell's Village Bookshop is an independent bookshop for inquisitive minds and romantic souls in Greytown, New Zealand.

Website | Instagram

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 132: Retailer Success Series: Community Marketing Strategies with Millie Blackwell

Episode 118: How to Create Loyalty and Amazing Customer Experiences with Guest Expert & Author Shep Hyken

Episode 98: My Top Business Books for Retailers (the giveaway in this episode is closed!)

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. my signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/179/

Show Notes:

I'm talking with Retailer Inner Circle member Jessica Gebauer. Jess owns Krysset Artisan Boutique & Market in Yardley, PA: a shop full of unique products and gifts made by artists all over the United States and Canada. Jess's business started as a monthly subscription box and evolved into a brick and mortar when she realized the subscription box was limited and she had bigger dreams.

Working with makers has its challenges: being able to meet margins, being able to pay staff, etc. Jess's advice is to focus on makers who are set up to do wholesale and want to sell their goods to independent retail shops like Krysset. Jess uses Faire and other wholesale marketplaces, trade shows, local craft shows, and years of experience to find her vendors. Krysset has over 100 vendors in rotation.

We talked a bit about Jess's journey to CEO. It has not been linear, as most shop owners will tell you! Jess describes opening her shop as being on the water skis attached to the boat, rather than being the one actually driving the boat, which is so true and an analogy I love.

Jess opened Krysset in September 2021 as the pandemic lingered. She describes her first year as "really (really, really) rough." She had a number of challenges she was facing in her personal life, leading to her first hire: her current shop manager, Michael.

Her CEO hat has been coming out more and more in 2022 and 2023 as she settled into her shop, something we focus on inside the Retailer's Inner Circle.

Here are a few very simple marketing ideas that have been working well for Jess and Krysset:

1. Treating their customers well and with respect when they come in the door. Jess's employees intuitively know that the people coming through the door want to be treated as a friend. It is so important to hire people who believe in genuine hospitality.

2. Updating the exterior of her retail store. With the help and suggestions of the Inner Circle community, Krysset got an exterior makeover that brought new customers into the shop. Immediately following making some changes, her foot traffic multiplied.

3. Carrying products that aren't carried at every boutique on the East Coast.

At the end of the episode we have a conversation about why independent brick and mortar retail is so important. Jess was asked recently why she opened an independent retail store when "Amazon exists" and we both have strong opinions on that question as you probably do too! Tune in for our answers!

About Jessica and Krysset:

Jessica Gebauer is an entrepreneur who turned her passion for jewelry and artisan-made products into a successful retail shop. Her boutique, Krysset, is brimming with unique products from independent businesses across North America. As an advocate for the creative community, its her mission to support the dreams of other entrepreneurs.

Why Jess exclusively sources from other small businesses and independent makers:

"People think it's "novel" to shop small but they truly don't understand the magnitude of that decision. They don't understand the significance of choosing small, what that means for people's livelihoods, how much it's truly needed to maintain diversity and uniqueness among product choices plus how it encourages ingenuity and enriches people's lives - both the maker and the recipient of the product." - Jess Gebauer

You can follow along with Jess and Krysset here:

Website | www.krysset.shop

IG | @krysset_shop

FB | www.facebook.com/KryssetShop

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 174: 5 Ways to Network in Your Own Community

Episode 158: Becoming a Destination Shop

Episode 122: Retail Success Series: CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis from Louisville Mercantile

Episode 39: Retailer Success Series: How Jill Went from Hobbyist to Creative CEO

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. my signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/178/

Show Notes

Running a retail business doesn't have to be so hard, but sometimes it can be, right? You want your business to be successful, but sometimes as your business grows you face more challenges and bumps in the road. Today I'm going to share 3 must-have mindset shifts you need in order to keep growing your successful retail business. I promise today's episode can change your retail business for the better.

Before we get started, I wanted to shout out my Retailer's Inner Circle. The retailers in this group are doing the work, supporting each other, and growing so fast - and there is always room for more! If you need support in your retail business, join me and a community of heart centered, like-minded retailers who are working on bettering their retail businesses. Joining comes with access to countless masterclasses (some I mention in today's episode) that you can work through at your own pace. We meet at least monthly via Zoom and our Facebook group is active pretty much daily! If you've been hesitant, ask yourself why? The monthly investment is low and the rewards are so high. It's a vibrant space because of retailers like you who want to grow their businesses, make more profit, and have more time in their lives.

Together we are always working on mindset.

Successful retailers need these 3 mindsets.

What we cover in the podcast this week.

Three Mindset Shifts You Need for Success

1. Circumstances happen so you need to build your resilience muscle. We have all had bad things in our businesses: bad buys, bad reviews, a good team member leaves. How do you react when these things happen? Following the CTFAR model will help you control your thoughts, your feelings, and your reactions. I talk about the CTFAR model at length in Episode 172. It makes your resilience muscle stronger; and therefore you can show up for your team as a better leader. As your resilience muscle grows, it gets easier to be proactive when things go haywire.

2. You need to understand the mechanics of your retail businesses. You need to make decisions based on your data, to know where your money is going, to know how the risks you are taking will affect your retail business etc. The numbers can be scary especially to a lot of us who run creative businesses, but it is crucial to have a grasp on them. There is a masterclass called Money Matters that you'll have access to with your membership to the Retailer's Inner Circle. The masterclass breaks it down for you so you can be confident when talking about money and your numbers.

3. You need to be open to growing, learning, and changing. You cannot stay still in retail. Even if things are going great for you in your business right now, it likely won't stay that way if you aren't open to evolving and growing in some way. You don't know what you don't know, right? Growth can only happen when your mindset is open to what is possible for your retail business. What exciting opportunities have you said "no" to because you were nervous? Could you have made it work? Have you shot down the idea of business coaching because you didn't think you needed it? Let's change your mindset around change and see what magic can happen in your business!

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 172: Solve Any Problem and Get Better Results With This!

Episode 157: Best of Series: Growth Mindset with Inner Circle Member Jeff Lee

Episode 128: 5 Ways to Recreate That Disney Cash Flow Magic in Your Shop

Episode 89: Money Talk and Mindset with Profits First Coach April Stroink

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

S

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/177/

Show Notes:

Let's talk about LOCAL SEO for retail. Today on the podcast I'm talking with Matt Diamante, owner of a Canadian digital marketing agency called HeyTony, about all things LOCAL SEO. If you aren't sure where to start with SEO, this podcast episode is absolutely it. Matt and I talk through the basics and the small steps you can take today to get your retail business and website optimized on Google.

"[People use Google] with intent: they are looking to buy, they are looking for more information, maybe they are looking to do research to buy later. And if you are not showing up higher on Google, you aren't going to make that sale." -Matt Diamante

Simple Tips to improve local SEO on your website and Google Business:

1. The footer on every page of your website should have your business name and logo, your address, and a contact phone number.

2. Delete duplicate content from page to page on your website (this doesn't apply to the footer). If more than one page on your website explains the same thing, rewrite it.

3. The more reviews you have on your Google Business, the better you will rank. Ask your customers to leave reviews on Google.

4. Ensure everything is updated on your Google Business page: your business name, address, phone, description, services, photos, etc. Make sure you list ALL of your services.

5. Remember that social media isn't necessarily used by people who have an intent to purchase (except TikTok sometimes). Use social media for instant feedback from your customers (likes, comments, etc.) SEO, on the other hand, gives us delayed gratification. It can take time to see that it's working; however, locally, it can work fast if you put in the work.

6. Use Google Search Console. Google Search Console is a free service offered by Google that helps you monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot your site's presence in Google Search results. It helps you learn and use your data.

7. Blog as often as possible as long as you are putting out good pieces of content - at the very least, one time a month for retail shop owners. Answer the questions your customers have inserting your keywords, it doesn't always have to be selling.

About Matt and HeyTony:

Hi! I'm Matt! I run a digital marketing agency called HeyTony. I've helped my clients get over 55M+ website visitors through my organic digital marketing efforts. Oh, and I love talking SEO. Don't get me started, cause I won't stop!

Check out my free course, Understanding SEO.

Follow along with me on Instagram @heytony.agency and on the HeyTony Website.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 95: Tips to Tame the Admin and Stay Ahead of Business Trouble

Episode 97: 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Website

Episode 160: Simplifying Social Media with Guest Expert Leanne Pressly

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. my signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!'s FREE Re

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/176/

Show Notes

We all know that differences exist across generations, but have you given any thought to how those differences could impact your marketing? Today on the podcast we are going to dive into just that: generational differences among our customers and how we can market differently to ensure we are serving all of our customers without leaving money on the table.

This question came up in my Level Up Mastermind retail group recently and as a group we did some digging. Today I'm sharing some research and findings with you all. If you are interested in learning more about the group, you can check out my website here.

How to Market to Different Generations

Here are some notes about each generation: where they are in life, what they respond to, what they are looking for, etc.

Gen Z - (ages 12-26 currently) - Gen Z spans a wide age range, but the older bunch is at the age where they are getting their first apartment, buying their first home, getting married, etc. They will tell you that they have a short attention span. This group (more than others) responds to short form video (TikTok)

Millennials - (ages 27-42 currently) - Millennials have a busy lifestyle. They are often parents of young children. A few things that characterize their shopping experience are frictionless buying, connection to community, loyalty to brands they love, driven by peers (reviews). Surprisingly, Millennials are still listening to the radio. They love curbside pickup and Instagram buying - anything that makes life easier.

Gen X - (ages 43-58 currently) - Gen X shares characteristics of both Millennials and Boomers. They are totally loyal to brands they love and expect great customer service. Traditional marketing typically still works amongst Gen X (value added, coupons, discounts etc.) They are a very nostalgic bunch and often purchase from Facebook ads.

Boomers - (ages 59-75 currently) - Surprisingly, Boomers are the best at opening emails. They are very brand loyal and not motivated by FOMO, meaning last minute or exclusive deals won't speak to them. Boomers love online ordering and still purchase gift certificates.

How to Make Sure You are Serving Multiple Generations

Some follow-up questions to think about as you listen:

1. Who in your community does your shop serve?

2. Who do you want to serve?

3. Who actually lives in your community?

4. Who is buying for whom and how does that affect your marketing?

5. What can you offer in your shop that crosses multiple generations?

6. If you serve a specific generation, what can you do to serve the generation coming up behind them?

Be sure to stay open and curious about your marketing strategy and how you can market your business across generations. For example, if your ideal customers are primarily Gen Z, how are you reaching Boomers when they are looking to purchase gifts for this younger generation?

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 31: 7 Tactics to Attract Foot Traffic to Your Brick and Mortar

Episode 79: Your Competitive Advantage Over Amazon

Episode 82: 5 Steps to Simplify Your Content Planning

Episode 101: Making Email Marketing Fun with Kate Doster

About your host, Retail Coach Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast/

Don't miss - my 6-week Sales Accelerator Workshop starts again on September 27th! This workshop was a game changer for the retailers who participated in the first round back in July. In this workshop, we work together step by step on the sales funnel: how you find your people and move them from lurkers to repeat customers. If you need more info or would like to join us (you totally should), here is the link.

Show Notes

First impressions count.

Your brand assets are your customer's first glimpse into what your shop is all about. That's why ensuring they tell a cohesive story is SUPER important. Today I'm going to give you a few tips to ensure that no matter where customers are looking for you, they will find a clear, cohesive story of what your shop is all about.

Remember that reality is what our customers think of our shop and our brand, not necessarily what we want them to think. Keep in mind that you have control over this! No matter how customers find you, your shop's first impression matters. The information you present online via Facebook, your website, LinkedIn, Google Business, etc. should be accurate and convey consistent information and branding. You need to ensure that your platforms answer these questions: (1) who you are (2) what you do and (3) who your shop serves.

A few tips:

1. Use keywords that your customers will be searching.

2. Don't be too generic with your description of what you do.

3. Make sure all the basics are correct: your phone number, address, store hours, etc.

4. You don't have to be for everyone. Speak directly to your ideal customers.

5. If your social media accounts or Google Business haven't been updated lately (much like the exterior of your shop), you are likely repelling customers.

6. Ask a friend or business buddy to look at your socials and website with fresh eyes. If you are in my Retailer's Inner Circle, grab a buddy and work together on this.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 174: Five Ways to Network in Your Own Community

Episode 166: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Return Customer Rate

Episode 165: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Increasing Your Average Order Value

Episode 164: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Foot Traffic and Conversion

Episode 163: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Where to Start

Episode 96: Before You Pay for Ads, Do These 3 Things

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/174-2/

As independent shop owners, we are always looking for ways to improve our shop's visibility within our communities. We want our shops to be better known by the people who live and work where we do, right? If that sounds like you, listen up. Today's podcast is all about your Attract Strategy through networking; or, in other words; getting you out of the door to get people in your door.

Before we dive in, I wanted to let you know that we have a new Sales Accelerator Course starting in October. Sign up here.

5 Ways to Network in Your Community

1. Get social on social media: In addition to nurturing the clients you already have who follow you on social media, take a few minutes every day to comment, share, like, etc. on the posts of other businesses/groups where your ideal customers are hanging out. Check out who is watching your stories and who is following you and reach out to thank them or like some of their posts.

2. Get involved in your community: Getting involved can mean joining the Chamber of Commerce, shopping around and supporting the other local businesses, joining a club or group, etc.

3. Host a community event or service: Host an event that doesn't have anything to do with your shop but supports your community. Examples from my clients are pet adoptions, paper shredding events, flea markets, book clubs, outside group meetings, etc.

4. Set up collaborations: Think about your customers and what collaborations you can offer them to make their lives easier. What goods or services are complimentary to your products? Collaborate with other local businesses to offer workshops/events/products that your customers will love.

"[A mindset of] Collaboration over competition can work miracles for you."

5. Introduce yourself to people in your community: Retailers need to get out. Drop by some businesses in your community and introduce yourself without expectations. If it's doable, offer a gift certificate or small gift as well. Having people know and recognize you and your business is incredibly valuable.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 173: Find the Right Customer for Your Shop

Episode 166: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Return Customer Rate

Episode 165: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Increasing Your Average Order Value

Episode 164: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Foot Traffic and Conversion

Episode 163: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Where to Start

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast/

Before we get started today, I wanted you to know that I am offering a FREE private coaching call for everyone who joins the Retailer's Inner Circle during the month of September! It's a GREAT time to join - we've added the revamped Holiday Bootcamp to our long list of masterclasses. Join us on the inside and work through it with us! Remember: You don't have to do this alone.

Today on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, we are talking about the people we want in our shops: our ideal customers. Where do we find them? How do we attract them? Let's dive in!

You'll need to first identify who your ideal customer is. In identifying that person, remember that great brands are not for everyone. It is okay to repel some people while you work on attracting your ideal customer.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help with this process:

-How is your retail shop different from the other shop down the street?

-Who are you currently serving versus who do you WANT to be serving?

-What are 3-5 words that describe how you want your ideal customer to FEEL when they are in your shop?

-Think of everything about your brand from your customers' point of view. What are the words your customers use to describe you? What do your customers WANT to buy in your shop?

-Are your customers value-driven? Connection-driven? Pride-driven? Something else?

-Where are your retail customers hanging out? What other shops/restaurants in your town are your ideal customers frequenting? Where else do they shop?

Throughout the episode I'll give you some real examples of my clients who adjusted their offerings based on their customers' needs/wants with great success. In order to find your people, you need to understand them. In order to attract them to your shop, you need to make sure that every piece of your brand is speaking to your ideal customer.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 126: 10 Simple Ways to Level Up Your Shop

Episode 55: Unscalable Conversations: A Free, Simple & Powerful Marketing Tool to Use

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/172/

When circumstances are out of our control, what you do next is critical.

As the CEOs of our businesses, we have to be prepared for when things go sideways and problems arise in our shops and in our lives. Today on the podcast, I'm sharing a proven method that works for me the CTFAR model and how it can change your problem solving process and get you better results. It's not a new emethod and originally created by Brooke Castillo. It has worked for me in so many situations in my business and in my personal life - it will work for you as well.

What is the CTFAR Model?

C: Circumstances - What actually happened that was out of our control

T: Thoughts - How we think about the circumstance

F: Feelings - How we feel because of the thoughts

A: Actions - What we do (or don't do) in response to our feelings

R: Results - What we get in the end

The purpose of the CTFAR model is to reframe your thinking to help you solve problems. By being aware of what is happening and choosing how you think about it, you can change the outcome.

We need to always be showing up with a positive, solution-oriented mindset for ourselves, our team, and our customers. When we do this, we will see positive results.

"Our actions will drive our results but it starts with our thoughts." - Wendy Batten

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 109: Money Mindset, Abundance, & Bad Ideas with Guest Expert Emily King

Episode 147: How to Reframe Your Mindset on Competition

Episode 151: How to Have Difficult Conversations with Good Staff

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/171-2/

Show Notes:

Are you looking for some creative new ideas to grow your business? You'll want to turn up your volume on this one, my friends!

Today on the podcast I'm talking with retailer Madeline Muñoz-Bustamante, owner of Colorful Cute - Miami's first (and only!) Kawaii gift shop. Madeline is also an active member of my Level Up Mastermind and my Retailer's Inner Circle. Like many of us, Madeline describes herself as an accidental entrepreneur. After losing her job in 2020 when the pandemic started, she turned her passion for kawaii (the Japanese culture of cuteness) from an online shop/pop up into a brick and mortar storefront.

Madeline shares her journey to CEO, bumps and all with us.

For a number of reasons including (1) a location that isn't conventionally ideal, (2) opening a brick and mortar during a pandemic, and (3) she isn't afraid to try new things, Madeline has implemented a number of creative ideas and strategies that have led to incredible growth of Colorful Cute over the past three years. I know you'll be able to pull something from our conversation to implement in your business, so listen up!

Some of the ideas and strategies Madeline has implemented include:

1. A fresh perspective on marketing: Madeline noticed a niche market that wasn't currently being served in Miami. Filling that gap came very easy to her because she was also a member of that niche market. Her marketing is very cohesive because the "voice" is simply her talking to her customers as they are friends who love what she loves. Madeline calls it "letting her geek flag fly," which I love.

"Excitement is contagious…and that's what we try to inject into our marketing." - Madeline

2. Hosting events: Madeline began hosting events like movie nights, cons, and trading nights after realizing that her customers were looking for community through her shop.

3. Growing her online presence through Instagram: Madeline uses hashtags to find her people. She searches hashtags that align with her shop and when she finds interesting or exciting posts, she comments and shares which results in pulling that person into her community! Oftentimes, it results in a win-win: her new instagram friend becomes aware of her shop and they are excited that she has shared their post. Implementing this strategy only takes minutes a day and can really grow your business.

4. Coming up with creative ways to move stale inventory: One of the struggles Madeline has had to overcome was purchasing for a much larger space than she was used to. She knows the importance of moving stale inventory (even if we don't make money on it!) so she offered grab bags and other ideas as creative ways to move inventory that has overstayed its welcome.

5. Putting her CEO hat on: Madeline admits that being the boss is hard for her, but as a business owner she knows it's necessary.

I work closely with Madeline so I know she now takes her role as CEO very seriously. Madeline advocates for regular team meetings, getting shop procedures in place, and so on - just like her coach. ;) It's truly been my joy watching her take on a leadership role in her business.

Madeline's last piece of advice to you: "Don't do this by yourself. Find the people, find the coaching, find the group, find the classes … You don't have to do it by yourself."

Madeline is definitely one to follow - she's a vibrant, authentic soul and I'm honored to have her in my group and on the podcast today. Thank you for listening!

If you want to hang with cool shop owners like Madeline, my Retailer's Inner Circle is welcoming new members right now.

We are knee deep in holiday planning so jump in and join us! We would love for you to be a part of the conversation.

About Madeline and Colorful Cute:

The best place to hang out with Madeline is on Instagram @colorfulcutegoods - that's where the party is! You can shop her website too at www.colorfulcute.com .

Madeline Muñoz-Bustamante is the Founder/President of Colorful Cute- Miami's kawaii shop. She loves to stock her store full of cute, sweet, colorful, and fun products designed to help you live a cuter life.

When she's not making Miami a cuter city, you can catch her reading a book, watching anime, playing with her pets, driving her teenage children around, cuddling with her partner, or getting a sunburn on the beach.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 132: Retailer Success Series: Community Marketing Strategies with Millie Blackwell

Episode 122: Retail Success Series: CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis from Louisville Mercantile

Episode 68: Special Guest Marian Parsons On Growing and Doing Business Your Own Way

Episode 18: What's Possible: The Accidental Shopkeeper with a Thriving Store (A Retailer Case Study)

Episode 10: "Making it Work with No Foot Traffic" a Retailer Spotlight with Lisa Casey

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. my signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/get-your-shop-holiday-ready-now-episode-170/

The time has come! It's now mid-August and before you know it, the holiday shopping season will be here. Your shop will be full of customers, your profits will be high, and you'll be feeling GREAT. But wait, how do you get there? I'm here to help!

Over my 10 years in this business, I have found that retailers who are most successful going into the holiday season have two things in common: (1) a good mindset and (2) a plan in place.

Here's how I'm helping retailers like you get ready for this holiday season!

1. I'm hosting a FREE live Holiday Prep Workshop August 28th at 4pm ET. I'll talk you through some things you'll want to have in place so your holiday retail season goes smoothly. Learn more and register here!

2. For podcast listeners, Grab my free Holiday Podcast Playlist! Over the years, we've had some incredible conversations here on the podcast about all things Q4 so I decided to curate a playlist for you with the best of CST holiday podcast episodes. You can grab it HERE.

3. If you've been on the fence about joining my Retailer's Inner Circle, the time is NOW. We start our full Holiday Boot Camp in September - it is a five part plan to give you all the steps you need for a successful end of the year. We host it inside the Retailer's Inner Circle and it is all new and revamped this year. Come be part of the conversation. As you know, we also have countless masterclasses and a great community rich with conversation and ideas from retailers all over the world. This is where you'll find your people!

Thanks for listening today! I hope to see your smiling faces on August 28th for the Holiday Prep Workshop. If you have any questions about the services I offer for retailers, jump into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! I'd love to help.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Grab the Holiday Playlist HERE.

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/169/

Hard truth to start off the podcast today: More sales will not necessarily make you more profit! I am a firm believer and you all hopefully know by now that I do not believe in chasing sales. Today on the podcast we are going to talk through 5 ways you can improve your profit margins and why you should. Let's work together on building a business that works for us, not the other way around. Here we go!

1. Price your goods properly. We have a whole Buying & Pricing Masterclass in the Retailer's Inner Circle, but the short explanation is not to just use MSRP, copy your neighbors, etc.

"Being 'nicely' priced is going to put us out of business." -Wendy Batten

2. Buy your merchandise properly. This is when you make your money! Think strategically about your margins when you are purchasing from vendors, at trade shows, etc.Find sell offs and walk away from low margin items.

3. Strategically place your products with the highest margins in the most visible, high traffic areas of your shop.

4. Demo your products. Let your customers touch, feel, see how they work. Trust me - this works! You can demo with ANY products in your shop.

5. Bundle your higher margin products with other products. Offer different price points for your bundles, offer themed bundles, etc.

Taking small steps to feel more confident in your financials is key to feeling good and in control of your beautiful business. By analyzing your profit margins, you are on your way.

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with at least one of your business besties!

If you are looking for more, remember that my Retailer's Inner Circle is always open. The perfect time for you to join us is NOW - ahead of Q4 and right before we start talking holiday sales! You'll get access to tons of masterclasses (including my Buying and Pricing Masterclass referenced in this episode!) You'll also have full access to Retail Made Simple, my signature course and an exclusive Facebook group full of like-minded retailers from all over the world. Jump in today!

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 109 - Money Mindset, Abundance, and Bad Ideas with Guest Expert Emily King

Episode 104 - Tight on Cash Flow? Let's Turn Your Old Inventory Into Cash for You

Episode 89 - Money Talk & Mindset with Profits First Coach April Stroink

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/merchandising-to-sell-intuitive-merchandising-episode-168/

Today on the podcast we are digging into the library of resources inside my Retailer's Inner Circle to learn a little bit more about merchandising. I talk a lot on this podcast about the various masterclasses my members have access to inside the Inner Circle, and I'm sharing one helpful section with you today. I'm sharing part 2 of my 5 part Merchandising to Sell Masterclass and discussing intuitive layouts with you. Let's dive in.

Two Types of Layouts

1. Free Flow Merchandising essentially means to send customers down a particular path. Paths should be free of dead ends and set up in such a way that customers do not miss entire sections of your shop.

2. Aisles are just like they sound: typical of grocery stores. Aisle merchandising can sound cold, but it's extremely effective if done properly.

To build the best layout for your customers, you'll want to observe your customers in the shop. See how they move through your displays and note anything they might be missing.

Once you've found any holes in your merchandising plan, you can create more intuitive and intentional displays to attract your customers. Ensure similar use items are together. (Example: don't separate paint brushes from your paint!) Make it easy for your customers to find and understand things within your shop!

Re-merchandising is an amazing way to make your shop feel fresh, but be sure that you aren't changing something that is working.

Focus on the entrance of your shop.

1. Make the first impression unforgettable (in a good way!)

2. Don't put your highest ticket items by the door.

3. Use good lighting and make sure it is clean and spacious.

4. Ensure nothing is blocking the sightlines through your shop.

5. Know that customers typically go to the right when they come in - put your cash wrap to the left if it needs to be in the front of your shop.

6. All senses should be activated: good sights, sounds, smells, etc.

There is no better time to re-merchandise your shop than Q3: typically summer has slowed things down - it's the calm before the Q4 storm! It's also a good time for professional development. We are currently welcoming new members into the Retailer's Inner Circle and would love to have you. If this conversation sparked something in you today and you'd like more, join us. We'd love to have you.

Your Homework Listen to the podcast episode on Customer Journey Mapping and walk your store from the entrance with fresh eyes. Begin observing your customers and watching how they flow through your shop.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 156: 6 Proven Ways to Improve Your Shop's Merchandising

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/167/

Show Notes:

Today on the podcast, I'm talking with artist and retailer Deanne Fitzpatrick of Deanne Fitzpatrick Studio about her passion as an artist to keep people connected through creativity. This episode is all about keeping passion in your retail business. For Deanne and her customers, rug hooking is a meditative "place to go," much like journaling, exercise, or prayer. She has been slowly growing and building her creative retail business from an in-home studio to a downtown retail space in Amherst, Nova Scotia with a team of 14 over the past 30 years.

"When I'm creating … My intention is to create from a place of soulfulness." Deanne Fitzpatrick

Deanne explains throughout the episode that her business centers around her passion for the art of rug hooking. Over the years, she has been able to expand her business by adding revenue streams that are compatible and complementary to selling not only everything her rug hooking customers need but also her finished pieces, monthly subscriptions, kits, memberships, retreats/workshops, wholesale, and authoring multiple books.

One of the things Deanne highlights in our conversation is that not all opportunities are ones you should jump on; or, in other words, just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

The business advice she has always given and follows is to center your business around what you are most passionate about. We love this advice.

Deanne has also put a lot of effort and focus on community and making her studio space feel like "home." A few examples she gives is that she offers her customers tea and her rug runners in the shop are handmade and comfy, not industrial. She also has bunting hanging from the ceilings so her shop feels and looks more like a working studio than a retail shop.

Atmosphere and vibe matter.

"I think of my business as an art project." - Deanne Fitzpatrick

Deanne is clear with her role in her business: (1) making art (2) writing (3) guidance and business development. She employs capable, passionate people and empowers them with the knowledge and opportunity to make decisions and to help with the rest.

"In being good to our customers, we also have to be fair to ourselves and our staff." - Deanne Fitzpatrick

We also touched a bit on social media marketing as well. Deanne's advice is to pay close attention to the marketing efforts of someone you have chosen to follow closely. Being a "follower" of someone else's business online can remind us what our followers may want/need from us.

In the Words of Deanne:

"I hook nearly every day. I cannot stop myself. I like the feel of wool slipping through my fingers. My goal is to live simply, and make hooked rugs that are unmistakably art.

Rug hooking is full of possibilities. It has changed my life, and been a powerful force in changing the lives of the people I have met through it. I have learned that art, craft and handmade can totally change the way you view the world and how you feel about it.

My style of rug hooking, with its meditative qualities, and its freedom from rules adds beauty to our world and is therapeutic on its own. It is joyful, powerful and transformative. It is not about being perfect, it is about creating beauty everyday.

I have a retail studio in Amherst Nova Scotia where I work with an amazing group of talented people. We create classes, kits, patterns and supplies available online. I have written eight books about creativity and rug hooking, and exhibited widely in public and private galleries."

Visit Deanne in her studio or online at www.hookingrugs.com

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 149: Retailer Success Stories: How Two Friends Turned a Creative Hobby into a Successful Retail Business

Episode 106: Multi-Passionate Jo Packham and The Creative Business Journey

Episode 35: Five Tips for Finding Success as a Creative Retailer

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. my signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/166/

You've made it to Part 4 of the Simple Sales Strategy Series! Today we are talking about Return Customer Rate.

So what is a Return Customer Rate? Your Return Customer Rate is calculated by dividing the number of customers who have made more than one purchase from your store by the total number of customers you've had during a given timeframe. It's the percentage of your customers who are coming back again.

Your POS system likely gives you this number. Keep in mind that figuring out your return customer rate isn't a perfect science. Your POS system likely tracks return customers by the credit/debit cards they use, so customers who pay in cash might fly under the radar.

So now that you have your return customer rate handy, give it a quick analysis. At first glance, a high rate might seem like something to celebrate, but keep in mind that super high return rates might mean that you aren't acquiring new customers. On the other hand, if our return rate is low, we might be acquiring tons of new customers but if they aren't coming back we need to know why. Unfortunately, there is no ideal return customer rate, but much like the rest of this series, knowing and analyzing your return customer rate is super empowering and important to your marketing strategy and the tactics you put in place to achieve success in your strategy.

"[You need to understand]...where to spend your time and your energy…so that you are not just doing random acts of marketing." - Wendy Batten

So let's recap: Know your numbers: Conversion rate, average order value, and return customer rate. Know how many people are coming into your shop. Identify where you want to improve your numbers and ideally what you want them to be. (This is your STRATEGY.) Next, attach TACTICS (how you are going to implement your strategy) and get to work implementing.

This is truly where the magic happens. Retailers who are intentional with their marketing strategies build strong, healthy businesses.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 165: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Increasing Your Average Order Value

Episode 164: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Foot Traffic and Conversion

Episode 163: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Where to Start

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/165/

Welcome to part 3 of the Simple Sales Strategy Series! Today, we are digging into your average order value. Your average order is likely a number that your POS system is reporting for you. It is the average value of all of the sales you make in your shop over a specified period of time. Simply divide total revenue by the number of orders.

Many retailers think they don't have any control over what customers are spending in their shops, but guess what? You absolutely do. What if you could increase each of your sales by 2%, 5%, $10…? What would that mean for your business?

This isn't about getting "salesy" or being manipulative. It's about making sales. We are here to run and optimize profitable businesses while serving our customers in the best ways we can.

Here are just a few ideas for increasing your average order value without feeling salesy:

1. Make a "bestsellers list" and display it in the shop.

2. Ensure staff is trained properly on your core products.

3. Merchandise to SELL.

4. Complete a customer journey map. (Episode 144)

5. Have a grab and go section at checkout.

Your Homework:

Use your POS system to figure out your average order value over a specified period of time. Then, figure out where you want it to be. Next, figure out HOW you are going to change your marketing strategy to get it done. Which tactics are you going to employ to get your AOV up while serving your customers with a better shop experience? If everything else stays the same in your shop (foot traffic, conversion), what would this increased number do for you?

We are deep diving into all of this inside of my Retailer's Inner Circle this month and having a ton of fun doing it. Want to join us? You can! The doors are always open in the Inner Circle.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 164: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Foot Traffic and Conversion

Episode 163: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Where to Start

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 118: How to Create Loyalty and Amazing Customer Experiences with Guest Expert & Author, Shep Hyken

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/164-2/

So now that you've built your audience and people in your community are aware of you (covered in Episode 162), what do we do next? Today, we are going to talk about how and why we measure foot traffic and customer conversion rates. Both numbers are very simple to figure out, so stay with me even if it sounds elementary at first!

How to Measure Foot Traffic and Conversion Rate

Step 1: Literally to count everyone that comes in the door over a specific period of time! You can do this with a digital counter or with a post-it by the cash wrap with tally marks.

Step 2: Add up the number of sales you had during the timeframe. A POS system can give you this information, as well as your average order value.

Step 3: Divide the number of sales by the number of people who came in the door. That's all there is to it!

Example: 100 people came in the door, we made 50 sales. Conversion rate = 50%

Now that you have your conversion rate, what's next? Knowing the foot traffic, conversion rate, and average order value numbers for your business is extremely empowering. Once you know your numbers, you can identify how you want to build your marketing strategy to push the gas and grow your business. This episode is all about empowering you once you have these numbers. There are countless ideas on how to increase foot traffic, average order value, and conversion rates, but we need to market with intention.

If you've got a shop on a busy street with foot traffic coming in all day long but your conversion rate is only 3%, you might want to build a strategy around increasing your conversion rate and order value, not necessarily your foot traffic. On the other hand, if you are a destination shop in the middle of the country with a conversion rate of 75% but with only 4 customers per day, you might want to build a strategy around increasing the foot traffic and average order value.

Your Homework: Over the next month, track your foot traffic and conversion rate so you have a benchmark. Knowing these numbers will shed light on where there may be gaps in your marketing strategy and where you might want to push the gas a little bit.

We are deep diving into all of this inside of my Retailer's Inner Circle this month. As a member, you will have full access to all of my masterclasses, once-a-month group coaching, and a monthly Roundtable discussion with other members of the group. Plus, our Facebook community is vibrant with heart-centered business owners. It's an incredible group of people who are always sharing ideas and helping out. I'd be honored to have you.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 162: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Where to Start

Episode 145: How to Market Promotional Events in Your Shop

Episode 107: Turn Browsers into Buyers

Episode 103: Increase Sales with Your Silent Salesperson: Signage

Episode 93: How to Wow and Delight Your Customers and Keep Them Coming Back

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

Get ready for my new four part series on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast: The Simple Sales Strategy Series starts TODAY!

What this series is NOT about: chasing sales and hustling harder. What this series IS about: (1) Building that beautiful business within the communities you love and want to support and (2) Being intentional with your marketing and time so your business can thrive. I want you to have time to live the life you intended to when you opened your shop!

As you listen in on this four part series, continually ask yourself the following questions:

1. Why is this business important to me?

2. Where do I want it to take me?

3. How am I going to get where I want to be? (HINT: It's not about chasing sales! It's about serving your customers and community and growing your audience so you have more eyeballs on your beautiful business.)

"We have to have heart … but we really need to pay attention to making sure that we are being profitable, getting paychecks, and keeping that joy bucket filled as we grow." - Wendy Batten

Week 1 Topic: Your Attract Strategy - Understanding Audience Building

There are SO many ways to build your audience, but first understand that you need to put in the effort to make sure you are building your audience. Here are so questions to ask yourself to get you started:

1. What are you doing to build your audience?

2. How are you ensuring that your community knows about your shop?

3. How are you engaging with your audience?

4. What are you doing this week to get more people to know about your shop?

5. Is your brand messaging clear?

6. Are you searchable outside of social media?

7. Who needs to know about your business?

Next week on the podcast we are talking foot traffic and how to convert browsers into buyers. See you then!

If you need more support or are ready to take the next step in your business, I would LOVE for you to join the retailers inside the Retailer's Inner Circle. As a member, you will have full access to all of my masterclasses, once-a-month group coaching, and a monthly Roundtable discussion with other members of the group. Plus, our Facebook community is vibrant with heart-centered business owners. It's an incredible group of people who are always sharing ideas and helping out. I'd be honored to have you.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 158: Best of Series: Becoming a Destination Shop

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 31: 7 Strategies to Attract Foot Traffic to your Brick + Mortar

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/162/

Today we're looking into what we can be doing in Q3 to set ourselves up for success in Q4

Independent shop owners have enough on their plates, lets make sure we making things easier for ourselves.

If you need more support or are ready to take the next step in your business, I would LOVE for you to join the retailers inside the Retailer's Inner Circle. As a member, you will have full access to all of my masterclasses, once-a-month group coaching, and a monthly Roundtable discussion with other members of the group. Plus, our Facebook community is vibrant with heart-centered business owners. It's an incredible group of people who are always sharing ideas and helping out. I'd be honored to have you.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 158: Best of Series: Becoming a Destination Shop

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 31: 7 Strategies to Attract Foot Traffic to your Brick + Mortar

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/161/

I recently hosted 12 of my Level Up Mastermind members at a 2-day retreat in Orlando, FL. Members came from all over the US, Canada, and even one from New Zealand! The experience was profound on so many levels that I felt compelled to share some lessons and takeaways with you here on the podcast.

First of all, there is a lot to be said about meeting in person! Only a few members (me included) had met prior to this gathering. We meet on Zoom once a month and have weekly drop-in calls but the camaraderie and community seems to become magical when you meet up with such a strong group of like-minded people in person. It's so important to remember that we are not alone in running our retail businesses! Be on the lookout for an upcoming episode of the podcast where my Level Up Mastermind members share their best tips. It's going to be so good!

Secondly, my retailers are all at different stages of business, but most are in the "refinement" and "growth" stages as identified below.

Three Seasons of Business:

1. Building: Becoming known in your community, building your brand

2. Refinement: Finding your groove, the "messy middle," understanding your numbers

3. Growth: Role as CEO is expanding, adding revenue streams, the "sweet spot"

But you came for the meat and potatoes of the retreat. Here they are!

6 Lessons and Takeaways from my Mastermind

1. Find your momentum (or relocate it).

Feeling drained, uninspired, or unmotivated are common and usually come from not having a clear direction. But remember! Goals love action. Step into the role of CEO and ask yourself: What do I need to regain that momentum? What needs to change? Do I need to talk to a like-minded biz buddy? Join a group? Take a vacation?

We can't live in our comfort zone. We have to do the work we don't like or don't want to do.

"The best we can do is to keep asking for help and accepting it when we can. And if you keep on doing that, you'll always be moving towards better." -Higgins, Ted Lasso

2. Revisit the goals you set for your business and lifestyle. Ask yourself: What do I want from my business now? Five years from now? Am I building a brand that is an asset that is sellable or an empire that serves you for many years? The bonus around being business owners is that we get to choose who we serve.

You need to know what YOU need from your business. Ask yourself: Am I getting the paycheck I need? Am I building an asset? Do I have time freedom? Remember: This looks different for everyone.

3. Understand where your money is going.

Stop chasing sales if you haven't figured out your margins, expenses, payroll, your paycheck, profits. You must dig into your numbers and understand the basics of where all of your money is going.

If you need more help with this topic, you need to be in the Inner Circle over the next two months as we deep dive into this ahead of our Holiday Boot Camp.

"The person who doesn't know where his next dollar is coming from usually doesn't know where his last dollar went."

4. Your brand message/image/personality is crucial.

We had a special guest at the retreat, Mr. Adam Blackwell. Mr. Blackwell owns an advertising agency and runs many other successful small businesses alongside Mrs. Millie Blackwell. Mrs. Blackwell attended as a member of my Level Up Mastermind. Even across multiple seemingly different businesses, their branding is unique and unified.

A great tip Mr. Blackwell gave us was to think of your brand as a person. Give them a personality and even a name. Ensure that across all platforms your brand is cohesive.

Check out their businesses on instagram: @blackwellandsons and @thevillagebookshop

5. Stop wasting time on tactics and vanity metrics and get real and curious about strategy and metrics.

Doing so will get you more predictable sales. We worked on understanding how to implement SIMPLE REAL SALES and MARKETING strategies.

Focus on the following:

Understanding your audience and who needs to know us and HOW we can get better known and our brand out there

How to pull those people from lurkers to shoppers and then raving fans

Knowing how to measure so that you can have more predictable sales, paychecks, time off.

If you need more help with this topic, you need to be in the Inner Circle over the next two months as we deep dive into this ahead of our Holiday Boot Camp.

6. Brainstorming with a community of like-minded retail shop owners is magical.

Hey! I built a container just for this! Why reinvent the wheel? There are countless years of experience within my Retailers' Inner Circle. As a member you'll have access to really cool shop owners and their shops, tons of masterclasses you can access on your own time, and the ability to brainstorm and bounce ideas off of YOUR people. Not to mention, we have two scheduled opportunities every month for live coaching calls and Roundtables.

I hope this was helpful to you and remember, you can always reach out to me via my website or on social. I would LOVE to see you in my Inner Circle this month!

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 149: Retailer Success Series: How Two Friends Turned a Creative Hobby into a Successful Retail Business

Episode 133: Retailer Success Series: Community, Culture, and CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh

Episode 132: Retailer Success Series: Community Marketing Strategies with Millie Blackwell

Episode 122: Retail Success Series: CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis from Louisville Mercantile

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

Many of our creative businesses start as passion projects because we truly love what we are doing. However, we all know by now that running a business takes more than passion. Today I'm talking with Leanne Pressly, founder and CEO of Stitchcraft Marketing, about all things social media: an aspect of our businesses that creatives often overlook. Stitchcraft Marketing is a digital marketing agency that specializes in helping fiber and fabric companies with social media strategy and execution.

Throughout the episode, you'll hear so many nuggets of wisdom from Leanne about social media strategy.

Here are some of the social media pointers we dig into:

1.Keep it simple. Instead of managing 4 social media poorly, cut it back and focus on the one you are most familiar and comfortable with.

2.Be sure that you keep alert to changes happening on the platform you use because the social media landscape changes fast and often.

3.Post consistently and stay engaged with your audience.

4.Lean into your competitive advantage: YOU are your brand and you have that advantage over the big box stores.

5.Use ChatGPT for ideation, not as a replacement for blog posts/content.

Some tips for being efficient when managing your social media strategy:

1.Enlist the help of apps like Trello and Canva.

2.Use a content calendar to reference what you want to focus on.

3.Batch your content.

4.Schedule your content in advance.

We also touched on what's hot right now in the social media universe (May 2023): (1) Short Form video and (2) Facebook moving away from Business Pages and Groups and into profiles that were converted from Individual pages into Professional Mode and (3) the rise of TikTok (4) live selling (CommentSold).

About Leanne:

Leanne Pressly is an accomplished entrepreneur and businesswoman with extensive experience in the craft and hobby industry. She is the CEO and Founder of Stitchcraft Marketing, a digital marketing agency that specializes in helping fiber and fabric companies with social media strategy and execution.

Under Leanne's leadership, Stitchcraft Marketing has grown into a leading digital marketing agency in the craft industry, working with clients ranging from independent craft shops to major craft brands such as Olfa, Bernina, Knitter's Pride and h+h Americas. Leanne is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and events where she shares her expertise in digital marketing and entrepreneurship. She also hosts the podcast, Business of Craft showcasing topics to help craft retailers thrive.

In her free time, Leanne enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with her family in the Colorado outdoors. She is also an avid maker particularly in the areas of knitting, quilting and collage art.

Find Leanne at www.stitchcraftmarketing.com

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 123: How To Find a VA for your Brick and Mortar Business with Guest Expert Emily Reagan

Episode 134: Easier Content & Copywriting with Guest Expert Lacy Boggs

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/159/

What do you need to have in place to have a solid business? What would you need to have in place should you decide to sell your business? "But I'll never sell! This is my passion!" Never say never. Sometimes opportunities present themselves out of nowhere, or situations arise, and you never know when you may need to pivot. There are four key areas that ALL shop owners need to have organized and under control. Today we are discussing your finances, systems, reputation, and growing your customer list. All of these are avenues to being able to sell, franchise, or expand your business. Making sure these KEY foundational systems are in place will demonstrate professionalism, show growth, and bring bigger opportunities your way. It will also give you total control by understanding the back end of your business and proving that it is viable and healthy. So grab your coffee and a pencil and take some serious notes on how to be a true CEO and prepare for any opportunities that may arise!

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 148: Four Thing Every Retailer Should Do Before Signing a Lease

Episode 109: Money Mindset, Abundance and Bad Ideas with Guest Expert Emily King

Episode 89: Money Talk & Mindset with Profits First Coach April Stroink

Episode 87: Retail Success Series: The Journey to CEO Level Confidence with Stacey Allgood

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/158/

Isn't it flattering and exciting when customers make a day around visiting your shop!? Doesn't it make you a little teary when people make visiting your shop a special event!? Today we're talking about how to build that business that attracts all of the customers for all the right reasons. It's time to widen the net and become THE destination shop! We have the opportunity to not just sell things, but truly create an experience for people and make them feel something. And this should be at the top of your list, and in order to make it happen, you have to know your ideal customer. We discuss so many ideas in this episode on HOW you can get your customers excited to come in and experience your shop. Whether you own a bookstore, a vintage shop, a home decor store, a jewelry store, or a paint store - we've got you covered. So, are you asking yourself the following questions…? *What is something your ideal customer would love? *What is it that your customers don't love? *Are you building a community? *Are you creating an EXPERIENCE? Overall, it's all about trust, community, being 100% yourself, and intentional planning. None of this happens by accident. Let's dive in and not just focus on our great inventory, but focus on expanding our customer footprint and becoming the beautiful business and attraction you were meant to be. Let's keep our shops enjoyable not only for our customers, but for us as well!

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 156: 6 Proven Ways to Improve Your Shop's Merchandising

Episode 143: How to Plan and Host Successful Events in Your Shop

Episode 107: Turn Browsers into Buyers

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/157/

I'm so excited to introduce you to Jeff Lee! We have been working together for quite some time and Jeff has such an incredible story that I think will be really helpful to you.

Jeff calls himself an accidental entrepreneur like so many of us do. He started painting furniture and quickly turned into a gift shop, purchasing wholesale products. His growth journey from booth space to 7000 sq feet and running a profitable retail business has not always been linear.

Jeff has seen the highs and the lows of business and gotten through it by putting on his CEO hat, digging in and doing the work. One thing Jeff will share with us is how he's made hard decisions about product lines, branding, etc…including truly listening to what his customers want.

Jeff will also share how he's turned his shop into a local destination shop. From merchandising, product lines, the smell of his store, the lighting, the layout, the conversations - Jeff has mastered the FEEL of his store to bring in more customers again and again.

I know that when you listen to Jeff's journey and understand his mindset - you will gain so many takeaways!

In retail, it's always: Start. Grow. Shift. Grow. Learn. Grow. Rinse. Repeat.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 88: Retail Success Series: Making Pivotal (and scary) CEO Decisions with Retailer Melanie Kolb Episode 87: Retail Success Series: The Journey to CEO Level Confidence with Stacey Allgood

Episode 39: Retailer Success Series: How Jill Went from Hobbyist to Creative CEO

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

https://wendybatten.com/156/

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

In this episode of The Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I'm sharing six essential merchandising tips for small independent shop owners. These tips aim to attract customers and encourage sales and loyalty, making your business strong and healthy.

Good merchandising can increase your sales with both new arrivals but also slower moving items. By following these tips, you'll be better positioned to welcome, engage, and increase sales from merchandising in your shop right now! I encourage you to implement the following tips by this weekend and report back on how it helped your sales.

Offering repeat exposure on select items can maximize sales using cross-merchandising or multiple merchandising.

Consistent signage throughout the space can effectively communicate with customers.

Point out best sellers, locally made goods, quotes, etc.

Maximize the POS area with store information and inventory to increase sales.

Advertise return policy in a fun way, post upcoming events, merchandise grab-and-go goods

Identify your ideal customers and merchandise the store accordingly.

Have unscalable conversations to figure out pain points for customers

Offering how-to-tips within your displays can engage customers and encourage them to spend more money.

Utilize QR codes and tip sheets

Make use of prime real estate spots in the store to enhance the overall store merchandising experience.

Maximize the best spots for high return items

For additional support, join me and my fab retailers inside the Retailer's Inner Circle for full access to my 5 Day Merchandising Series Masterclass, the Ideal Customer Workshop, and my signature course: Retail Made Simple.

This episode is sponsored by:

H+H Americas

Join me at the h+h americas trade show if you are in the creative or craft business. Here are the details:

h+h americas trade show

Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont

Chicago, IL

Dates: June 21-23, 2023 (Masterclasses start on June 20)

https://www.hh-americas.com/

Tickets on sale: March 15, 2023, use promo code CST23 to get free access to the exhibit floor

I'll be hosting sessions on Hobby Mindset to CEO and How to Throw an Amazing Workshop/Event in your retail shop.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 55: Unscalable Conversations – A Free, Simple and Powerful Marketing Tool To Use

Episode 58: 3 Simple Sales Metrics Retailers Need to Measure for Better Sales

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

Notes:

Today's episode is all about the importance of prioritizing our energy, space, and mindset to achieve sustainable retail growth. It's a "sister show" and a continuation from episode 154 with my guest, retailer Christie Carter-Tokairin. (Go have a listen here).

Let's set the boundaries we need to keep life in our lifestyle businesses.

Key points I dig into in this episode:

Rest is essential - it's NOT a reward.

Excellent leadership requires boundaries and systems to protect ourselves from burnout.

Setting "yellow lines" or boundaries is vital for protecting ourselves and our business.

The golden egg analogy reminds us that taking care of ourselves is crucial for the success of our business.

If you struggle with boundary setting, start with these habits:

Communicate effectively with your staff and family about the boundaries you are setting.

Establish and stick to a schedule. Set your working hours and ensure your family and staff know these hours.

Delegate tasks to your staff and don't micromanage them.

Unplug from your work.

Schedule days off and vacations - rest is not a reward, it is essential!

Utilize systems/tools that can help: binders at the counter to communicate with staff, auto responders on email, clear voicemail messages etc.

Thank you for listening to Creative Shop Talk. Remember to prioritize your energy, space, and mindset, and set boundaries to achieve sustainable business growth. Join me next time for more insights into the world of creative entrepreneurship.

"You are the golden egg. You are the biggest asset [of your business]. If you don't take care of yourself, your business will fall apart." - Wendy Batten

This week's episode is sponsored by: H+H Americas

Join me at the h+h americas trade show if you are in the creative or craft business. Here are the details:

h+h americas trade show

Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont

Chicago, IL

Dates: June 21-23, 2023 (Masterclasses start on June 20)

https://www.hh-americas.com/, tickets here:

Tickets on sale: March 15, 2023, use promo code CST23 to get free access to the exhibit floor

Other episodes you may enjoy…

Episode 154: Retail Success Series: Christie Carter-Tokairin 10 Years In

Episode 122: Retail Success Series: CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis from Louisville Mercantile

Episode 33: The CEO Date: A Non-Negotiable Habit is Key to Creative CEO Success

Episode 70: Encore Series: You're Not Just a Shopkeeper, You're a Creative CEO

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

Notes:

Today I'm chatting with Christie Carter-Tokairin, a fabulous retailer seeing such great success throughout her 10 years in business at her beautiful shop, Revived Vintage. Christie has been an active and invested member of The Retailer's Inner Circle since it began. I'm so proud to have her share some of her wisdom and some of her success secrets as she navigates her 10th year as a small shop owner of a successful creative retail business.

We discuss throughout the episode some of the biggest issues facing so many independent shop owners: (1) building and nurturing community with customers and in your real community, (2) working full time with your husband, (3) navigating mental health and being true to what matters, (4) how to have boundaries around your business (Christie doesn't bring her laptop home at night), and so much more.

"I used to think that if I was working on my business every minute of every day, it would grow faster, better, stronger. And I did that when it first opened, and I found that that was actually not true at all." - Christie Carter-Tokairin

Pay particular attention to our conversation about taking care of ourselves, letting things go, and being open and honest about our mental health. She also shares my passion for being community minded in your town. Being a good active member of your own town has such an incredible ROI on your mind and pocketbook.

"There is no gold metal for hustling." - Wendy Batten

She exemplifies a shop owner doing it her way, making decisions based on life first, then around her beautiful business. It's very inspiring.

So, let's go and listen in on our chat about life and business as a small shop owner!

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

About Christie

She has been reviving furniture for over 25 years and is well known, in both Alberta and British Columbia for her creative designs, knowledge of refinishing, the quality of her work and attention to detail. Her husband Craig has been sanding, repairing and building right alongside her and with his knowledge of refinishing and corporate career experience, this is a true family run, passion driven small business.

Christie and Craig have been featured in numerous newspapers and magazine articles, as well as interviewed on CBC radio. Their business model and logo were featured in a University Business Marketing program and in 2018, Christie was nominated for Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Qualicum Beach Community Awards.

Christie and Craig are celebrating their 10th business anniversary this summer!

Christie has been an active member of the Retailer's Inner Circle since its inception, and one to follow.

Follow Revived Vintage on Facebook

Follow Revived Vintage on Instagram

Website: Revived Vintage

Other episodes you may enjoy…

Episode 88: Retailer Success Series: Making Pivotal (and scary) CEO Decisions with Retailer Melanie Kolb

Episode 113: Retail Success Series: Growth Mindset with Jeff Lee from The Vintage Nest

Episode 133: Retailer Success Series: Community, Culture, and CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh

Episode 132: Retailer Success Series: Community Marketing Strategies with Millie Blackwell | Episode 132

Episode 39: Retailer Success Series: How Jill Went from Hobbyist to Creative CEO

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

Notes:

Do you watch The Lost Kitchen? Do you know entrepreneur Erin French?

Her approach to business has inspired me, so today I'm sharing some of my leadership and customer experience takeaways from Erin French, owner and chef of The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine.

"In order to be successful in business, you need to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and be willing to adapt and pivot when necessary." - Erin French

https://wendybatten.com/153/

In this episode, you'll hear 4 business lessons that women (and men) in leadership can learn from Erin. Erin French's success story offers inspiration and practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses and achieve a healthy work-life balance. The episode covers the importance of passion, unique selling propositions, staff management, effective marketing, and financial management; with a focus on how these lessons can be applied by small shop owners. I'll give you in-depth examples and practical tips for each of these takeaways.

"The key to success in business is not just about having a great product or service, it's about creating a strong brand and marketing it effectively to your target audience." - Erin French

This episode is a must-listen for any woman in leadership looking for support and guidance in running a profitable and sustainable business.

About Erin French

Erin French is the owner, chef, and creative mastermind behind The Lost Kitchen, a renowned and very unique 40-seat restaurant housed in a historic mill in Freedom, Maine. Erin authored Finding Freedom: A Cook's Story; Remaking a Life from Scratch. The Lost Kitchen's tremendous story is featured in Magnolia Network's The Lost Kitchen.

Website: https://www.findthelostkitchen.com/

Instagram: @thelostkitchen

This week's episode is sponsored by: H+H Americas

Join me at the h+h americas trade show if you are in the creative or craft business. Here are the details:

h+h americas trade show

Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont

Chicago, IL

Dates: June 21-23, 2023 (Masterclasses start on June 20)

https://www.hh-americas.com/

Tickets on sale: March 15, 2023, use promo code CST23 to get free access to the exhibit floor

Other episodes you may enjoy…

Episode 142: How to Make Real Progress in Your Business with Guest Expert Richard Ralston

Episode 98: My Top Business Books for Retailers

Episode 109: Money Mindset, Abundance and Bad Ideas with Guest Expert Emily King

Key SEO words: Erin French, The Lost Kitchen, passion, unique selling proposition, staff management, effective marketing, financial management, sustainable business.

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/152/

Today we are answering a listener's question about hosting outside vendors for pop-up shows/markets in your retail space. We'll deep dive into what hosting a pop-up vendor(s) could mean for your shop, why you should consider it, and a few key tips on what works when it comes to hosting these types of events.

In this podcast you will discover:

The benefits of hosting pop-up vendors are two fold: (1) it is a great attract strategy to get a new audience of people into your shop and (2) it is a great way to nurture your existing customers by giving them something new and exciting.

Invite vendors who align with your brand, your space, and your customers. (Specific examples are in the episode!)

Themed pop-up events throughout the year are a great opportunity to invite local makers/artists/community members/brand reps & experts into your shop and increase visibility.

It is important to have the details (including fee, if applicable) in writing prior to the event. Charging vendors (or not) to pop-up in your shop takes consideration and there are times when it is necessary. Listen in for specifics on that hot topic!

BONUS IDEA: Hype up your vendor by marketing (FB live, IG live) from THEIR location.

"It's a wonderful thing to have a vendor in your shop in a different capacity to give your customers something exciting to look forward to." - Wendy Batten

Listen to the full episode for more details. Let's work together on new ideas to bring in some new customers to your business and nurture your current ones!

This episode is sponsonsored by:

If you are ready to level up your retail business join the Retailer's Inner Circle THE go-to for independent shop owners to connect, learn and grow.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 69: Becoming a Destination Shop

Episode 143: How to Plan & Host Successful Events and Promotions in Your Shop

Episode 145: How to Market Promotional Events in Your Shop

Episode 129: Community Attract Strategies with Inner Circle Member Michelle Emmons

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

Show Notes:

Hard conversations can feel awkward. You like your retail staff, but you have to bring up some things that are not going right and need attention. Maybe you "let it go" and grit your teeth. In today's episode, we're going to discuss a topic that many of my clients face and some tips you can use to make these conversations easier: how to have difficult conversations with good staff.

Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

It's essential to have policies and procedures in place, even if you have a small team. This will help you maintain a healthy work environment and avoid any misunderstandings. Do

To start a difficult conversation, use these three sentences: 1) "Here's what I would like you to stop doing," 2) "Here's what I would like you to start doing," and 3) "Here's what I would like you to keep doing."

When addressing the issue, be specific, and clear, and provide examples. Offer solutions and reinforce positive behaviors.

If you're struggling to find the right words or approach, seek guidance from a coach or mentor.

"You have to keep the ship upright. We have to keep things moving smoothly, and you deserve to have a business being run the way you want to run it. Your vision matters." - Wendy Batten

Remember that as a leader, you set the culture, and it's your responsibility to ensure that your team members are meeting the standards you've established. Difficult conversations may be uncomfortable, but they're necessary for the success of your business.

Listen to the full episode for more details. Let's keep your retail shop a happy place for both you and your staff.

"In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity." - Albert Einstein

If you are ready to level up your retail business join the Retailer's Inner Circle or reach connect with Wendy for one on one coaching here.

Resources Mentioned:

Retailer's Inner Circle

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 139: 6 Things to Focus on in 2023

Episode 33: This Non-Negotiable Habit is Key to Creative CEO Success

Episode 78: Retailer Success Stories: Learning to Level Up with Amy Hart

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/151/

Show Notes

We all get caught up in what we "should" be doing in marketing, but what if that doesn't jive with your vision for your business? What if it doesn't feel authentic? Today on the podcast, I'm chatting with Natalie Davison: marketing guru, multi-passionate award-winning REALTOR®, and self-proclaimed local cheerleader about just that. She and I take a deep dive into this conversation on why being true to yourself matters in order to stay in alignment with your vision in business and in life.

"The most important thing for not only entrepreneurs, but every human I know, is to have a vision for the impact that they are going to create on the world..." - Natalie Davison

Throughout the discussion, we'll also discuss why shopping local business is important (and why YOUR business specifically is important to YOUR community), how to create/reflect on your vision for your business (and life), why knowing the vision for your business is of utmost importance, and why it should drive your marketing decisions.

We also get into the exercise of "The Five Whys" that, when reflected upon, will help uncover some of the most driving forces behind your vision and how your work can change your community and future.

Tips on Staying in Alignment with your Vision/Being True to Yourself

Identify your vision and really dig deep on The Five Whys.

Find an effective avenue for becoming confident with your voice/business/vision, i.e. therapy, coaching, etc.

Realize that your "Attract Strategy" is just as important as your "Repel Strategy."

"...And isn't it amazing how you will attract clients who don't value what's amazing about you when you don't value what's amazing about you? And what's amazing about you is what's unique about you. So the things that we are most ashamed of are usually the things we try to hide are usually the things that make us different, that are usually the things that are most amazing." - Natalie Davison

Know that it is okay to have a "non-sales" pitch and take necessary breaks as long as when you show up, you are being authentic to your true self and vision.

If your goal is to build/support your community, a small dedicated following on social media is more beneficial than a huge worldwide one.

"Marketing is just getting humans to take action." - Natalie Davison

About Natalie:

Natalie Davison is a brand communications expert, REALTOR® and entrepreneur, known for her signature blend of wild optimism and truth-telling. Having consulted with dozens of entrepreneurs on their brand identities, Natalie's adept at casting a vision of what's possible while simultaneously embracing what's actually true.

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/150/

Show Notes

I often get asked my thoughts on going into business with friends and honestly, I have seen it succeed and I've seen it go sideways. Today, we are going to focus on the good. I'm interviewing Susan Mocker and Devon Cretella, owners of Extending Grace, a home decor shop in Hubbard, Ohio. They are sharing partnership advice and what worked for them and how two friends turned a shared creative hobby into a successful retail business partnership.

What Has Worked in Business for Susan and Devon

They are business partners whose skill sets compliment each other. Susan is great at social media and "front end" tasks while Devon takes on more behind-the-scenes tasks.

Susan and Devon trust each other's decision making. They started their business with a shared belief that both of their intentions are good and that they are always working toward the same end goal.

Neither is afraid to speak up when something isn't working and both are willing to try new things.

Every year, they get away from their shop for an annual planning retreat. They plan Extending Grace's year with intention away from home and their shop to avoid distractions.

"Write it in pencil because business is flexible."

They have an intense focus on building and collaborating with their community. In the episode, you will hear them explain their incredible success with their own workshops, the online platform "CommentSold," and bringing in outside teachers to host workshops in their store (for free!).

Both Susan and Devon knew when the time was right to start their business and how to balance life with work. (HINT: It wasn't the first time the idea came to them!)

Advice for Friends Who Want to Go into Business Together

Put everything in writing.

Try working together first: learn how the other person operates and be sure your styles compliment each other.

Picture the partnership as a marriage: Can you move together in the same direction toward the same goal?

Be willing to make adjustments when things aren't working and shifts when things are working very well.

Don't be afraid to ask advice from people/mentors you trust.

About Susan and Devon:

Susan Mocker and Devon Cretella are the co-owners of Extending Grace in Hubbard, Ohio.

Friends since the 90's, we opened the store in 2016. Both of us love all things vintage & creative, and our store reflects that.

Customers experience a home décor shop with a focus on antiques, vintage, DIY and the work of local artists and collectors.

We love hanging out with our customers and neighbors during workshops, events, and community projects.

You can find them on Instagram, Facebook, and on their CommentSold Webs

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/149-2/

Show Notes

It's easy for us as passionate retailers to quickly fall in love with the "perfect" space and location, but how do we know it's the right business move? In this episode, I'll talk you through four things you need to know and do before signing a lease for your retail business.

As a retail coach and the daughter of a father who was a retail leasing "guru", I can share from experience that I have seen a lot of lease agreements go sideways or have surprises.

Here are a few things shop owners need to consider when leasing a new location:

Set a budget.

Talk to leasing agents regarding price/square foot, average rental prices in the area you are looking to open a shop in. Be aware of what leasehold improvements you will want/need to make.

Do your due diligence.

What can you negotiate?

Lease length

Rent increases

Allowances

What should you look for in the lease that you might miss?

Hidden costs

Utilities/Internet

Tax/Insurance requirements

Be sure everything is in writing and have a mentor and/or professional look it over.

Know what YOU can afford.

Do you know what % of your gross sales should go to rent, or how much you will need to make to pay that rent? I share that industry average % and more in this episode.

"Our heart can convince our head of anything, so we want to make sure it doesn't convince us to get into trouble. So put your CEO hat on and your heart and head can have a conversation with all of the right information." - Wendy Batten

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/148-2/

Show Notes

They say success is 80% mindset, but what happens when factors outside of your control (in this episode we will talk specifically about competition) leave you feeling defeated? How can you get your mindset back to good? In this episode, I'm going to talk you through how performing a SWOT Test on your brand and business can help you reframe your mindset and leverage competition to improve your business.

SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Doing this exercise will really help you brainstorm a bigger picture and overview of what is really going on in your business and where to focus your efforts.

Competition isn't a Bad Thing

Forces you to stay fresh in your business

Brings more visibility to your shop and can actually funnel customers right to you

Gives you a chance to focus on what you do well and what makes you and your brand unique (your strengths) and improve upon the things you don't do so well (your weaknesses)

Getting Your Mindset Right

1. Ask yourself these questions when performing a SWOT Test on your business.

Strengths - What is your unique selling point? What do you do better than anyone else? What do your customers love about your shop that is unique to you? What does your community say you are the "go-to" for? Focus specifically on the strengths of your brand.

Weaknesses - What are some things you struggle with? Where are the gaps in your skillset? What things might hinder your success? Where can you spend time ensuring your brand is strong and well-known? Are there aspects of your business where you are just "winging it?"

Opportunities - What external factors can help your business grow? What changes would your customers like to see? What additional revenue streams can be added? What emerging technology can you leverage?

Threats - What external factors can harm our business? Are there economic or social issues that can harm your business? What other risks/challenges do you face? When you assess threats, be sure to evaluate the truth in the things you are telling yourself.

2. Perform the SWOT Test on your competitor's business.

Doing this will help you focus on reality versus the reality you've created in your mind. Don't dwell on this step - it is meant just to give you a clear picture of what is actually happening.

3. Make changes to your business based on the results of the test you performed on YOUR business.

Push the gas on your strengths. Find a way to level up your weaknesses. Remember that by focusing on your weaknesses they become strengths. What opportunities did you identify that you can seize? How can you leverage your marketing plan, your community, and branding so that your competition feels like less of a threat? Focus specifically on the things YOU have control over.

If you are looking for additional support and someone to bounce ideas off of, my Retailers' Inner Circle is a great resource. Not only will you have access to me and the bright minds of over 100 fellow creative retailers, but you will also have access to my signature course, Retail Made Simple, and countless masterclasses that will help you level up every aspect of your retail business.

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/147-2/

Show Notes

It's easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day duties of running your business within the four walls of your shop. In this episode, my guest Darrin Stern and I will shine a light on the value and benefits of attending trade shows.

Darrin is the Show Director of the h+h americas trade show, a brand extension of a long-running show h+h Cologne in Germany. h+h americas unites makers and wholesalers of all crafting industries: a one-stop source for everything one would need as a professional maker, a retail shop owner, an e-commerce shop owner, and/or an educator.

The Value and Benefits of Trade Shows

The Human Element: When sourcing materials, it is our nature to want to see and feel things before purchasing. We benefit from hearing about the products and their stories through human interactions. We want to truly understand how it will impact our bottom line.

"Digital is a great way to source items to begin exploration, but when you're looking at a wholesale level, it's less of an impulse buy and it's more of a business decision." - Darrin Stern

The One Stop Shop: You can save so much time and money by attending trade shows when so many quality vendors and educators are under one roof.

Building Relationships: Spending time and listening to equally passionate people talk about their craft/product is a valuable way to make business connections. Specifically, at h+h americas, there are multiple opportunities and components of education that make this trade show unique. There are daily keynote speakers, fireside chats, masterclasses, business courses, retailer meet-ups, and demonstrations.

Connection with Like-minded People: You'll have the opportunity to see/hear stories from others that are all part of this passion industry whose jobs aren't over at 5pm. These valuable conversations are where the magic happens.

You don't know what you don't know: You have to leave your bubble to grow!

Join Darrin Stern (and me!) at the h+h americas trade show if you are in the creative or craft business. Here are the details:

h+h americas trade show

Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont

Chicago, IL

Dates: June 21-23, 2023 (Masterclasses start on June 20)

https://www.hh-americas.com/

Tickets on sale: March 15, 2023, use promo code CST23 to get free access to the exhibit floor

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/146-2/

Show Notes

Now that you know how to plan successful events and promotions, you need to market them with intention to ensure customers show up. In this episode, I share intentional marketing tips and ideas that will help you meet the goals you set for your event. (HINT: It's more than just setting up a Facebook event, and calling it a day!)

A few marketing ideas I elaborate upon in this episode are behind the scenes posts and sneak peeks, in-store signage, nurturing your email list, press releases, loyalty programs, community apps, social media, and paid marketing.

A FEW MARKETING HINTS/TIPS

(1) Build up the event 6-8 weeks in advance by sharing sneak peeks and posts that will elicit emotion from your customers.

(2) Market to your loyal customers by offering them - for example - an early opening, special door prize, etc.

(3) Promote your event so much that it is visible on your social accounts at all times.

(4) Think local! Invite other small businesses, pass out postcards, etc.

(5) Do ALL of the free marketing!

(6) Make sure any marketing you pay for is geared specifically toward you reaching your event goal and is targeted at your ideal client.

(7) Continue your marketing strategy throughout the entire event (social posts, lives, photos, etc)

"Show the crowd, show the people … the frenzy and the fun and all of the exciting things that are happening during your event. It's gold." - Wendy Batten

(8) Have unscalable conversations during the event.

(9) Make Instagrammable moments for your customers - invite your customers to share the event via a contest or other giveaway.

Key Questions to Guide You Through Intentional Marketing Planning

What can you do to attract new customers to this event?

What can you do to hype up our existing customers?

What can you do on the day of the event to market and build the event up?

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/145/

Show Notes

You've spent so much time curating an amazing brand, so now what? It's important that your customers are having the beautiful experience in your dream shop that you intend for them, so creating a customer journey map can ensure that you are doing all you can to achieve that goal.

Key Touchpoints to Focus On in Your Customer's Journey Map

Customer's "awareness" of your shop: All of the things you did to ATTRACT customers: your website, Google My Business, social media, your front window - can customers find info easily on how to contact you?

Customer's first impression of your shop: Is the parking lot clean? Is it easy to park? How is the lighting in your shop? Are the mats clean? Did anyone greet the customer?

Customer's experience while shopping: Is your store properly merchandised? Is it clean? Are your staff members pleasant and helpful? Do you play music?

Customer's check out experience: Is your cash wrap neat? Are you offering conversation to your customer? Is the receipt process smooth? How are you and your team handling any missteps?

Customer's experience after they've left: Do you have things in place for them to refer you, to easily contact you with questions, to leave a review?

Customer's experience when they return: Is your staff good at recognizing repeat customers? Do you welcome them back?

As you walk through every touchpoint, the most important question to ask yourself is "What is my customer thinking and FEELING while they are experiencing every aspect of my brand and my shop?"

The customer's journey map is ever-changing so be sure to go through this process regularly. This will help solidify your brand and improve your customer's experience and in turn what they are saying about your business.

Don't forget, please leave a review or star rating!

Resources Mentioned:

Retailer's Inner Circle

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 141 - Are you Running the Store of Your Dreams?

Episode 139 - 6 Things to Focus on in 2023

Episode 97 - 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Website

Episode 126 - 10 Simple Ways to Level Up Your Shop

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

More ways to connect with Wendy

Retail Made Simple - Wendy's on demand course for shop owners wanting more from their business

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/144/

Show Notes

If you want to drive traffic into your store, simply putting a storewide discount on your products isn't the way to do it anymore. There is a better way and it starts with planning.

Planning is the key to running successful marketing events and promotions. It will enhance your event's "game plan," it will build your confidence, and it will set you up for a successful event.

Here are some event types to consider: free demonstrations, a guest vendor doing a pop-up inside your shop, girls' nights out, community building events, hosting local real estate/interior design vendors, holiday-themed shopping events, etc.

Planning these events ideally should take place quarterly - and at least 4-8 weeks in advance of the event.

Step One: Reverse engineer the event itself.

What is the outcome you are looking for by holding this event? What is the objective of having it? This question should have a specific answer: say, "I want to bring in xx in revenue during this event" or "I want everyone to know about xx product."

"Let's think about the purpose. What is the objective? What is the reason we are doing this event?" - Wendy Batten

Step Two: Know how you will measure the success of the event.

When you look back at your objective (say, to bring xx people for a demo), how many people came? How many people took promotional literature about the demo? If it was sales driven, did you meet your sales goal? If the objective was for 12 people from the media to show up, how many did? Did they talk about you to others? What wins can you track/celebrate?

Step Three: Write down all of the details of the event keeping the objective in mind.

How will you "wow" our customers during this event? Can you add something unexpected to make them smile?

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/143/

Show Notes

If we want to make real progress, we need to stop setting more goals.

I am thrilled to introduce you to a new way to think of progress with my good friend and fellow coach, Richard Ralston.

Richard has been a coach/mentor for 30+ years and focuses on helping his clients realize their full potential and make true progress on their goals. A champion of community and for communities, he specializes in helping people make progress and has created a methodology called The Progress Pod Accountability Group System where he helps people set up small mastermind groups to help them continue making progress. Within those small groups, they use the Next Tiny Step Method.

We've all felt overwhelmed when it comes to goal setting and reaching our goals. We set goals, and when we don't reach them, we set even more goals. More goals = Overwhelm. So, in order to reduce the overwhelm, Richard created the Next Tiny Step Method where instead of putting the focus on the end result, you start at the tiniest first step at the beginning.

It's really down to two questions. What do you want? And when are you going to do it?

The Next Tiny Step is the process of making one single action. An action that is so small it's immediately doable and you see the progress right away, which in turn motivates you even more and rids you of overwhelm. If life happens to get in the way of your next tiny step - shift it to the next available white space in your calendar. It's that easy!

So grab your pen and paper and take notes - we've got a mindset shift you'll want to use not just in your shop, but in your life! It's time to gain clarity on your goals, take action, and make progress!

"Goals are a direction to go in, not a destination to get to." - Richard Ralston

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/142/

Show Notes

Are you running the store that you dreamed of?We all had a dream when we were that what our shop would be and look like, right? We were meticulous and we carefully curated our shop to create that dream.

But things change and evolve over time. I often see two things happen:

Creep sets in - Simply put, things get off track and bad habits are created. We stop dreaming - This is when we stop evolving our business. Whether that's with your shop culture, your staff, front windows, inventory - things need to shift and change.

Here ere are four things to consider and that I share on this episode to help you level up your shop:

Shop Standards - Is everything the way you pictured it would be? Does it feel the way you want it to? Your Team - Is your team cohesive? Are they doing the things you want them to? It might be time for some team meetings, performance evaluations, etc. How about your business advisors - do you have the right team around you? You are the CEO - Are you comfortable in this role? Has your CEO role evolved alongside your business? It's time to level up your skills and knowledge! Customer Experience - Is the customer experience actually what you had envisioned it to be? Understand your customer's experience from finding you, to shopping, to buying, to sharing.

It's time to walk through your shop with fresh eyes and put your Dreamer / CEO hat back on!

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/141/

Show Notes

How do we keep up with the ever-evolving retail trends?

Today's Creative Shop Talk episode is all about how to make sure your business stays fresh and exciting as the inventory and customers buying trends change.

Today's episode covers 2 types of trends:

Product Trends and how to do the right research for your product lines Buying Trends and what trends are predicted for customer buying patterns

How do we know what to buy? Trends can change based on the time period or where you live. But it's also important to not just go with what's trendy because it's new, but choose inventory that is aligned with your brand.

Know your inventory mix. It's OK to dip your toes into what's trending. But those trendy items shouldn't make up the entire bulk of your inventory (for most shops).

Stay true to your customers needs and wants. But how? Pay attention to what your customers are actually buying. Pay attention to brands, associations, newsletters, magazines, Pinterest/Etsy, and pop culture news. Travel, and go to trade shows or other shops - it's all about the research.

As trends come and go,remember a key focus is on the customer journey, add a fresh new mix to your inventory as the trends are popular, and keep your CEO hat on so you can make the right choices for your brand, your customers, and your values.

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/140/

Show Notes

Welcome to Season 4 of The Creative Shop Talk Podcast!

Where we spend our time and attention it can be overwhelming.

As we have been welcoming new members into my Retailer's Inner Circle and Mastermind groups, we've been discussing different ways of running our businesses. Focusing on getting creative, innovative, and really putting new eyes on how we run things.

In 2023 seeing a small shop explosion, shopping local has new eyes and attention. Retailers are really working to pay attention to the needs of their customers. I'm breaking it all down and sharing with you six things that we should be focusing on to help shift our energy into a positive focus for 2023.

We are in the hospitality business - Remind yourself of this. Although money matters, it's all about the connection with people. Bring humanity to your business and focus on the experience and how you're making your customers feel. Build a positive marketing strategy - You need marketing that connects with your buyers to turn them into allies and believers. It also needs to align with your brand. Systems - This is the time to be stable and organized with your standard operating procedures. Ask yourself, "what would make this easier?" Shop culture norms - Focus on HOW you do things. Your team, your mission, your values and shop standards - make sure they are all working for you and your team. Be the leader and be present for your team as well. Profits - Make sure your numbers are under control. Pay attention to your margins, your expenses, as well as your products and inventory. Make sure you are paying yourself and your team. Be lean, but excellent. Frictionless buying - Our customers and clients want ease. Make shopping with you easy , think about the way you serve, the hours you are open, the way people pay, and your policies etc.

2023 is the year to keep your CEO hat on tight and pay attention to all the details!

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/139/

Resources to help you this week:

Business and Planning Guide - a free guide to help you plan your next steps Retail Made Simple - my signature course with special BONUSES

Level Up MastermindPlan your best year series - Encore presentation, 4-part podcast series

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 115 - How To Tame All of Those Great Ideas

Episode 100 - Why It's Important to Celebrate Your Business MilestonesEpisode 94 - Where to Spend Your Time and Focus Within Your Business

For more support from Wendy

Retail Made Simple - the on-demand course for independent shop owners in the messy middle of business

One on One Consulting

https://www.instagram.com/wendybatten.biz/

More ways to get support from Wendy

Resources to help you this week:

Business and Planning Guide - a free guide to help you plan your next steps Retail Made Simple - my signature course with special BONUSES

Level Up MastermindPlan your best year series - Encore presentation, 4-part podcast series

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 115 - How To Tame All of Those Great Ideas

Episode 100 - Why It's Important to Celebrate Your Business MilestonesEpisode 94 - Where to Spend Your Time and Focus Within Your Business

For more support from Wendy

Retail Made Simple - the on-demand course for independent shop owners in the messy middle of business

One on One Consulting

https://www.instagram.com/wendybatten.biz/

More ways to get support from Wendy

Show Notes

It's our final episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast for 2022!

At the beginning of my mastermind group sessions, members share quick wins, insights, lessons and struggles. It really makes us take the time to acknowledge what's truly going on in our businesses.

Wins - what are you currently celebrating?

Insights - what have you observed lately?

Lessons - what have you learned?

Struggles - what areas within your business need the most help?

So, in today's episode of Creative Shop Talk, I'm getting personal and sharing my wins, insights, lessons, and struggles:Wins -

I'm excited to say that I've gone back into coaching with my coaches. I invested heavily in hiring coaching with real determination of what I want. All of your wins are my wins as well. Hearing from so many of you this past year and all of the success you've had is a big win for me as well as working with all of my amazing retailer clients. The Creative Shop Talk Podcast downloads are going up substantially every week. I got out of my comfort zone and attended a conference for Canadian exporters. My husband and I bought an RV and took a month-long trip to Newfoundland, Canada. I have been very attentive to my health. I faced another fear and invited Jo Packham be a guest on the podcast which in turn, provided many other opportunities to work with Jo. In 2023, I will be writing a business column inside her magazine, What Women Create. Lastly, I have a crystal clear vision and plan for 2023.

Insights -

We don't have to be cookie cutter. We all need business foundations, but how we create those systems and foundations is going to be different than anyone else. There are many ways to run your business. We need to be intentional about who we surround ourselves with. Be super selective and find your true allies. Don't play small. There's zero growth in our comfort zone.

Lessons -

Investing in coaching, teams, business growth, and myself has been huge for me and I see it huge for others as well this past year. Raise the bar when it comes to things like tech skills, and what I can do. I am more comfortable with moving to the next level. I need to remind myself that I am capable and a strong decision maker. My wildly most important goals - I have my 3 big focus goals set.

Struggles over the past year

I have too many ideas. I need to corral all of my ideas and make strong decisions on what I can execute. Imposter Syndrome. It was in my head this year that everyone else had it together and was bigger and better. I need to remind myself that I am not for everybody and that's ok. Impatience. I am impatient with my website updates, learning, making my team really cohesive, etc.

I am so excited for what's coming in retail in 2023 - my clients, the podcast, and the ripple effect it all creates!

My Retail Made Simple course is OPEN and if you decide to purchase through December, you'll get an amazing BONUS offer. A personal shop audit from me!Jump in and say YES to a successful 2023!

Full show notes https://wendybatten.com/138-2/

Show Notes

Cheers to another coffee break, friends!I've had this particular phrase in my head for a little while now…

The Line of Fine.

Dr. Meghan Walker talks about it a lot on her podcast in conjunction with the healthcare system. For instance, let's say you have sleep problems. You go into the doctor, they give you a few steps to help you sleep … and now you're fine. But what caused the sleep issues in the first place? Isn't that something we should know?

There's no investigation into the why, just the focus on treatment and moving on. I see this in business as well. Why are we not digging deeper and taking a forensic look at the root cause of what the problem is within our business?

We just keep working on "getting more customers" or "more social media"...but the root cause is deeper.

No systems, poor foot traffic, team culture, poor inventory management…whatever may be going wrong, ask yourself these questions:

What is the root cause? How did we get here? What do we need to do? What do we have to learn? Who can help us through this? The line of fine is not fine. Don't settle for fine in your life or business.You need to be more than fine so you can thrive!

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/137-2/

Show Notes

Ready for another coffee break, friends? I sure am!

My husband John and I have been self employed for 27 years now. For the last few years, we've been intentional about doing an annual weekend excursion to plan goals and intentions for our life and businesses. I was asked to share what we do in these goal planning sessions when I shared this with my Inner Circle group.

I share a lot about paying attention to your revenue buckets, how we're making money, but today I'm focusing on the life buckets.

During our annual planning sessions, we bring some "pre work" questions about what we're thinking, how we're feeling, etc. We also individually look back over the highlights from the past year. The good and the bad. It's a lot of fun, and so good to take the time to reflect.

We then look at our Wheel of Life and figure out what life buckets are important to us. Health, environment, hobbies, etc. We also look at our Thrive List. What do we need to thrive? Then we can focus on our business goals because we looked at our life buckets first. Designing a business to fit around our life.

When annual planning, don't just focus on the 20-30% revenue increase you'd like to see in your business. Your life buckets have to be part of the equation.

Full show note here https://wendybatten.com/136/

Show Notes

Let's have a quick coffee break together.

It's Game on!'Tis the season to be all about the customer. They need your service, they want and need your products, and they need your expertise.

At this stage of the game, it's not about attracting new customers and putting marketing strategies in place. It's all about nurturing the people you already know, love and trust. Remind them that you exist and that you can help them. Focus on your nurture marketing.

Here are two things you can do that will help you and your customers this holiday season:

Humanize Your Business via Social Media - Stop. Showing. Products. Instead, focus on videos showing your shop, your wonderful staff, and your holiday favorites. Be genuine. Be real. Don't focus on perfection.

Contact Your Email List - Whether you have 20, 2,000, or 20,000 people on your email list, send them updates and info throughout the holiday season that are intentional, nurturing and helpful.

To make your holiday email sending a bit easier, I've created six done-for-you email templates that you can copy, paste and schedule now. Grab them here while they are available.

Let's help our customers through the homestretch!

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/135/

Show Notes

Copy editor turned food writer turned freelancer turned blogger turned content agency.Meet Lacy Boggs, content and copywriting expert! I think she can really help retailers in understanding the difference between copywriting, content, and the strategy surrounding the two and how to nail down their OWN brand voice!

Copywriting

The copy that remains relatively static on your website

Content

Words, videos, or audio that you produce in order to engage in a conversation with your clients or potential clients. Which hopefully will result in a sale.

Brand Voice

Lacy talks about outsourcing content, copywriting, and understanding your own brand voice and style for editorial/promotional calendars, content strategy, workflow, blogging, and so much more!

This episode will break down all the ways you can create more content, understand your brand voice more and how to effectively do it or outsource it.

This is an episode of Creative Shop Talk you'll want to keep in your back pocket for sure!

"It's still a really good idea to have a blog because it gets Google looking at your website more often." - Lacy Boggs

Make sure to grab Lacy's free gift!

Brand Voice Style GuideUse code: FREEBOOK

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/134/

Show Notes

You'll want your notepads out for this episode, friends!

We're talking to Level Up Mastermind member Amy Cseh who started her family run shop, Schoolhouse Salvage, back in 2012 just outside of Cleveland. She started as a heavy architectural salvage business that has evolved into a 10,000 square foot brick and mortar antique shop in a vendor model. Half of the square footage is devoted to vendors and the other half is devoted to her own stock.

During covid, Amy made some huge shifts by opening a second location after seeing that her foot traffic was changing. She knows how to be the CEO of her business, makes quick decisions on the fly, and is not afraid to try something new. She's also made huge strides with handing tasks over to her staff so she has time to be the true visionary.

Amy's team is supportive of her mission, and of her family, and is the core of her success. Tune in to get great tips on how to make quick, expert decisions, create a positive business culture, and how to serve your community well so you don't focus on the uncertainties of the future.

"Recognize where you need help and hire to your weakness." - Amy Cseh

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/133/

Show Notes

If you think you have to be on FB to grow your business, guess again!

Meet Millie Blackwell - Owner of Mrs. Blackwell's Village Bookshop in Greytown, New Zealand!

Before opening her shop in December 2020, she and her husband owned digital businesses and did a lot of home renovations. Her shop is perfect for romantic, curious minds and romantic souls, a shop filled with books and creative items such as notebooks, jigsaw puzzles, fountain pens, stationary, etc.

Because Millie opened her shop during the height of the pandemic, she really had to work hard to build their market base in unique and creative ways. Storytelling has been a successful marketing strategy for them with print ads, Instagram, and their quarterly newsletter: The Blackwell Bugle. Fun fact: Millie doesn't use FB!

All of Millie's business marketing decisions are based on building community and becoming a destination shop. Listen to her attract strategies, and how they go against the grain and are working for her. She's doing it her way and making connections, human to human.

Millie is a member of our Level Up and Accelerate Mastermind group and works hard at business development, and pays close attention to tracking, measuring, tweaking, training, and focusing on foot traffic. Millie is on her way to her 2023 goal of becoming a million-dollar bookshop!

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/132-2/

Show Notes

There are two types of business mindsets I see a lot with shop owners:

Fear & Lack mindset - Those just winging it and constantly thinking negatively. Success & Solution mindset - Problem solvers who are confident and action-oriented.

Sometimes we have to be honest with ourselves about which camp we live in a lot.

I want you to think like a pilot. Before you fly:

It's time for you to create your annual "flight" plan in order to prepare for what's coming in 2023. When you choose to prepare, you choose to weather any storm that may come your way.

Join me on November 24th for my Annual Planning session which will include resources and help you prepare that "flight" checklist. Click here and register today!

More show notes here https://wendybatten.com/131-2/

Show Notes

My Dad is considered a retail guru. He was a leasing and mall manager for many years and used to speak at educational events in North America. One of his standard speeches was about The Karate Kid. I know right? What?

As I asked for more details about how The Karate Kid applied to business, I got a GREAT answer that I think you'll love!

First, we all start out as enthusiastic beginners like Daniel. We have all the heart, hustle, and passion for every aspect of our business.

Second, we become disillusioned. We start to realize that some tasks are not as fun as others. Just like Daniel, as he works through all of the boring basics. But he's invested in a coach, Mr. Miyagi.

Then… it's practice, practice, practice. Over and over - refine and optimize.Wax on, wax off. Over and over.

And lastly, at the end of the movie, Daniel is equipped with the essential fundamentals. So much so that he's able to overcome obstacles. Because they come easy, because he's practiced. Just like retailers! When we have the basics set in place and we practice them every day, we've built up a great skill set to lead us to success. Refinement takes time and practice.

So, my friends - "Wax on, wax off. Wax on, wax off." - Mr. Miyagi

Looking for more help? Invest in my Retail Made Simple four-module course. If you purchase before the end of the year, you will receive an annual planning bonus - don't miss it!

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/130/

Show Notes

Love on your people. That's Michelle's motto.

I am so excited to introduce Michelle Emmons from Vintage Me Boutique to you all!

Michelle is a mom who started out crafting folk dolls, owned booths at various antique/crafter malls, and then opened her first shop in the 90's. Everything she learned in those hard years building a business, helped lead her to opening her own boutique!

Like many retailers, covid certainly put a wrench in her "normal" routine, but Michelle made some massive business shifts during that time and came out on top. She now sells clothing, home decor, antiques, and painted furniture.

Michelle's shifts include Facebook lives, where she's built a strong community of regular shoppers, and she also now holds at least two events per month in her shop. She knows and understands her community well and gears her events and products toward their wants/needs.

Tune in to get amazing advice on how to let your business evolve, and how to build a strong community of loyal shoppers the right way. Making sure your customer base feels special and heard.

"Act like a lady, think like a boss." - Michelle Emmons

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/129-2/

Show Notes

"Do a good job and you don't have to worry about money." - Disney

I recently attended a Women's Leadership Conference at Disney World in Florida. Not only was the conference wonderful, but it gave me the opportunity to observe all the new things Disney is doing these days.

We all know that Disney has quite the strategy that makes people pull out their wallet and buy, buy, buy. So today we're going over those strategies I observed and breaking them down one by one so you can apply them in your shop.

Stay Fresh & New - Disney knows how to keep things exciting! New merchandise, new experiences, new adventures. But there's also a consistency to their brand.

Empower Your Employees - An educated staff and flexible policies are so important. Use Disney's L.A.S.T. philosophy - Listen, Apologize, Solve, and Think.

Value Prices - Disney prices for value. Improve your customers' perceived value with amazing service, beautiful displays, and a memorable experience.

Healthy Product Mix - Know your customers when it comes to your products. Have a mix of the classics, limited edition, high end, and trendy.

Market Your Stories - It's all about the Disney brand and customers wanting to be a part of its special story. Be more than just a shop and share your business culture. Nostalgia sells. Share stories about products you sell, customers, and your brand.

So… how can you be a little more Disney?

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/128/

Show Notes

"Your level of success will rarely exceed your level of personal development." - Jim Rohn

When things get hard, it's important to surround yourself with other like-minded individuals. People who understand what you're going through, have unwavering faith, and will support, encourage and bring new ideas to the table.

Today I'm answering some questions about my Level Up Mastermind group and how it can help you and your business.

What the heck is a mastermind?

It's surrounding yourself with an intimate group of forward thinkers bringing their A game to support one another. It's a combination of group support and coaching.

How it works?

A high level look - We take a look at your goals, plan, and create action steps! Share it all - We have those real conversations. You have to be willing to share honestly, all the highs and the lows. It's not a course - You do have access to my courses, programs, and my resource library but this group is really about support and education to help you move forward. Type of support - One-on-one coaching as well as group meetings, strategy planning sessions, open office hours, guest experts, and "back-pocket" calls when you just need a quick bit of advice.

You basically have a built-in support system and someone to sit beside you.

Who is it for?Retailers who want to see more life in their lifestyle business. To simplify and thrive. Retailers who are truly ready to make the next step.Ready to join!?Level Up Mastermind & Accelerator group is open for applications at this time!

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/127/

Show Notes

Little things matter in the big picture.

We talk about the customer experience a lot around here. That's because we want their experience to be perfect, right? We want them to have that intangible feeling when they think about your shop. Here are ten ways easy ways to level up your business without having to revamp your entire strategy.

A Clean Shop - Observe all the nooks and crannies. Visual Chaos -Behind the counter etc. Keep organized and get rid of the chaos. Checkout Ease - Make it excellent, efficient, and fast. Signage - It needs to be correct, legible, helpful, and obvious. Includes price tags as well! Clear is kind. The Atmosphere - Don't forget the sounds and smells of your shop! Staff Appearance - An apron, a t-shirt. Have policies around this topic. Flow - Merchandising for ease and flow. Make sure it works for your customers. Be the CEO - Take the time to lead properly. Service - Be generous, attentive, and have a genuine mindset about service. It's part of your business culture. Shop Upkeep - Could be the flooring, the lighting, new equipment, staff uniforms, your POS system. If anything is outdated, slow, or in need of repair, it's time to upgrade and enhance.

All of these are small but mighty shifts toward building an excellent business.

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/126/