Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Let’s make this summer your most joyful and productive yet, without the burnout.

In this episode, I’m sharing how to embrace a "Summer of Ease" while still keeping your retail business humming along behind the scenes. Whether you're a brick-and-mortar owner in peak tourist season or experiencing a slower Q3, this one’s for you.

We’re trading hustle for harmony by leaning into three core pillars: (1) Fun (yes, you need it!), (2) Rest (not a reward, but part of your job), and (3) Momentum (because Q4 is coming and we need to be ready!)

How to Create Ease This Summer:

Schedule your calendar and your team’s through September
Pre-plan promotions, social content, and email marketing
Reuse great content from last year (no one remembers your July 2023 meme, it’s fine)
Humanize your brand with softer summer content (think beach reads and mojito recipes)
Hand off live sales, store tours, or event planning to your team or guest hosts
Let go of the guilt and get off your phone and POS app while you're away

It’s time to drop the “shoulds,” my friend. Let’s get to work. Until next week, cheers to joy, freedom, and profits.

“Watching your POS like a hawk is not making things sell faster.” -Wendy Batten

Your Next Steps

Get out your calendar and do some planning! And let’s connect on Instagram! What are your top tips for planning your summer of ease? I’d love to hear from you. Screenshot this episode and tag me on Instagram, or just jump into my DMs.

If you're a member of the Retailer’s Inner Circle, check your monthly playbooks. They’re packed with done-for-you email prompts, promotional calendars, and content ideas to make this even easier.

And if you aren’t…join my supportive community of retailers in the Retailer’s Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 82: 5 Steps to Simplify Your Content Planning

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

Episode 253: Mastering Social Selling

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

Join Wendy’s CEO Planning Session for Retailers

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Let’s talk about the “summer slowdown,” shall we?

In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, we’re flipping the script on the summer slowdown and showing you how to use any quiet time as a powerful CEO reset. Whether it’s organizing your back-end systems, strengthening customer relationships, or proactively planning for Q4, this season can be one of your most productive if approached with intention - and I’m showing you how.

We’re diving into practical and mindset-driven strategies for using this seasonal dip to build momentum, clarity, and energy. Learn how to schedule a “money date” with your financials, declutter your tech stack, and plant the seeds for a thriving holiday season.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why a slower season can be your biggest strategic advantage
How to use your CEO date to make smarter inventory decisions
Ways to deepen customer relationships and build brand loyalty
Quick backend system fixes that can boost efficiency
How to use the summer to prep for a stress-free Q4 and holiday season
Why mindset matters more than momentum during seasonal dips

Your Next Steps

If you found this episode helpful in any way, I would LOVE if you would share it with a fellow shop owner who might need a mindset shift! Then tag me on Instagram (@wendybatten.biz) with your summer reset plans. I’d love to hear from you!

And then …join my supportive community of retailers in the Retailer’s Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 115: How to Tame All of Those Great Ideas

Episode 116: What to Do if It’s Slow: Summer Strategy Series

Episode 216: Create a Summer of Ease for Your Retail 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 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

Join Wendy’s CEO Planning Session for Retailers

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Do you struggle to schedule and/or keep your CEO dates with yourself? Running your shop like a true CEO isn’t just for big-box retailers: it’s for independent creative retail shop owners just like you - trust me on this. If you’ve ever felt like your business is dragging you down; if you KNOW you aren’t spending your time on the things you should be…this episode is for you.

Not sold on why CEO time is crucial? Unsure of where or why to start? Wondering what you should be doing during your CEO date? Listen in now!

Takeaways for Indie Retailers

Hard seasons are normal – Obstacles come with owning a business. What matters is how you move through them.
Stop playing small – Don’t let busy work keep you from doing the real CEO work that moves the needle.
You can’t scale with hustle and heart alone – Aligned action is what brings joy, profit, and freedom.
Take a pause and plan – A regular CEO date with yourself brings clarity and confidence.
Want help? – I’m hosting a Quarterly CEO Planning Day on June 10th. Come plan alongside other retailers who get it! More info below.

What to Focus on During CEO Time

Strategic planning (not just goal setting)
Reviewing what worked and what didn’t
Understanding your income streams and profit margins
Creating intentional marketing, not last-minute campaigns

So what is your next step? Join me for a productive afternoon of planning out your next 90 days in my Retailer’s CEO Planning Day on June 10th! This is a new program I’m offering. We will meet together in a small group and spend an afternoon doing some intensive quarterly CEO-level planning for your business. It comes with pre-meeting vision planning prompts, 4 hours of a focused planning session with me and a small group, 2 weeks of support from me, and a retail success toolkit to help you every step of the way! Save $100 by registering by June 6th. See you there!

Need more?

Join me for my first Retailer’s CEO Planning Day on June 10th! This is a new program I’m offering. We will meet together in a small group and spend an afternoon doing some intensive quarterly CEO-level planning for your business. It comes with pre-meeting vision planning prompts, 4 hours of a focused planning session with me and a small group, 2 weeks of support from me, and a retail success toolkit to help you every step of the way! Save $100 by registering by June 6th. See you there!

Or…join my supportive community of retailers in the Retailer’s Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

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

Episode 88: Retailer Success Series: Making Pivotal (and scary) CEO Decisions with Retailer Melanie Kolb

Episode 133: Retailer Success Series: Community, Culture, and 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 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

Join Wendy’s CEO Planning Session for Retailers

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Small habits can lead to big results!

In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing 11 easy-to-start micro habits that can totally transform your retail business. These habits may be small, but they pack a powerful punch. From looking at your numbers to making faster decisions, I’ll give you real-world, simple advice that WORKS.

Whether you run a boutique, a gift shop, or a creative space, these tips will help you grow with confidence — and have fun doing it!

11 Micro Habits for Independent Retailers:

Don’t “Ostrich” – Stop hiding from your business numbers. Look at them daily so there are no surprises.
Always Be Learning – Reading 10 minutes a day or listening to a podcast can level up your skills.
Ditch the Burden Mindset – Remember, you get to run this business. Approach it with joy, not dread.
Use a “Yet” Mindset – “I’m not good at planning... yet.” Add "yet" to reframe your self-talk.
Ask: How Can I Make This Easier? – Don’t overcomplicate. Ask who or what can help.
Crush Self-Doubt – Keep a list of wins, kind words, and proud moments to boost your confidence.
Set Clear Goals – Know what you’re aiming for so your daily actions move you closer to it.
Look Up – Don’t get stuck in the day-to-day. Plan 90 days out. Know what your customers are experiencing.
Prioritize Your Health – A healthy YOU means a stronger business. Protect your time and energy.
Decide Faster – Avoiding decisions holds you back. Be intentional and aligned with your goals.
Make It Fun – This is your dream! Bring energy and joy into your day-to-day.

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer’s Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 124: Confident Decision Making Made Easy with Business & Life Coach Andrea Liebross

Episode 229: Having a Monthly Playbook for Your Retail Shop

Episode 261: How to Stay Focused and Get Things Done

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 you!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Running a shop can feel like juggling flaming squirrels – I totally get it!

In this episode of The Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing a powerful training from the Retailer’s Inner Circle library to help you focus, prioritize, and actually get things done (without the late nights and endless to-do lists). If distractions and squirrel-brain are wreaking havoc on your retail business, listen up. This one's for all of the busy retailers out there trying to get things DONE!

Takeaways for Independent Retailers:

How to protect your personal time as a retail CEO
The power of setting non-negotiables for work-life balance
What a CEO Date is – and why it will change your week
The difference between results and goals: what are the three “cross-offable” things you need to do today?
How to use the Pomodoro Method to beat distractions: You’ll be shocked by how much you can get done in 25 minutes!
4 D’s to simplify your to-do list: Do, Delete, Delegate, Defer
Why batching tasks and working away from the shop floor matters
How small group support boosts momentum and accountability

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer’s Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

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

Episode 48: The 3 Biggest Time Wasters for Retailers and How to Avoid Them

Episode 136: Annual Planning That Fills Your Life Buckets

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 you!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Helping and inspiring independent retailers is my passion (and my job!), but I would be remiss if I never shared how inspiring my retailers are to ME. Their inspiration is never more apparent than when we are all together in person: talking shop, ruminating on all the things, and brainstorming through big ideas.

In this episode, I’m sharing some of my takeaways from my Level Up Mastermind Retreat in early April in Thomasville, Georgia. I’m always learning from my retailers and amazed by their ideas and this retreat was no different. There is something very inspiring about getting a group of like-minded people together who are working toward a similar goal: running a successful independent retail shop. I hope these takeaways inspire you to try something new to move the needle in your retail business.

Takeaways for Independent Retailers:

Bravery is contagious: It’s important to surround yourself with people who are on your side.
Making a decision and being brave enough to stick to it when you see the needle starting to move and/or having the courage to course correct if it’s not working
Collaborations & community are super hot right now: Everyone in your community has the same goal: growing and thriving in a community that supports them.
Look to your community for inspiring people: Annie Jones of The Bookshelf in Thomasville showed us that building multiple revenue streams and marketing differently works. (You can follow along with her Instagram at @bookshelftville)
Lean into others: You cannot do this alone!

I also wanted to give a quick shoutout to YOU! Thanks to your support, the podcast has reached 100,000+ downloads!

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer’s Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 246: Relationships are Rocket Fuel

Episode 254: Behind the Counters: The Magic of Joining Forces to Foster Community and Build a Retail Destination Town with Millie and Adam Blackwell

Episode 259: Behind the Counter: Building a Unique Retail Shop with Heart with Amy and Chris 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

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Can couples successfully run a retail shop together? Absolutely!

From a flash of inspiration on a trip to London to creating a beloved community hub in Thomasville, Georgia; Amy and Chris Hart join me on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast to share how passion, teamwork, and a little bit of "what's our widget?" can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Amy and Chris own The Hare and the Hart, a boutique inspired by the couple’s time in the Cotswolds. They describe the shop as “English at heart with a Southern sensibility and a French twist.” Amy is an active member of the Retailer’s Inner Circle and has been in the Level Up Mastermind for almost 5 years running.

This episode is packed with tips for independent retailers, especially those working together as a couple. From finding your niche, connecting with your community, and navigating the ups and downs of retail life together, Amy and Chris are an inspiration to all aspiring retail shop owners.

Takeaways for Retail Shop Owners:

Finding your "widget": Identify your unique product (like Amy's Toile designs)
Involving family: Amy and Chris have incredibly talented family members who showcase unique products in their shop.
Defining Roles: The importance of defining roles and communicating them clearly.
Build your community: Make it a point to connect with members of your community. Featuring local artisans in your shop is a good way to do that.
Overcoming challenges: Amy and Chris know when their slow season is and have come up with ways to draw customers in and also keep their minds right knowing things do pick up.
Chris’s Advice : "Don’t give up your dream to somebody else.” Listen in for more thoughts on what Chris and Amy could have done differently if they could rewind 7 years.

“Don’t give up your dream to somebody else.” -Chris Hart

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer’s Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

About Amy and Chris:

Sweethearts since college, Amy and Chris Hart chose Thomasville, Georgia, as their adopted hometown in 2018 after many adventures. The Hare & The Hart is their shop in the beautiful, historic downtown, offering gifts and goods that are English at heart with a Southern sensibility & a French twist. They adore celebrating the beauty of the places people love, embellishing the spaces surrounding them, and sharing in the extraordinary joy of the everyday. Their family takes part by designing collections, including Amy’s Toile of Thomasville. They are pleased to carry local artisans, along with those discovered on and inspired by their travels. Amy and Chris continue their adventures in a wibbly, wobbly 1850s house just blocks from the shop with their Labrador named Rugby.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 78: Learning to Level Up with Amy Hart

Episode 127: Level Up Mastermind Q+A: Invest in Yourself

Episode 256: Retailers in the Wild: Elevate Your Retail Shop Using These Observations From My Time in New Zealand

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 you!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

What’s something you are doing now in your retail business that you wish you would have started doing sooner? When I ask clients this question, the answer is often “I wish I would have started an email list sooner.”

The reason is because they’ve learned over time that email is still a super powerful tool! It’s a direct line to your customers - no “beating the algorithm” required.

In this episode, I’m giving you 5 simple ways to build your email list and keep your customers happy. You’ll learn how to connect better, sell more, and own your customer relationships.

I hope you’ll join my email list (if you aren’t already on it)! You can do that by scrolling to the bottom of my homepage HERE.

5 Ways to Build Your Email List:

Ask your customers at checkout to join the list: You can use a QR code to do this!
Do an in-store give-away.
Offer a freebie/lead magnet as an incentive to join.
When you host events customers need to pre-register for, ask those folks to join the list when they are registering.
Use a pop-up on your website and ask people to join: Simple and effective!

Remember to ensure your emails are valuable to your clients. You want them to look forward to hearing from you! Regular emails help you sell more and build loyal fans of your brand. Who doesn’t need more of that in their retail shop?

“If all of your social media accounts were gone tomorrow, how would you connect with your clients?” -Wendy Batten

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer’s Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 254: Behind the Counters: The Magic of Joining Forces to Foster Community and Build a Retail Destination Town with Millie and Adam Blackwell

Episode 253: Mastering Social Selling: How Retailers Can Boost Sales and Build Loyal Customers

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 you!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

LAST CALL! Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you’ll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We’ll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!

In This Episode:

Ready to spruce up your shop and boost your business? Spring (or Autumn, depending on where in the world you are!) is the perfect time to clean out the old and bring in the new. In this episode, I’m giving independent retailers easy tips to refresh their mindset, clean up their shop, and make more money.

Key Takeaways:

Mindset Refresh: Get rid of negative thoughts and focus on new opportunities. Remember why you started your business and get that excitement back!
Money Moves:
Inventory Check: Look at old stock and have a spring cleaning sale to clear it out. Don’t let money sit on your storage shelves!
Expense Review: Cut unnecessary spending by checking your credit card and bank statements.
Pricing Check: Make sure your prices make you a profit, and don’t just copy your competitors.
Shop Spruce-Up: Clean your shop, including dusting and fixing anything that looks worn out. Update uniforms, aprons, and how your staff presents themselves.
Marketing Boost: Refresh your marketing plans to get customers excited. Remember: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm!”
Plan for Success: Having a plan is key to making good things happen!

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer’s Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of likeminded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

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

We start in April! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 104: Tight on Cash Flow? Let’s Turn Your Old Inventory Into Cash for You!

Episode 109: Money Mindset, Abundance, and Bad Ideas with Guest Expert Emily King

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

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 you!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you’ll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We’ll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!

In This Episode:

I’m home from a 6-week trip across New Zealand where I perused more than 150 independent retail shops! Phew! In this episode of the podcast, I am sharing 5 tips/observations that will elevate your retail shop.

Want customers lining up instead of walking by? It’s time to revamp your retail strategy and I have the keys to success! Here are 5 powerful tips to magnetize customers and maximize sales, all inspired by visiting retailers in the wild in beautiful New Zealand.

5 Tips to Elevate Your Shop:

Boost Visibility: I’ll give you some ideas and platforms you can use right now to make sure people can find you.
Perfect Your Shop Standards: There is more to keeping shop than turning on the lights and unlocking the door!
Signage That Sells: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Good, clean signage is a silent salesperson.
Check Your Inventory/Merchandising: I’ll offer my thoughts around aligning inventory with your branding as well as making sure your shop is “shoppable.”
Stop Making Assumptions About Your Customers: Offer your help. Serve all of your customers with hospitality.

"Clear is always kind." -Wendy Batten

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer’s Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of likeminded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

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

We start in April! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

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

Episode 103: Increase Sales With Your Silent Salesperson: Signage

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 168: Merchandising to Sell: Intuitive Merchandising

Episode 175: How to Audit Your Brand Assets

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 you!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you’ll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We’ll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!

In This Episode:

Running an independent retail store comes with challenges, but it can also be AWESOME. Join me as I chat about keeping a positive mindset, facing challenges head-on, and creating your own version of success. Let’s make your retail dreams a reality!

Key Takeaways:

The Myth of Easy Success: There's no secret recipe for success. It's about trying, learning, and growing.
You're Not Behind: Forget comparing yourself to others! Just focus on moving forward.
Challenges Are Part of the Job: Being a boss means dealing with problems. Think of them as making you stronger!
Ditch the “Pity Marketing”: Complaining gets you nowhere. Take charge and find solutions!
Control the controllables: You can't change everything, but you can control your attitude, effort, and how you handle things.
Define Your Success: What does success REALLY mean to you? It's your business, so you get to decide!
Action Beats Avoiding: Don't hide from problems – tackle them!

And the best advice I can give you today… Keep Going! You're doing great. Stay positive, keep learning, and make it happen!

"The experience of resistance strengthens the architecture of our character enough to hold the weight of our success." -Megan Miller

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer’s Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of likeminded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

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

We start in April! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 147: How to Reframe Your Mindset on Competition

Episode 225: Practicing Self-Care While Running a Retail Business

Episode 246: Relationships are Rocket Fuel

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 you!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you’ll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We’ll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!

In This Episode:

What happens when independent retailers join forces? In a word: Magic. In this episode, I’m chatting with Millie and Adam Blackwell, a powerhouse entrepreneurial couple from Greytown, New Zealand. Millie owns Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop and Adam owns Blackwell and Sons Bike Shop, both located in Greytown. Want to hear about how they transformed their small town in New Zealand into a thriving shopping and tourism destination? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

The Power of Collaboration: How Greytown retailers and small businesses united to boost business for everyone.
Amplifying a Destination Town: The strategy behind turning a small town into a must-visit shopping spot.
Winter Festival Success: How one idea turned the slowest season into a top sales month.
Branding a Town Like a Business: Why a strong, unified message matters.
Running Multiple Businesses as a Couple: Insights on balancing entrepreneurship and life.

“Customers don’t just show up—you have to give them a reason to come.” – Adam Blackwell

Listen in to this week’s episode and get thinking about your town, and what you could do to spark initiatives in your community.

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer’s Inner Circle! You’ll get a monthly marketing and operations playbook, monthly group coaching, countless on-demand masterclasses and access to a vibrant community of retailers like you - and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

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

We start in April! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 158: Becoming a Destination Shop

Episode 180: Our Retailer Mastermind’s Book Club Book Roundup with Guest Millie Blackwell

Episode 218: Community Marketing Strategies with Millie Blackwell

About Mille and Adam Blackwell

Mr. Adam Blackwell is the visionary behind Blackwell and Sons, and its commercial and creative driving force. He is a specialist in brand development and execution and runs his own advertising agency, Stun, which services clients throughout NZ, the US, and Europe.

About as politically correct as whale-hunting, Mr Blackwell loves to take on nonsensical, charge-by-the-hour bureaucracy, especially if it stands in the way of a certain theatricality he delights in bringing to all of his endeavors. He is renowned for his creative flair, decisiveness, and sparkling wit, but not so much his athletic prowess. (his words) lol.

Mrs. Millie Blackwell is a specialist in non-fiction categories and stationery at Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop. 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.

Mrs. Blackwell has been an active member of the Retailer’s Level Up Mastermind and The Retailer’s Inner Circle program.

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 to you! Thank you!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you’ll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We’ll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!

In This Episode:

Did you know that 76% of shoppers have made a purchase from a brand they discovered on social media?

Social selling isn’t just a trend—it’s a game-changer for independent retailers looking to drive sales and build deeper customer connections. In this episode, we break down how you can turn your likes, comments, and follows into real revenue for your retail business.

Key Takeaways:

What social selling really means (hint: it’s more than just posting products!)
How to create engagement-driven content that leads to sales
Why live shopping is the future and how to start
The power of consistency—how to build an audience that shows up to buy
Tools and strategies to make social selling seamless and profitable

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer’s Inner Circle! You’ll get a monthly marketing and operations playbook, monthly group coaching, countless on-demand masterclasses and access to a vibrant community of retailers like you - and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

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

We start in April! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 210: What’s Working for Social Media and Retail Business Growth with Brooke Riley

Episode 230: Takeaways from my Mastermind Retreat: Building Connections and Strong Businesses

Episode 246: 5 Minute Marketing Tips: Relationships are Rocket Fuel

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 to you! Thank you!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you’ll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We’ll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!

In This Episode:

Hospitality isn’t just being nice to your customers. It’s about genuinely caring for others and in retail, it starts with your team!

Join me and my guest expert Stephanie Miller Vincent as we chat about bringing hospitality back to its roots: caring about others. Stephanie has worked in hospitality in the US and in Canada for years. She now runs her own business, SMillerVision, where the goal is to help her clients empower their employees, leading to increased satisfaction for the employees and guests alike, company growth, and increased revenue. Win win win!

“Hospitality is not an industry. It is the core of who you are and how you take care of people.” -Stephanie Miller Vincent

In this episode, you’ll learn at its core what “hospitality” means and what we mean when we say “you can’t run a business from a checklist!”

Key Takeaways:

You must lead your staff by example. The days of telling staff “because I said so” are over!
Your staff needs to understand the vision of your retail business and why exuding high levels of hospitality to their customers/guests matters
Being an “employer of choice” isn’t always all about money. Have in-person conversations with your staff to find out why they work for you: what your strengths as an employer are, what they might change, what might make them leave.
Think about your team the same way you would think about your customers.
The “Peak-End Rule”: people remember an experience based on how they felt at its peak and at its end, rather than a sum of every detail of the experience.
The “Third Place”: people are craving a “third place” beyond home and work. How can you make your shop that place for them - and how does hospitality fit in?

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer’s Inner Circle! March is the PERFECT time to join - Coaching Week starts in one week from today! Every day next week we will meet for group coaching. This only happens once a year so don’t miss it. On top of that, you’ll get a monthly marketing and operations playbook, monthly group coaching, countless on-demand masterclasses and access to a vibrant community of retailers like you - and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

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

We start in April! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 243: Behind the Counter: Creating Customer Joy in Retail with Kim Williams of The Polka Dot Press

Episode 244: Behind the Counter: From E-Commerce to Brick and Mortar with Chris Waddy

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 to you! Thank you!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you’ll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We’ll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!

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! March is the PERFECT time to join - Coaching Week is from March 24-28! Every day during that week we will meet for group coaching. This only happens once a year so don’t miss it. On top of that, you’ll get a monthly marketing and operations playbook, monthly group coaching, countless on-demand masterclasses and access to a vibrant community of retailers like you - and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing 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 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 you!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you’ll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We’ll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!

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! March is the PERFECT time to join - Coaching Week is from March 24-28! Every day during that week we will meet for group coaching. This only happens once a year so don’t miss it. On top of that, you’ll get a monthly marketing and operations playbook, monthly group coaching, countless on-demand masterclasses and access to a vibrant community of retailers like you - and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing 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

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 you!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you’ll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We’ll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!

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 249 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?

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 and Marketing 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 you!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Are you struggling to find the time to spend on what will move the needle in your retail business? Not sure what should be spending YOUR time on versus what you should be delegating out? In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, we are focusing on the art of delegation and the importance of focusing on CEO-level work. I’ll talk about how to break down your tasks and time so you can effectively use the most powerful resource you have: your time as CEO. I have some great book recommendations to share in this one as well!

Looking for more? Join the Retailer’s Inner Circle. You’ll have access to a monthly playbook that will help you track your numbers, support your weekly CEO date, provide promotional ideas and marketing strategies, and so much more. We also have an on-demand catalog of masterclasses that will help you move the needle and find success in your retail business. More info here!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

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

Episode 48: The 3 Biggest Time Wasters for Retailers and How to Avoid Them

Episode 94: The Retailer’s Ecosystem: Where To Spend Your Time and Focus Within Your 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 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 yo

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Are you feeling overwhelmed at the thought of making a marketing plan for your retail business? Don’t worry - I’m breaking it all down for you in this quick 5 minute episode. I’ll share how independent retail businesses can simplify their marketing by focusing on the numbers that matter most. With the practical tips I share throughout this episode, you’ll be able to flip your mindset around retail marketing to simplify your efforts AND make your efforts more intentional. Intentional marketing leads to retail success! Let’s dive in!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episodes 163-166: Simple Sales Strategy Series

Episode 241: Year-End Reflections: Mindset, Marketing, and Lessons for Success in 2025

Episode 245: Best of Series: Retail Marketing from 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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

We know that building strong relationships is more than just good business - it’s the key to staying memorable, growing your network, and fostering trust in your community. In this quick 5 minute episode, I am breaking down how relationships can fuel your success: from customer connections to community collaborations.

Key Takeaways:

Relationships Matter: Connect with your customers, staff, vendors, and other local businesses. Building trust and being known in your community keeps you top of mind.
Empower Your Team: Train your staff to be conversationalists who represent your business and nurture customer relationships with care.
Collaboration is Key: Partnering with other local businesses can spark fresh ideas and open doors to new opportunities.
Word of Mouth Works: Strong relationships lead to referrals and help your business grow organically.
Retail Excellence: Independent retailers stand out by nurturing relationships and providing exceptional service through authentic connections.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 147: How to Reframe Your Mindset Around Competition

Episode 174: 5 Ways to Network in Your Own Community

Episode 238: Behind the Counter: Building Community Through Beautiful Spaces with Lisa Wrixon

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

We are going back in time to rediscover one of the most popular episodes of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast!

We all know that differences exist across generations, but have you given any thought to how those differences could impact marketing for your retail shop? 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 the 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 work 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:

Who in your community does your shop serve?
Who do you want to serve?
Who lives in your community?
Who is buying for whom and how does that affect your marketing?
What can you offer in your shop that crosses multiple generations?
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 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, 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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Are you curious how e-commerce businesses evolve into brick and mortar shops? Maybe you operate an Etsy shop or sell on social media but have always wondered what it would be like to open your own shop. If that sounds like you, listen up!

In this episode of the podcast, we are diving into the story of Chris Waddy, the owner and CEO of Loopy Wool in Salisbury, New Brunswick. Chris shares her incredible journey from running a small Etsy shop to building a thriving brick-and-mortar destination. She is also an active and valuable member of my Level Up Mastermind and Retailer’s Inner Circle. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to turn dreams into actionable plans (or your online shop into a successful brick and mortar!), this episode is packed with insights just for you. Let’s dive in!

Key Highlights:

Planning for Success: How simple planning eased anxiety and built confidence in Chris’s retail journey.
Brick and Mortar Mastery: The challenges and wins of opening a physical store after starting online.
Community Impact: How creating a vibrant, local business can uplift small towns - and YOU can be a part of that!
Marketing Tips: Chris talks about her experience using design, events, and even billboards to attract customers and build a destination business.
Balancing Introversion and Leadership: Chris’s insights on navigating personal challenges as a retail entrepreneur.

Actionable Takeaways for Retailers

Plan Events to Build Buzz: Create signature events or demos around quieter seasons to bring traffic to your store.
Employ Multiple Revenue Streams: You can earn revenue with both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce options to build stability and reach more customers.

About Chris Waddy and Loopy Wool

Chris is the owner of Loopy Wool, a fibre art studio in Salisbury, New Brunswick. Chris was a rug hooker first but her love extends to all fibre art now. Loopy Wool opened less than a year ago.

Follow along with Chris and her business: Loopy Wool: Instagram | Website | Facebook

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

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

Episode 69: Becoming a Destination Shop

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

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

What’s the secret to running a retail business that feels like home and keeps customers coming back? In this episode of the podcast, I sat down with powerhouse and retail expert Kim Williams of The Polka Dot Press in Tallahassee, Florida - and we are answering that question and so much more. Get ready to be inspired!

With over 21 years of retail experience and a knack for social media marketing, Kim shares actionable tips for retailers, heartfelt stories, and strategies that every independent retailer can use. From training staff to balancing a side business, Kim’s insights are a must-hear for retailers looking to stand out in 2025.

Key Highlights:

Kim’s Retail Journey: From a home-based stationery line to a thriving brick-and-mortar stationery and gift shop, learn how Kim evolved her business over two decades.
Hospitality in Retail: The beauty of treating your shop like your home and creating a welcoming experience for customers. Your shop should feel like your happy place!

“Treat your shop like your home, and your customers will feel like family.” -Kim Williams

Staff Training Secrets: How Kim uses a “Disney Main Street” analogy to keep her team and customers engaged and her shop dynamic. Listen in for some really fun secrets her staff uses to make the customer experience at The Polka Dot Press better!
Smart Transitions: The bold move to move from custom services and focus on curated, ready-to-sell products.
Additional Revenue Stream Success: How Kim invested in her love for social media marketing: taking on clients and adding revenue.
Social Media Success: Why relationships matter more than algorithms and how consistency can transform your online presence.

“Relationships over algorithms—that’s the key to social media success.” -Kim Williams

Balancing Act: How Kim juggles a successful retail business and a growing social media agency.

Actionable Takeaways:

Embrace “consumable gifts” for products that delight and don’t add clutter.
Use open-ended questions like, “What brings you in today?” to spark meaningful customer interactions.
Consistency is key on social media to maintain visibility and build trust with your audience.

About Kim and The Polka Dot Press

With over 30 years in the retail industry, Kim started her business from her home in 2003 and has since grown it into a thriving gift shop known for its unique gifts and stationery. Recognized as an Outstanding Retail Leader by the Florida Retail Federation in 2012, Kim's expertise and dedication to customer service make her an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their social media presence online.

Follow along with Kim and her businesses: The Polka Dot Press: Instagram | Website and The Buzz Grove: Instagram | Website

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 239: Behind the Counter: Building the Business You Wish Existed with Jasmine McCue

Episode 221: How to Raise the Bar on Excellence in Retail with Guest Expert Jeffrey Shaw

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Join me for a 4-hour intensive January Retail Reset on January 14th! This is a small workshop where we will be laser-focusing on your business. Feel like you might need to revisit your goals and get clear on what you need to do in 2025? Join me! All of the details are here.

If you are dreading making a plan for your retail shop in 2025, I have something for you: Design Your Best Retail Year Ever is available for purchase as a stand-alone workshop (or free for you if you are a member of The Retailer’s Inner Circle program)!

This workshop has been named a favorite by so many of my clients. It’s truly an invaluable resource that every retail shop owner can use - whether you love to plan or dread it. Grab it today, or join the Retailer’s Inner Circle and it’s included in your membership - along with a “pantry” full of other masterclasses and resources for you to grab when you need them.

The 6 Areas You Should Focus on This Year

Building a stable foundation: There are three pieces to business stability: (1) business viability/profitability (2) your customers and their changing needs (3) you and your team
Embracing retail excellence: Mediocrity is not going to cut it in 2025. “Excellence” doesn’t mean luxury, it means paying attention to details in all aspects of your business.

“If coming to my shop today wasn’t the best thing our customer did, then we haven’t done our job.” -Cindy Boissonneault, Poco Inspired 3. Earning your customers’ loyalty: Your customers want to be seen and understood. What strategies do you have in place to create customers for life? 4. Be a superhero in your community: How can you be a town cheerleader, connector, and community advocate? 5. Exude confident leadership: Believe in what you are creating. What are you spending your CEO time on? 6. Visibility is key: Position your brand to be seen as the “go-to.” Can your customers shop online? Are there revenue streams you can add?

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 221: How to Raise the Bar on Excellence in Retail with Guest Expert Jeffrey Shaw

Episode 237: Retailer Success Series: Cindy’s Journey to Building a Thriving Bead Store

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

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

This year has flown by, and as we bid farewell to 2024, it's time to reflect on the lessons, wins, and challenges that shaped our journeys. In this episode, I’m sharing powerful takeaways from coaching clients, my own experiences, and inspirational quotes/insights that can inspire independent retailers to make 2025 their best year yet.

Get ready for mindset shifts, marketing tips, and practical strategies to simplify, amplify, and thrive!

If you are dreading making a plan for your retail shop in 2025, I have something for you: Design Your Best Retail Year Ever is available for purchase as a stand-alone workshop (or free for you if you are a member of The Retailer’s Inner Circle program)!

This workshop has been named a favorite by so many of my clients. It’s truly an invaluable resource that every retail shop owner can use - whether you love to plan or dread it. Grab it today, or join the Retailer’s Inner Circle and it’s included in your membership - along with a “pantry” full of other masterclasses and resources for you to grab when you need them.

Some Takeaways:

The Power of “How Can I” Energy: Shift from “I can’t” to “How can I” and see the shifts.
Simplify and Amplify: Why B+ work and “Done is better than perfect” can help you focus on what truly matters. Give yourself permission to let it be easy - whatever “it” is!

“A confused mind never buys.”

Mindset Makeover: Embrace the courage to course-correct, drop words like “busy,” “just,” and “yeah, but…” from your vocabulary and get out of your own head.
Build a Trusted Brand and Use the Power of Invitation: Move beyond selling and yelling. Learn how to create a customer experience they’ll adore. Bring them into your business.
Financial Wisdom: “It’s not the money you make; it’s the money you keep.” Get intentional about your cash flow and profitability.

“You can’t be upset about the results you didn’t get from the work you didn’t do.”

“Fix Problems Now”: Don’t let problems get bigger or manifest into something worse than when it started.
Consistency Compounds: Stay visible by updating your SEO keywords, your Google profile and your socials. Be sure to stay relevant if you want to succeed in 2025.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 186: Choose Joy! Reframe Your Mindset and End Your Retail Year Happy

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

Episode 221: How to Raise the Bar on Excellence in Retail with Guest Expert Jeffrey Shaw

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

As an independent retailer, the end of the year is a perfect time to pause, reflect, and plan for the future. In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing five powerful questions that can help you evaluate your past year, identify growth opportunities, and set intentional goals for 2025. Whether you're looking to streamline your operations, grow your customer base, or simply realign your business with your values, these insights are tailored to help small business owners thrive.

If you are dreading making a plan for your retail shop in 2025, I have something for you: Design Your Best Retail Year Ever is available for purchase as a stand-alone workshop (or free for you if you are a member of The Retailer’s inner Circle program)!

This workshop has been named a favorite by so many of my clients. It’s truly an invaluable resource that every retail shop owner can use - whether you love to plan or dread it. Grab it today, or join the Retailer’s Inner Circle and it’s included in your membership - along with a “pantry” full of other masterclasses and resources for you to grab when you need them.

Episode Highlights:

Reflect on Success: Use five reflective questions to assess your year and identify areas of improvement.
What do I wish I had done better?
What am I most proud of?
What am I worried about?
What do I want to be proud of next year?
Do my goals align with my vision?
Plan with Purpose: Embrace the Design Your Best Year Ever workshop to map out a clear and intentional plan for 2025.
Community Matters: Join a supportive retailer network to share insights, get inspired, and stay accountable.
Mindset Shift: Replace worry with clarity by addressing concerns directly and creating actionable steps.

"Success is yours, but you have to design it." -Wendy Batten

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

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

Episode 197: A Monthly Debrief: A Simple Activity All Retail Shop Owners Should Be Doing

Episode 208: Stack Your Team with Guest Expert Shelli Warren

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

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

What kind of business do you wish existed in your community? Jasmine McCue, owner of The Crow’s Nest Pantry in Alberta, identified just that and then made it a reality. In this episode, Jasmine shares her inspiring journey of starting the pantry to address her community’s needs and how it evolved into what it is today. She shares lessons learned about staffing and planning and the power of using data to drive success.

Listen in to discover valuable insights for independent retailers!

Episode Highlights:

Small town, big vision: Jasmine describes how she turned a community need into a profitable, beloved store.
Data-driven decisions: The importance of using sales data to refine inventory and meet customer demand (including an amusing story about Brussels sprouts!)
Planning saves time and money: How Jasmine leveraged pre-planning to improve profit margins and efficiency
Staffing lessons: Managing challenges with employees while prioritizing the needs of the business
Creative marketing: Innovative ideas like partnering with Airbnbs to attract new customers.

"Freedom lies on the other side of hard conversations.” -Wendy Batten

Jasmine is an active member of the Retailer’s Inner Circle program and is part of one of our Progress Pods inside the group. Join her and other amazing retailers like her in 2025!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 238: Behind the Counter: Building Community Through Beautiful Spaces with Lisa

Wrixon

Episode 220: Retailer Success Series: How Two Friends Turned a Creative Hobby into a Successful Retail Business

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

About Jasmine and The Crow’s Nest Pantry

Jasmine is a pharmacist by trade but her passion has led her on a path to serve her community through opening The Crow’s Nest Pantry. She opened her business because she believes everyone deserves access to wholesome bulk food and natural products that they can afford. Their shelves are filled with diverse bulk foods and natural products at competitive prices.

When you shop local, you not only save money but also contribute to the well-being of our planet.

Follow along with Jasmine and The Crow’s Nest Pantry: Website | Instagram

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

What would happen if you built a business centered entirely around what you love and what you believe your community is currently missing? We’re about to find out!

In this truly inspiring episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sitting down with Lisa Wrixon, the visionary and CEO behind thestylewell and Lewellyn, two boutique shops in North Vancouver. From her roots in art history to leading retail operations for major brands, Lisa’s journey is a masterclass in turning passion into purpose. Discover how she built a thriving business centered on beautiful design, community engagement, and a curated customer experience—all while staying true to her values and vision. If you’re an independent retailer looking for actionable insights and motivation, this episode is for you!

Episode Highlights:

We dig into Lisa’s Background: From studying art history to managing merchandising and retail operations for top brands like The Body Shop and Indaba Trading.
thestylewell Origin Story: A dream sparked by a love for beautiful, curated spaces, culminating in a thriving home decor business in North Vancouver.
Running Two Shops: Lisa owns thestylewell, focusing on home decor, and Lewellyn, a sister shop for fashion and accessories.
Building Community: The importance of hosting workshops, events, and pop-ups to engage with the local design and retail community.
Curating Success: Balancing simplicity, aesthetics, and strong operational practices to create a loyal customer base.
Biggest Lessons: The value of staying true to your brand while taking calculated risks to grow.

Takeaways for Retailers:

Invest in your community and prioritize relationships over transactions.
Curate your offerings with a strong focus on aesthetics and what resonates with your ideal customers.
Don't overcomplicate operations—simplicity and clarity can fuel success.
Collaborate and share knowledge generously to foster growth in your industry.

Lisa is an active member of the Retailer’s Inner Circle program. Join smart retailers like Lisa inside this program this year.

"I opened a shop for me because I couldn’t find what I wanted. Now, I create the need for others." -Lisa Wrixon

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 237: Retailer Success Series: Cindy’s Journey to Building a Thriving Bead Store

Episode 217: Best of Retailer Success Series: Simplifying Your Retail Business with Louise McManus

Episode 179: Retailer Success Series: Jess Gebauer, on Using Unique Marketing and Sales Strategies

About Lisa and thestylewell

thestylewell is curated and owned by Lisa Wrixon, an innovative and dynamic creative professional who relishes in inspiring, delighting and engaging customers. As a lover of all things beautiful, Lisa has years of experience as a residential Interior Designer, wholesale home décor brand strategist and Manager of Retail Operations for leading Canadian Retailers.

But it is her love of all things pretty, that are created with care, and her vision of creating meaningful moments in people’s homes that has driven her to open thestylewell. thestylewell aims to provide beautiful decorative pieces, hand selected by Lisa with the intent to enhance a living space, be admired and desired, shared or possessed for oneself.

Follow along with Lisa, thestylewell and Lewellyn : thestylewell Website | Lewellyn Website | thestylewell Instagram | Lewellyn Instagram

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Do you need inspiration navigating your role as an accidental entrepreneur? This episode is for you! Like many of us, Cindy Boissonneault of Poco Inspired in Winnipeg didn’t intend on putting on a CEO hat and running a retail business. In this episode, Cindy shares her inspiring journey from overcoming stress-induced challenges to becoming a successful retail entrepreneur.

With no prior retail experience, Cindy built her bead store into a thriving business by mastering inventory management, focusing on what works, and building strong systems. Tune in to hear her strategies for transitioning into a true CEO role, creating a sellable business, and achieving retail excellence—all while staying connected to her customers and community.

In this episode, Cindy and I chat about:

Her 20-year journey from overcoming stress-related illness to owning a thriving bead store.
How buying an existing retail business kickstarted her entrepreneurial career.
The value of niching down: Focusing on what sells best.
Transitioning from hands-on retail to strategic CEO leadership.
Key insights into creating a sellable business with strong systems and processes.
Practical strategies for inventory management and using metrics to make tough decisions.
Collaboration with competitors: Why rising tides lift all ships.
Planning secrets for reducing stress and driving success.

Takeaways for All Independent Retailers:

Understanding your unique selling point and investing in expertise.
Developing systems (SOPs) that make your business scalable and sellable.
Using metrics to guide inventory and revenue decisions—don’t let emotions dictate choices.
Building community, both in-store and with competitors, to boost customer loyalty.
Stepping into your CEO role: Plan ahead and delegate effectively.

Cindy is an active member of the Level Up Mastermind and the Retailer’s Inner Circle program. Join smart retailers like Cindy inside either of those programs this year.

“If coming to my shop today wasn’t the best thing our customer did, then we haven’t done our job.” -Cindy Boissonneault, Poco Inspired

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

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

Episode 218: Retailer Success Series: Community Marketing Strategies with Millie Blackwell

Episode 223: Behind the Counter: Buying an Existing Business with Shop Owners Dan & Robin Haynes

About Cindy and Poco Inspired

Cindy Boissonneault was a part-time employee at her bead shop prior to purchasing it over 10 years ago. She is an independent spirit who describes herself as a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. Prior to owning Poco Inspired, a bead store in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Cindy’s background included Business Administration, Human Resources, and Events Management.

Follow along with Poco Inspired: Website | Instagram

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Don’t sit on cash. This time of the year we want to move inventory OUT. Let’s make sure you don’t have any extra inventory left after the holidays. Let’s also optimize how much you can get for what you do have and let’s turn it into cash before the end of the holidays! In this episode, I’m sharing practical, effective tips to help independent retailers move slow-moving or excess inventory. I’ll tell you how to leverage bundling, flash sales, and other simple promotional strategies to clear stock and improve holiday sales.

Some Takeaways: * Optimize Inventory Levels: Regularly assess your stock to ensure you're not overstocked on items that aren't moving. * Set a Clearance Timeline: Establish a plan for holiday decor or seasonal items to avoid post-holiday clutter. * Bundling Products: Combine slow-moving items with popular ones to create attractive themed bundles. * Create “Last Chance” Sections: Designate a specific area in your store for final sale items to draw attention. * Use Flash Sales and Events: Go live or send emails to promote limited-time offers that create urgency. * Exclusive Discounts for Loyalty Members: Reward your loyal customers with early access to deals. * Gift With Purchase (GWP): Offer a free gift to customers who spend over a certain amount to clear out smaller stock. * Host a Live Sale: Engage customers by showcasing products directly, ideal for highlighting overlooked items. * Mystery Bags & Stocking Stuffers: Surprise and delight customers with mystery items to encourage impulse buys. * End-of-Season Blowout: Schedule an annual or biannual clearance event to keep stock fresh and avoid storing unsold items.

“We don’t want to box up money. Keep your inventory moving and in front of customers.” -Wendy Batten

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 104: Tight on Cash Flow? Let’s Turn Your Old Inventory into Cash for You

Episode 203: Mystery Bags: A Simple Retail Marketing Promotion

Episode 232: Earning Your Customers’ Support and Sales

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Make 2025 the best year ever in your retail business! In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing how to do exactly that. I’ll share actionable steps for setting goals, vision-storming, and creating a strategic marketing plan. Whether you're a planner or not, this episode is packed with easy tips to ensure you are ready to hit the ground running in 2025. If you like this episode but need a little more, you can grab my on-demand Design Your Best Retail Year Ever on my website. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways: 1. Looking Back to Plan Ahead: Reflect on your business’s performance over the past year to identify what worked and what didn’t. 2. Vision Storming: Craft a clear vision of what you want your business to achieve in 2025, focusing on growth, freedom, and profitability. 3. Set Realistic Goals: Develop SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) goals to align your vision with actionable steps. 4. Create a Marketing Strategy: Design a marketing plan that matches your revenue goals and targets new customer visibility and engagement. 5. Prioritize Your Team & Systems: Evaluate the support you need and implement systems that will help you reach your goals smoothly. 6. Write out your 1-5 BIG Vision goals: for the year on one page and keep it close.

"A better year starts now. If you want to go from good to great, or fine to better, this is how we do it." -Wendy Batten

Your Next Steps: Here’s what I want you to do this week. Commit to creating a plan, then grab the Design Your Best Retail Year Ever workshop, and schedule time to work through your business goals. And of course, you’re always welcome to join us in the Retailer's Inner Circle where we dig into this stuff even more! All of my courses are available at no additional cost to all members of the Inner Circle.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 82: Five Steps to Simplify Your Content Planning

Episode 136: Coffee Chat Breaks with Wendy: Annual Planning That Fills Your Life Buckets

Episode 234: Simple Shifts to Boost Your Bottom Line This Holiday Season

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Want to increase profitability in your retail shop this holiday season? Let’s talk about how! I’m chatting all about how to make that bottom line number BIGGER in this episode. It’s not about revenue - it’s about what stays in your pocket after all the bills are paid. I’ll walk you through some simple, practical changes that will help you make more profit this season without overwhelming yourself.

Key Takeaways: 1. Profit vs. Revenue: We’ve got to stop chasing that top-line revenue number like it’s the only thing that matters. What we really want is profit—what’s left after you pay for everything that makes your business run.

“Revenue is vanity. Profit is sanity.” -unknown

Easy Pricing Tweaks: One quick win for you—try raising your prices by 3-5%. Don’t panic! Small increases can make a huge difference in your margins without customers feeling like prices went up.
Trim Your Operating Expenses: Take a good look at where your money is going. Is there something you can negotiate, cut, or adjust? Things like shipping costs, credit card fees, and even your phone plan can often be negotiated down with a little effort. (But be sure not to cut expenses that are making you money or that you are gaining value from!)
Think Percentages, Not Dollars: When you focus on making small percentage changes, like reducing expenses by just 1%, you’ll start seeing big results over time. It’s all about those small wins adding up!

Your Next Steps: Here’s what I want you to do this week: Take a walk around your shop and really look at your pricing. Is there an opportunity to nudge things up just a bit? Next, review your expenses line by line and see where you can make a tiny cut that won’t affect your business but will boost your bottom line.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into increasing your profits, I’ve got a Best Year Ever workshop and a three-part Holiday Profits Challenge waiting for you at wendybatten.com. Let’s get you making those simple changes that will bring in more profits without the stress. And of course, you’re always welcome to join us in the Retailer's Inner Circle where we dig into this stuff even more!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

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

Episode 184: Holiday Sales Tips from Seasoned Shop Owners

Episode 191: Retail Growth Through Small Steps

Episode 205: Workshops & Classes: Added Income for Your Retail 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

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Are you thinking of selling or expanding your retail business? Think that’s not for you? Never say never! Either way, it’s important to prepare for the unexpected - and that’s exactly what we’ll be discussing in this episode. We need to be building brands that are sellable.

As a retail coach, I’ve helped countless retailers through these phases. I’ve identified four critical areas you need to review to ensure your business is in top shape for opportunities as they arise.

Key Takeaways: The 4 Key Areas for Growth-Ready Retail Businesses: 1. Solid Systems

* Document operational processes (think recipe cards for everything!)
* Create living documents for your team to reference
* Ensure systems can be scaled to a new location

Financial Health
- Keep organized, clean books—no messy finances
- Use tools like QuickBooks or Xero
- Make sure your business is profitable and cash flow is clear
- Brand Strength & Reputation
- Consistently deliver on your brand promise
- Monitor your reputation in the community and online
- Conduct regular brand audits
- Email List
- Grow and nurture your email list—it’s an asset you own
- Don’t rely solely on social media for customer connections

Are your wheels turning? What’s on your to-do list after listening to this episode? Where can you improve your sell-ability? Let’s continue the conversation in my DMs on Instagram (@wendybatten.biz) or join my email list!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

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

Episode 118: How To Create Loyalty and Amazing Customer Experiences with Guest Expert & Author Shep Hyken

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

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Are you earning your customers' support and loyalty? What do the words “shop local” mean to you?

It’s not enough to expect people to shop locally just because we’re a small business selling quality items. We need to create a brand and experience that makes them want to support us. We need to earn our customers’ support and not simply “guilt” them into shopping locally.

“People do not buy goods and services. They buy relations, stories, and magic.” -Seth Godin

Key Takeaways: * Customer experience is everything. Focus on how your store makes customers feel when they walk through the door. Review all of your shop standards and train your team. * Do not look at customers as sales, look at your customers and think about how you can serve THEM. * Stop guilting customers into shopping locally. Instead, create an inviting and engaging environment that encourages them to return. * It’s about relationships, not transactions. This is the foundation of customer loyalty. Let’s give them the magic. * Regularly assess your store’s atmosphere: Is it clean, welcoming, and engaging? Small details like ambiance and staff training play a huge role. * Curate products with your customer in mind: Keep evolving your inventory to stay relevant and interesting.

“It is about them. It is not about us. We want our customers to feel amazing about shopping local, not guilt them into it.” -Wendy Batten

Are you creating relationships, weaving in stories, and creating magic in your beautiful shop? Let’s talk about it! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Feel free to continue the conversation on Instagram @wendybatten.biz or check out our programs on my website!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 118: How To Create Loyalty and Amazing Customer Experiences with Guest Expert & Author Shep Hyken

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 215: Customer Service vs. Customer Experience

Episode 229: Having a Monthly Playbook for Your Retail 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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

I’m diving into the three big metrics I encourage my retailers to track and improve in order to increase sales especially during the holiday season. And what’s more important than that this time of year?!

We dug into the importance of tracking these metrics a few weeks back with my retailers at the Level Up Mastermind meetup. It gets me fired up to talk about these things because I know just how effective an intentional marketing plan can be if you are tracking the right numbers.

So let’s start there! The first thing you want to be clear on is knowing your numbers: Before you put any marketing strategies in place, you need to focus on knowing exactly how much money I need to make. This includes knowing how much you need for rent, payroll, insurance, etc. Once you have this number, you can reverse engineer to determine how you are going to make that money. This means setting foot traffic goals, tracking conversion rates, and increasing average order value (AOV).

Foot Traffic: How many customers you need to enter the shop in order to hit your financial targets. I recommend writing it out: “I need X customers by [date].”
Conversion Rate: Track how many visitors make a purchase, and then focus on ways to improve it—whether through better in-store experiences or staff training.
Average Order Value (AOV): You should always be looking for ways to increase AOV, using value-add promotions instead of just relying on discounts.

By knowing your numbers and working backward, you can create a clear, actionable plan to increase foot traffic and improve your conversion rate and AOV.

Thanks for tuning in! I would love it if you would share this episode with other retailers who might find it helpful. Let’s grow together!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

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

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

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 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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Do you know who your “people” are in your business life? Do you have a trustworthy sounding board for your big ideas? A mentor to guide you in the right direction when you feel stuck in your retail business? I just hosted my Level Up Mastermind members here in my hometown of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia and I am vibrating with excitement to share the takeaways with you on the podcast. I believe that being a part of a group like this is so important for so many reasons that I touch on in this episode. It was such an inspiring week, and I hope you can take away a few nuggets of wisdom to implement in your retail business! Major Takeaways from the Retreat:

Care About Your People: Truly caring about your customers and clients makes all the difference. It's not just about sales; it’s about creating an experience that makes your customers feel seen, heard, and valued.
You Can’t Create in a Silo: Ideas flourish in conversation with other like-minded business owners. Sparks fly when you surround yourself with peers who understand the retail grind and inspire you to level up.
Invest in Personal and Business Development: Successful retailers invest in their growth. Financials, marketing, skill development - Whether it's attending retreats or working with mentors, personal development fuels business success.
Relationships Are Rocket Fuel: Your business thrives when you nurture relationships—with customers, team members, vendors, and fellow shop owners. Building intentional connections leads to greater success.
Protect Your CEO Time: As retail business owners, it’s easy to get caught up in the small tasks, but your job is to focus on the big strategy. Delegate the small stuff and be the visionary your business needs.

Podcast Mentions

Sandwick Bay Candles
Mrs. Blackwell's Village Bookshop

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

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

Episode 132: Retailer Success Series: Community Marketing Strategies with Millie Blackwell

Episode 169: 5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Profit Margins (and Why You Should!)

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

You hear me say it in every episode, but it’s true: running a retail business doesn’t have to be so hard! Sure, there are aspects of it that feel hard and heavy sometimes, but help is here. Let’s chat a bit about the magical tool I’ve created inside of the Retailer’s Inner Circle that keeps my retailers on track every month called the Retailer’s Playbook. Get your CEO hat out!

The Retailer’s Playbook was created because I had so many retailers urging me to tell them what they need to do every month.

It is a multi-page document that helps you track your progress, plan your social media and promotions, increase your profits, and stay on top of the day-to-day tasks that often go by the wayside.

Retailers love the Playbook because it frees up their time, empowers them to make decisions in their shops, and has the potential to increase profitability. Having freedom in your retail business looks different for everyone, but one thing we all have to have to stay afloat is profitability.

How the Retailer’s Playbook can help you:

Key Elements of the Playbook

Reflection questions: Getting curious on what worked, what didn’t, and where we can improve
Goal Setting: Focus on setting realistic revenue, marketing, and operational goals that are results-driven
Marketing Calendar: Provides pre-planned email subject lines, social posts, and promotions/events
Operational Tasks Checklist: Make sure everything is done—inventory, bank statements, and managing your team -
Self-Care & Mindset: I include reminders for self-care because if we aren’t well, neither is our business

Why I Believe You Need a Monthly Playbook

It keeps your operations, marketing, and finances on track
You’ll feel more clarity and direction each month
It reduces the chaos we often feel, especially during busy seasons

How you can get a Monthly Retailer’s Playbook

Join us inside my Retailer’s Inner Circle coaching program. The Retailer’s Playbook is exclusive to the Retailer’s Inner Circle and is just a small piece of all of the great tools available in that group.

We also have a monthly group coaching call, countless masterclasses that are taught by me and other guest experts, small progress pod groups that meet weekly to help keep each other on track, and so much more. Join us now, ahead of Q4! See you inside!

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. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 195: The Numbers Successful Retail Shop Owners are Measuring

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

Episode 206: Behind the Scenes: New Retailer’s Inner Circle Support

Episode 228: Protecting Your Retail Store: Simple & Effective Loss Prevention Tips

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

As independent retailers, protecting our stores, staff, and ourselves is always a top priority, right? How do you ensure safety among your staff and yourself - especially when it comes to loss prevention? In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I am sharing practical tips to prevent both external (shoplifting by customers) and internal (staff) theft to ensure your shop stays safe, profitable, and secure for everyone.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the episode: * Inventory is Money: Every piece of stock represents your revenue and you need to be vigilant about protecting it. Do you have a handle on your inventory? Is your POS up to date? Do you have cameras in place and separation of duties among your employees? * Safety First for You and Your Staff: + Ensure your team feels safe by having clear protocols for dealing with shoplifters. Never confront them directly—safety is more important than merchandise. + Empower staff to trust their instincts and call the police if something feels off. Prioritize their well-being in every situation - do not confront shoplifters, call the police and allow them to handle the situation.

Best Practices for Loss Prevention:
Engage customers as soon as they enter the shop and ensure visibility in all store areas.
Use simple tools like mirrors, security cameras, and clear layouts to reduce theft.
Foster a culture of awareness with your team, making sure they know you are paying attention.
POS Systems and Inventory Management: Track inventory regularly, audit stock, and ensure employees are aware that it's being monitored.
Separation of Duties: Rotate responsibilities for handling cash and inventory to avoid unchecked control.

Loss prevention isn’t just about protecting your inventory—it’s about keeping yourself, your team, and your business safe. By implementing these strategies, you’ll reduce risk and ensure a secure environment for everyone.

Catch the next episode for tips on end-of-month preparation!

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. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 104: Tight on Cash Flow? Let’s Turn Your Old Inventory into Cash!

Episode 193: Retailers: First Impressions Count!

Episode 208: Stacking Your Team with Guest Expert Shelli Warren

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Do you feel like you are always looking for new customers? Did you know that it is less expensive to keep your customers coming back than it is to market to new ones?

In this episode of The Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sitting down with Katrina Scarlett of Scarlett & Co. to chat about how independent retailers can elevate their in-store experience through a hospitality-driven approach and focus on customer retention. Katrina is a customer experience expert whose company specializes in helping clients improve retention, satisfaction, and monetization efforts to make a bigger impact. While she works now mostly with authors and coaches, her experience and approach are perfect for retail. I am so inspired by her work and am excited to share this conversation with you. Let’s dive in!

Here are some of the highlights and major touchpoints of our chat:

Customer Retention as a Key Strategy: Katrina emphasized that customer retention goes beyond repeat visits—it's about creating loyalty and fostering a referral network. Loyal customers not only return but also spread the word, helping retailers grow their business organically.
The Five Pillars of Customer Experience: Katrina’s framework focuses on five essential areas that retailers should prioritize and with this framework, can set up actual operational guidelines for their staff and business.
Culture: A customer-centric culture should start from the top and flow throughout the entire team.
Service: Retailers should focus on delivering more than just basic customer service—serving with intention and heart is essential.
Offers: Product mixes should cater to customers’ needs and desires, not just the store owner's preferences.
Operations: Streamlining processes and systems makes shopping easier and frictionless for customers.
Journey: The customer journey includes every interaction and touch point, from first impressions online to in-store purchases and beyond.
Adopting a Hospitality Mindset: Adopting a hospitality-first approach in retail is key. Treating customers like valued guests can make a significant impact on their experience and loyalty.
Importance of Operations: Efficient operations, such as easy returns and smooth checkout processes, are vital for improving the overall customer experience. Katrina highlights that operational decisions should always consider both the business and the customer’s experience.
Customer-Centric Focus: The success of a retail store is built on the satisfaction of its customers. Period.

“Return to your heart of service.” -Katrina Scarlett

Listen to the full episode to hear more ideas, the why and how to’s. You will gain actionable insights into how to improve your retail shop’s customer experience, build stronger loyalty, and create a hospitality-driven retail culture!

About Katrina and Scarlett & Co.

Katrina Scarlett is the founder and driving force behind Scarlett & Co., a company that specializes in helping authors and coaches improve their client retention, satisfaction and monetization efforts so they can increase their profits and expand their impact.

You can follow along with Katrina and Scarlett & Co. here:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

17 Easy Ways to Improve Client Satisfaction & Retention

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. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

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

Episode 118: How to Create Loyalty and Amazing Customer Experiences with Author Shep Hyken

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 215: Coffee Break Chat: Customer Service vs. Customer Experience

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Something I encourage my retailers to ask themselves regularly: Does the vision I have for my retail shop match its reality?

Running a successful retail shop involves more than just great products and a love for your store. The true test is whether your shop's current reality aligns with the vision you originally had and the vision you desire to have.

Are there areas of your business that feel messy or hard or annoying to you? This happens to all of us, but it must be corrected. As with any thriving ecosystem, there has to be balance and alignment - and that’s where my Retailer’s Ecosystem framework comes in.

Here’s a quick guide to help you assess and realign your business:

Evaluate Your Vision: Does your shop’s daily operations reflect the atmosphere, customer experience, flow of your daily business life, staff interactions and income you initially envisioned? If not, it’s time to reassess and adjust.
Retail Ecosystem Check: Success in retail (and for your own personal payroll as a retail shop owner) hinges on a balanced ecosystem.

We suggest you evaluate and assess these four critical areas:

CEO/Visionary Role: As the leader, you must maintain a healthy mindset, clear future planning, and strong personal habits. Your energy and vision set the tone for the store. How often do you invest in your own personal development as your business evolves?
Marketing Strategy: Go beyond social media. Develop a comprehensive strategy that includes customer experience, visibility, and brand consistency. Measure your efforts with clear strategy and metrics for things like conversion rates as you work to turn browsers to buyers, and in store sales and order value increase strategies etc. Do you have a full marketing strategy in place? It can be simple, but it needs to cover all areas. Attract, engage, serve, and wow and delight your customers.
Operations & Systems: Streamline your shop’s operations with clear systems and shop standards. Implementing standardized procedures for everything from customer service to daily cleaning can transform chaos into order.
Financial Alignment: Don’t shy away from your numbers. Understand your finances, including pricing, inventory management, and profitability metrics. Confidence in this area empowers better decision-making.
Continuous Improvement: Retail success isn’t static. Regularly revisit and refine these areas to ensure your business evolves in line with your vision.

Listen in on the full episode for more information!

If you need more support, I hope you’ll join me and like-minded retailers in the Retailers Inner Circle, where ongoing training and resources are available to help you keep your retail ecosystem thriving. We have masterclasses covering every level of the retailer’s ecosystem to help you level up your retail shop and grow a successful business.

Your next step: Reflect on the four areas above and identify where your business might need a little more attention. Making small adjustments can lead to big improvements in profitability, joy, and overall business success. And if you are ready to level up… join the Retailer’s Inner Circle.

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. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 94: The Retailer’s Ecosystem: Where to Spend Your Time and Focus Within Your Business

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

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 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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Looking for a retail survival guide for the Holidays? I’ve got you! My Holiday Success Bootcamp is truly all you need to rock the 4th quarter in your retail business. And the best news is you can purchase it as a stand-alone masterclass this year! Don’t wing it this holiday season! Grab it here!

The Holiday Success Bootcamp got a glow-up in 2024! In addition to the 5 masterclass sessions, the program also includes:

A list of curated ideas (that we know work!) for promotional events for every holiday/celebration from October through January
6 editable email templates every retailer should send between Black Friday and New Year’s Day
Holiday gift certificate templates
Social media prompts and editable Q4 Canva graphics that make scheduling posts for the holidays EASY
…and so much more!

In This Episode:

Happy September! Did you know September is Self-Care Awareness Month? Well, it is - so let’s talk about it. As I’m sure you know by now, running a retail business is rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. This episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast focuses on self-care for retail shop owners.

As retail shop owners, we must remember that self-care isn’t selfish at all.

It’s SO important to avoid burnout in your retail business. So let’s talk about being the CEO of your life, not just your business.

Some points discussed in this episode:

Self-Care Awareness Month: This is the perfect time to step back and decide what self-care means for you and what works to help you feel cared for in your personal life and in your biz
Your life needs you: I chat about checking in on different areas of your life and why you need to prioritize them.
Health and Energy: Focus on your health by optimizing sleep, movement, and nutrition. Small improvements in these areas lead to greater energy, which fuels your business.
Mental Health: Be mindful of stress and anxiety. Recognize the signs of overworking, and take steps to relax, such as reducing screen time and practicing mindfulness.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say “no” to things that drain your energy and be clear about your goals. When you are planned out and clear about your priorities, it’s easier to manage the day-to-day.
People: Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Be intentional about being in the room with people who have a solution mindset, not a complaint mindset, those who give you energy, not take it.
Hobbies and Joy: Rediscover hobbies and activities that make you happy. (Yes, you need to make time for fun and joy). This doesn’t just benefit you—it helps everyone around you.

"Pay attention to the tension. We unintentionally ignore some areas of our lives unless we're being intentional. So, what do you need to feel alive and thrive?" - Wendy Batten

When you take care of yourself, you can show up stronger for your business and your loved ones. So tell me: what does self-care look like for you? What are your best tips?

And remember: running a retail business doesn’t have to be so hard - and you don’t have to do it alone! The Inner Circle is always open and full of like-minded retailers who’ve been where you are. And the masterclasses will have you thinking about your business in ways you haven’t before. See you inside!

"The world belongs to the energetic." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 106: Multi-Passionate Jo Packham and the Creative Business Journey

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Looking for a retail survival guide for the Holidays? I’ve got you! My Holiday Success Bootcamp is truly all you need to rock the 4th quarter in your retail business. And the best news is you can purchase it as a stand-alone masterclass this year! Don’t wing it this holiday season! Grab it here!

The Holiday Success Bootcamp got a glow-up in 2024! In addition to the 5 masterclass sessions, the program also includes:

A list of curated ideas (that we know work!) for promotional events for every holiday/celebration from October through January
6 editable email templates every retailer should send between Black Friday and New Year’s Day
Holiday gift certificate templates
Social media prompts and editable Q4 Canva graphics that make scheduling posts for the holidays EASY
…and so much more!

In This Episode:

Sometimes, as retail shop owners, we get so busy working on our businesses and staying in our lanes that we make the mistake of thinking everyone knows what’s going on inside of our shops. YOU know what you do in your shop. YOU know what you sell. But does your community know what your shop is all about?

This episode is all about putting an end to the assumption that people in your community know what you do and what you sell in your retail business. I’m here to tell you that you have to be talking about your shop and your business so much that even YOU are almost sick of hearing it!

How do you know if you are talking enough about your biz? Here’s some homework:

Identify your best-selling categories (jeans, jewelry, candles, etc.)
Go through all of your social media & selling platforms (email, FB, etc) and figure out how often you are actually sharing these categories.
Also, identify HOW you are sharing the categories: is it just through live video or just static photos? You need to mix it up!
Make sure you are highlighting your best sellers inside of your store through visually appealing displays and great signage. Tell the stories of your products.

This short episode can have a huge impact on your business if you take 20 minutes out of your next CEO date to do a quick audit of how and how often you are sharing your best-selling categories. I want to hear how this episode helped you! DM me 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. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 103: Increase Sales with Your Silent Salesperson: Signage

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

Episode 221: How to Raise the Bar on Excellence in Retail with Guest Expert Jeffrey Shaw

Episode 222: 6 Things to Do This Month To Prepare Your Shop for the Holidays

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

So much gold here.

Are you considering buying an existing business in a field that’s outside of your wheelhouse? Already a business owner but interested in a great conversation between a husband/wife entrepreneurial team and hearing some great advice for your store? This episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast is for you!

Robin and Dan Haynes purchased an existing equestrian retail shop called The Golden Horseshoe in Eureka, MO in 2023. As entrepreneurs in real estate, they are always looking for an opportunity and couldn’t pass this one up! Robin knew a bit about the equestrian industry and found out the shop was for sale after their daughter started working at Golden Horseshoe. They each have their own roles in the business and are active members of the Retailer’s Inner Circle. Dan is always sharing incredible marketing ideas, biz book recommendations, and inspiration for the whole group.

Throughout this duel interview episode, Robin and Dan chat about their experience purchasing a business that had been operating for over 40 years. Here’s what you can expect to hear us chat about:

How they refreshed and elevated a tired brand
How they leveled up their marketing and customer experience
Some tips to navigating social media successfully without having to buy ads
How they handled staff resistance and turnover
How they are building a business they can turn into passive income
What they are doing to keep staff communications consistent
The pros of building a business with your spouse (you all know I could probably do a whole episode on this one!)
What they would have done differently if they bought the business today
Why you need to keep your books clean! (so so important!)
Dan’s favorite masterclasses in the Inner Circle and what he’s excited for in the group

This episode has so many golden nuggets of wisdom - even if you aren’t interested in purchasing an existing business but simply looking for ways to make yours run more smoothly. Let’s dive in!

“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in 10 years.” -Bill Gates

About The Golden Horseshoe

In April of 2023, new owners took the reins of Golden Horseshoe. The Haynes and Robinson Families set out to build from the strong foundation of Golden Horseshoe in order to create something special for the next 40 years and beyond.

The vision of the partnership was to bring the operations, outreach and education into the tech age while remaining true to the roots of the store. This new vision quickly became evident with a complete restart of the business to include branding, store layout, product lines, customer service and online service.

Website | Facebook

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. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 159: Best of Series: Prepare to Sell, Franchise, or Expand: Four Areas That Need to be Under Control

Episode 183: Fine Tuning Your Business Operations with Guest Expert Gwen Bortner

Episode 202: Why Every Retail Store Should Consider Selling Souvenirs

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Ready to soar this holiday? I’ve never met a shop owner who wants to have a ho-hum holiday season! I’m here to help ensure your holiday season is as fab as your retail shop. The time to start preparing for Q4 and the holiday season is NOW. Take it from me: taking some time in August to get your retail shop’s ducks in a row for Q4 is worth its weight in gold!

Not sure what exactly you should be doing to prepare? Here are the six topics I lay out for you in this episode:

Goal setting for the holidays (and that doesn’t mean just to “beat last year’s numbers”)
Know what you are going to sell/opportunities you are going to take to hit those goals
Block your calendar with community events, your personal days, etc.
Attach marketing plans to goals
Prep your support team (your family and staff) for the holidays
Sit back and implement your plan!

If you need more (trust me - you do!), I’ve got that for you in my Holiday Success Bootcamp workshop inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle. Not only do we deep dive into all of these topics, I’ll be helping you work through the program with a live Q+A every week from August 15 through September 15.

The Holiday Success Bootcamp got a glow-up in 2024! In addition to the 5 masterclass sessions, the program also includes:

A list of curated ideas (that we know work!) for promotional events for every holiday/celebration from October through January
6 editable email templates every retailer should send between Black Friday and New Year’s Day
Holiday gift certificate templates
Social media prompts and editable Q4 Canva graphics that make scheduling posts for the holidays EASY
…and so much more!

NEW THIS YEAR: You can purchase the Holiday Success Bootcamp as a standalone masterclass!

Sales and success (especially around the holidays) come from being prepared - so let’s do what we can now. You owe it to yourself, your team, and your customers. Let’s dive in!

You can grab that workshop for a limited time right HERE.

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. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 221: How to Raise the Bar on Excellence in Retail with Guest Expert Jeffrey Shaw

Sales Series for the Holidays

Holiday Sales Playlist: Our favorite podcast episodes geared to holiday sales

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Have you ever considered looking to luxury brands for inspiration, even if you don’t consider your brand or products to be luxury? I have news for you: you should!

In this episode, I’m chatting with one of the biggest advocates for small businesses, my mentor (and one of my favorite humans) Jeffrey Shaw. Jeffrey is the host of The Self Employed Life Podcast and author of two excellent business books: The Self-Employed Life and LINGO. Jeff is the real deal: he has been self-employed for his entire career. He has never received a paycheck from someone else! He has built his business around his passion for self-employed business owners and building the local economy. He’s got so much to share on how and why, as retailers, we need to raise the bar on excellence.

“If you make your customers feel seen and understood, you will create an unbreakable bond.” - Jeffrey Shaw

Here are just a few of the topics we chat about:

How small businesses (like yours!) are saving Main Street
One of the most important things business owners overlook while marketing their business
The brands you should follow and dissect to mimic the “luxury experience” (even if you aren’t operating a luxury brand!)
Why making assumptions about your customers/clients can be detrimental to your business (and some ideas on how to stop)

I love this conversation for so many reasons and the way Jeffrey weaves real-life examples and stories into our chat makes it so powerful. He inspires us through storytelling and shares how we can raise the bar to achieve excellence in our retail businesses. Let’s dive in!

Jump into my DMs on IG and share with me your takeaways.

About our Guest, Jeffrey Shaw

From humble beginnings, Jeffrey Shaw became one of the most preeminent portrait photographers in the United States.

Today, Jeffrey speaks about how to sell to an affluent clientele at association events and conferences. He is the author of two books, The Self-Employed Life and LINGO, and host of, The Self-Employed Life podcast.

Jeffrey is also the founder of The Self-Employed Business Institute, his TEDx Talk is featured on TED.com, and he is responsible for the creation of National Self-Employed Day, which falls on May 4th of the U.S. National calendar.

Find Jeffrey here:

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

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. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

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

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

Episode 215: Customer Service vs. Customer Experience

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

July is winding down and Member Appreciation Month is coming to a close in the Retailer’s Inner Circle but we are just warming up to prepping for the Holidays. Our amped-up Holiday Bootcamp is launching in August! In addition to the 5 part masterclass, we’ve added promotional guides with creative and fun ideas to get buying customers in your shop in Q4. We’ve got editable social media graphics so the work is done for you - all you have to do is hit the schedule button! Q4 is coming and we’ve done the planning for you. Q4 doesn’t have to be hard!

So much more is happening inside the Inner Circle - trust me you don’t want to miss it. You don’t have to run your retail business alone. Join us today!

In keeping with our celebration of our members all of July in the Inner Circle, we’re highlighting some of our favorite past interviews with Inner Circle retailer members! These retailer interviews are some of our most popular episodes and what you all are telling us you want more of. This week we are going all the way back to Episode 149 with Susan Mocker and Devon Cretella of Extending Grace in Hubbard, Ohio. Let’s dive in!

Show Notes

As a retail coach, 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 share a great success story of a retail partnership. Meet Retailer Inner Circle members 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.

Susan and Devon will tell us what has worked for them in business, including a yearly planning retreat they take together and how they’ve balanced work and life. They’ll also give us their best advice on going into business with friends.

“Plan it, but write it in pencil because business is flexible.”

Whether or not you are considering joining a partnership, there is something for every retail shop owner in this episode. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

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 Webstore.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: Episode 122 - CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis

Episode 129 - Retailer Success Series: Community Attract Strategy with Inner Circle Member Michelle Emmons

Episode 179: Retailer Success Series: Jess Gebauer on Using Unique Marketing & Sales Strategies

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. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone!

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Hey Friends! This month, we’re celebrating our retailers in the Retailer’s Inner Circle. It’s Member Appreciation Month! We’re hosting weekly giveaways (including private coaching sessions with me!), launching promotional guides and editable social media graphics, and so much more. It’s not too late to join us - and NOW is the time.

You don’t have to run your retail business alone! Join the Inner Circle today and get immediate access to countless Masterclasses on topics from merchandising to social media and our coveted monthly playbooks that break your month down for you into bite sized pieces. You’ll also have an opportunity to make peer-to-peer connections in our community with retailers who are facing the same questions and issues as you. Q4 is looming and our revamped Holiday Bootcamp also launches soon. Retail doesn’t have to be so hard! Join us today!

In keeping with our celebration of our members, over the next few weeks on the podcast we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite past interviews with Inner Circle retailer members! These retailer interviews are some of our most popular episodes and what you all are telling us you want more of. This week we are going back a few months to Episode 204 with Jeanne Terrill of Junque Rescuers in Lake Jackson, Texas. Let’s dive in!

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 154: Retailer Success Series: Christie Carter-Tokairin: 10 Years In

Episode 122: Retailer Success Series: CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis of Louisville Mercantile

Episode 113: Retailer Success Series: Growth Mindset with Jeff Lee of The Vintage Nest

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Happy July! This month, we’re celebrating our retailers in the Retailer’s Inner Circle. It’s Member Appreciation Month! We’re hosting weekly giveaways (including private coaching sessions with me!), launching promotional guides, editable social media graphics, and so much more. It’s not too late to join us - and NOW is the time.

You don’t have to run your retail business alone! Join the Inner Circle today and get immediate access to countless Masterclasses on topics from merchandising to social media and our coveted monthly playbooks that break your month down for you into bite sized pieces. You’ll also have an opportunity to make peer-to-peer connections in our community with retailers who are facing the same questions and issues as you. Q4 is looming and our revamped Holiday Bootcamp also launches soon. Retail doesn’t have to be so hard! Join us today!

In keeping with our celebration of our members, over the next few weeks on the podcast we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite past interviews with Inner Circle retailer members! These retailer interviews are some of our most popular episodes and what you all are telling us you want more of. This week we are going all the way back to Episode 132 with Millie Blackwell of Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop in Greytown, New Zealand. Let’s dive in!

In This Episode:

If you think you have to be on FB to grow your business, think again! Meet Millie Blackwell - owner of Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop in Greytown, New Zealand.

Before opening her shop in December 2020, Millie and her husband owned digital businesses and did a lot of home renovations. Her shop is perfect for romantic, curious minds and romantic souls. Her bookshop is 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 Facebook for personal use or for her business! It can be done.

All of Millie’s business marketing decisions are based on building community and becoming a destination shop. Listen to her attract strategies! They go against the grain and work 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.

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 118: How To Create Loyalty and Amazing Customer Experiences with Guest Expert & Author: Shep Hyken

Episode 133: Retailer Success Series: Community, Culture, and 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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Happy July! This month, we’re celebrating our retailers in the Retailer’s Inner Circle. It’s Member Appreciation Month! We’re hosting weekly giveaways (including private coaching sessions with me!), launching promotional guides and editable social media graphics, and so much more. It’s not too late to join us - and NOW is the time.

You don’t have to run your retail business alone! Join the Inner Circle today and get immediate access to countless Masterclasses on topics from merchandising to social media and our coveted monthly playbooks that break your month down for you into bite-sized pieces. You’ll also have an opportunity to make peer-to-peer connections in our community with retailers who are facing the same questions and issues as you. Q4 is looming and our revamped Holiday Bootcamp also launches soon. Retail doesn’t have to be so hard! Join us today!

In keeping with our celebration of our members, over the next few weeks on the podcast we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite past interviews with Inner Circle retailer members! These retailer interviews are some of our most popular episodes and what you all are telling us you want more of. So this week we are going all the way back to Episode 120 with Louise McManus of Vischer Ferry General Store. Let’s dive in!

In This Episode:

Inner Circle member Louise McManus has managed to find balance - a profitable and enjoyable shop, balanced with a great quality of life. She’s here to share with us how that’s possible!

Several years ago Louise McManus bought a house, built in 1856, in the historic Erie Canal hamlet and had a dream of creating a beautiful shop the community would love, and the rest is history! This was a new venture for Louise, as she came from working in a bridal boutique and as a jewelry designer.

The Vischer Ferry General Store is both a café and a retail gift shop. Her journey as a retail shop owner has been one to watch not only because of her multiple buckets of revenue streams, but the atmosphere she has created for her customers - it truly is a destination shop!

I have watched her grow into a CEO who is flexible and knows how to think in the future. I know her journey will help yours as well. Take some notes, Louise is living her best life as a shop owner and is still in love with it all!

“It’s my business, and it can be whatever I want it to be.” - Louise McManus

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 129: Retailer Success Series: Community Attract Strategy with Michelle Emmons

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 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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Can you have a summer of ease and keep your momentum going? Yes. No matter what summertime looks like in your retail shop, you need to balance your work schedule with rest and fun while keeping the momentum at the same time. Sounds challenging, right? Trust me, if you put in the effort, you can get things done and still have time to enjoy the sunshine. In this week’s episode of the podcast, I’m sharing some things you can easily cross off of your retail shop’s to-do list this summer.

Some of the things I’ll share thoughts on:

Setting your schedule and your staff’s schedule as far in advance as you can
Scheduling out big rocks and promotions between now and September (this is done for you if you are an Inner Circle member!)
A hot tip for getting a bunch of social media posts and emails scheduled in one hour or less (Inner Circle members have access to a masterclass on content creation and monthly playbooks with email subject lines)
Easy ideas on how to humanize your brand
Planning out and delegating roles/responsibilities for your upcoming events
How hiring/delegating out these tasks can free up your time and actually grow your business

Get out your calendars, my friends! I challenge you to sit down this week and schedule what needs to get done in your retail business so you can sit on a beach in peace this summer.

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

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

Episode 213: 5 Areas Retailers Should Be Focusing On in Q3

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!

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

Can you have a summer of ease and keep your momentum going? Yes. No matter what summertime looks like in your retail shop, you need to balance your work schedule with rest and fun while keeping the momentum at the same time. Sounds challenging, right? Trust me, if you put in the effort, you can get things done and still have time to enjoy the sunshine. In this week’s episode of the podcast, I’m sharing some things you can easily cross off of your retail shop’s to-do list this summer.

Some of the things I’ll share thoughts on:

Setting your schedule and your staff’s schedule as far in advance as you can
Scheduling out big rocks and promotions between now and September (this is done for you if you are an Inner Circle member!)
A hot tip for getting a bunch of social media posts and emails scheduled in one hour or less (Inner Circle members have access to a masterclass on content creation and monthly playbooks with email subject lines)
Easy ideas on how to humanize your brand
Planning out and delegating roles/responsibilities for your upcoming events
How hiring/delegating out these tasks can free up your time and actually grow your business

Get out your calendars, my friends! I challenge you to sit down this week and schedule what needs to get done in your retail business so you can sit on a beach in peace this summer.

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

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

Episode 213: 5 Areas Retailers Should Be Focusing On in Q3

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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.

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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!):

The 5 senses in your shop
Training your staff
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!

View Details

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:

What happens when you brand your product lines not yourself
Retailers not doing everything they can to get sales
Treating your business like a hobby
Messy/dirty shops
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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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

Your Shop’s Financial Well Being
Your Sales & Marketing Strategy & Assets (and I don’t just mean social media!)
Service and Hospitality
Being a Leader to Your Team
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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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 :

Google Workspace: grow up your business
Flodesk for email marketing services
The Planner Pad: the planner for the non-traditional 9-5 worker/entrepreneur
Descript: content creation
When I Work
ThriveCart & ThriveLearn: course creation & check out all at one price
ChatGPT: use for social posts, newsletter, ideas
Canva AI Tools
Libro FM for audiobooks
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!

View Details

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:

Planning Your Best Year 4 Part Podcast Series
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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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:

Savings/Investing Mode: Early Stage Burnout: We have lots of deposits coming in so we are able to “spend” our energy/adrenaline.
Paycheck to Paycheck: In this mode, there is just enough energy coming in to deal with what’s going out.
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.
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:

Determine what stage of burnout you are in.
Make a list of deposits that give you energy in each of the three timeframes listed above.
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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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:

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!
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.
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!

View Details

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

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?”

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.

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!

View Details

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:

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!
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.
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.

View Details

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:

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.
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.
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!

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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

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.
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.
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

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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:

The footer on every page of your website should have your business name and logo, your address, and a contact phone number.
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.
The more reviews you have on your Google Business, the better you will rank. Ask your customers to leave reviews on Google.
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.
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.
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.
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

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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:

Who in your community does your shop serve?
Who do you want to serve?
Who actually lives in your community?
Who is buying for whom and how does that affect your marketing?
What can you offer in your shop that crosses multiple generations?
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!

View Details

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:

Use keywords that your customers will be searching.
Don’t be too generic with your description of what you do.
Make sure all the basics are correct: your phone number, address, store hours, etc.
You don’t have to be for everyone. Speak directly to your ideal customers.
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.
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!

View Details

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

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.
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.
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.
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.”

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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:

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

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.
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.
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.
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!*

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With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast/

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!

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!
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.
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!

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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!

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

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.
Strategically place your products with the highest margins in the most visible, high traffic areas of your shop.
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.
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!

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With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

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

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.
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.

Make the first impression unforgettable (in a good way!)
Don’t put your highest ticket items by the door.
Use good lighting and make sure it is clean and spacious.
Ensure nothing is blocking the sightlines through your shop.
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.
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!

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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!

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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!

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With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

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:

Make a “bestsellers list” and display it in the shop.
Ensure staff is trained properly on your core products.
Merchandise to SELL.
Complete a customer journey map. (Episode 144)
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!

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With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

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!

View Details

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:

Why is this business important to me?
Where do I want it to take me?
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:

What are you doing to build your audience?
How are you ensuring that your community knows about your shop?
How are you engaging with your audience?
What are you doing this week to get more people to know about your shop?
Is your brand messaging clear?
Are you searchable outside of social media?
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

View Details

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

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:

Why is this business important to me?
Where do I want it to take me?
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:

What are you doing to build your audience?
How are you ensuring that your community knows about your shop?
How are you engaging with your audience?
What are you doing this week to get more people to know about your shop?
Is your brand messaging clear?
Are you searchable outside of social media?
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

View Details

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:

Building: Becoming known in your community, building your brand
Refinement: Finding your groove, the “messy middle,” understanding your numbers
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

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

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.

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.”

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

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.

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.

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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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

View Details

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!

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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!

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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!

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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

Christie Carter-Tokairin is the owner of Revived Vintage in beautiful Qualicum Beach, BC. Revived Vintage is a beautifully curated creative shop, featuring artistically inspired furniture, home decor, & accessories. She’s an incredible artist and also does custom painted furniture, offers workshops and is a go-to for creative paints and supplies. 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!

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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.

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With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast/

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!

View Details

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/

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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/

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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/

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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/podcast/

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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

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.
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.

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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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

View Details

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

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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/podcast/

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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

Your website copy shouldn’t just show the facts. It needs to include your brand voice.

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.

Think sideways! What else is your customer interested in besides the products you sell? Use that as content but keep it in your brand voice, all while humanizing your business.

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/

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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/

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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/

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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:

Prepare your flight plan - know where you are going
Check your systems - get your business #’s and systems in place
Know how to get from point A to point B - map it out
Prepare your staff, team, coaches, biz advisors (your co-pilots)

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/

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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/

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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/

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“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/

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“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/podcast/

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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/

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Hi, I’m Wendy. And I’m imperfect.

I have made so many mistakes along the way and have lots of imperfections. I’ve had hard experiences and failures and am always working on improvement. We learn and grow from our mistakes, right? I’m sharing so that maybe you can learn from my mistakes/hard learnings.

Grab your pen, tune in and maybe you’ll see some things that you’re doing and feel like, “you know what, we’re all a hot mess at times in our business, but I can always learn and grow.”

My 7 Deadly Sins (aka mistakes) as a Retailer:

Superwoman/Superman Syndrome - The I can do it my way mindset. Don’t DIY everything in your business. Invest in the right people who can help you.
Taking things personally - This can wear you out fast. We have to learn how to accept feedback and not let it tear us to pieces. The negative influences are not your people.
Comparisonitus - and maybe even Imposter Syndrome. Comparison is the thief of joy. Be the special CEO that you are and keep moving forward in your own direction.
Lack of Communication - This can make you a poor leader toward your staff and team. Have the proper training, policies & procedures, and manuals in place.
Overworking - It’s time to draw a line in the sand and create boundaries for yourself. We can’t be on 24/7. It doesn’t serve you, your family, business, or your clients.
Not taking care of my health - Avoid the burnout moments by making YOU your biggest asset. Your physical, mental and emotional health should be on your priority list every day.
Passive Business Development - Your level of success will rarely exceed your level of personal development. As we grow, we need to invest in ourselves. We always need to improve, tweak and educate ourselves. Find a coach, a mentor, mastermind classes, etc. If we aren’t always learning and growing, neither is our business.

Have faith in yourself, friends. Struggles are learning opportunities.

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/125/

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A runway to freedom - doesn’t that sound amazing!?
My guest today, life coach and operating systems expert Andrea Liebross, helps ambitious women find just that - freedom. Freedom in their lives and businesses so their quality of life is exponentially better, balanced, and harmonious.

Most everything in your life really boils down to confident decision-making. Andrea discusses how to avoid that feeling of being stuck or stagnant and learn how to continue to grow and take action in a way that’s right for you.

We discuss time, energy, mind management, confident decision-making, S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goal setting and so much more! I hope her advice and stories of past clients really help open your mind and help you begin building freedom and harmony in every aspect of your life.

“Confidence. It’s a journey. It’s a process. It’s a practice.” - Andrea Liebross

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/124-2/

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Today we are talking with my former right-hand woman, unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant - Emily Reagan. As a military spouse, Emily was moving a lot and trying to find a career that could move with her. For the past 13 years, she has been freelancing with mainly creatives, helping them with their Pinterest accounts and digital marketing strategies.

Now, Emily is helping other people build their unicorn Virtual Assistant businesses and helping them become well-rounded, multi-passionate freelancers who act as that unicorn that can do it all. From digital marketing, administrative tasks, social media, etc. - Emily helps upcoming VA’s with the ins and outs of what they need to start their business.

Wondering how your business can benefit from some extra help?
Emily dives into the various types of VA’s that are out there, what they do, and how they can help you and your brick and mortar business! Remember, just because you can do it, doesn’t mean you should be doing it. She also shares how you can get training for your own team to support you more.

“The whole goal is for you to be working 20% in your business, on the things only you can do that are true moneymakers and hiring out the other 80% to people who can help you do the work.” - Emily Reagan

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/123/

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Another Inner Circle and Accelerator member I’m excited for you to meet, Sylvia Davis is sharing her retailer journey with us. To say she’s an accidental entrepreneur is an understatement. She had the idea of being a shop owner after years of a career in finance, found a vacant space, and on a spur of the moment, three hours later it was hers back in 2016!

Six years later, Louisville Mercantile now has two locations in her small town of Tennessee (about 4,000 people) and grew from only selling painted furniture to now selling DIY, gifts, consignment, home decor, vintage, and offering workshops. Not to mention she sells online on Facebook every week!

Learn how she grew into a CEO and manages two sister stores. Take in her sound advice on managing it all so beautifully. From hiring, inventory, marketing, standard operating procedures, and knowing her audience - we talk about it all!

“Business is a journey. Failure is not a failure. It’s just a learning opportunity.” - Sylvia Davis

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/122/

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We are ramped up right now in the middle of our Retailer’s Inner Circle Holiday Bootcamp! Sharing new ideas to help with foot traffic, marketing, growth, profits, and how to compete with the big box companies throughout the holiday season.

Whether you’ve owned your business for years or this is your first holiday season, there is always room for refinement. Our Holiday Boot Camp is really just a formula. Take notes because I’m going to share that 5 step formula with you, friends.

Know what you need and where you are headed - Identify specifically what you want from your business. Set your calendar for those big events and think about the time and profits you need.
Have a Revenue Plan - What are you going to sell? What types of products or events are you going to offer in order to reach your revenue goals? Know your average order value.
Map out your Calendar - Include a promotional calendar - set it and implement.
Set Up Your Marketing Plan - Know how you are going to consistently attract new customers and keep the existing ones happy. Marketing is not just about social media and Facebook ads.
Mindset - You have to make the decision that this is all going to work and that you are going to put forth all of your efforts to make it happen. But it’s also about taking care of yourself.

Set it and IMPLEMENT. Plan now so you can focus on doing what’s important during the holiday rush.

More show notes here https://wendybatten.com/121/

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Inner Circle member Louise McManus has managed to find that balance - a profitable and enjoyable shop, balanced with a great quality of life! She’s here to share with us how that’s possible!

Seven years ago Louise McManus bought a house, built in 1856, in historic Erie Canal hamlet and had a dream of creating a beautiful shop the community would love, and the rest is history! This was a new venture for Louise, as she came from working in a bridal boutique and as a jewelry designer.

The Vischer Ferry General Store is both a café and a retail gift shop. Her journey as a retail shop owner has been one to watch not only because of her multiple buckets of revenue streams, but the atmosphere she has created for her customers - it truly is a destination shop!

I have watched her grow into a CEO who is flexible and knows how to think in the future. I know her journey will help yours as well. Take some notes, Louise is living her best life as a shop owner and is still in love with it all!

“It’s my business, and it can be whatever I want it to be.” - Louise McManus

More show notes here https://wendybatten.com/120/

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My expert guest today started out as an owner of a website development agency as well as an owner of a professional organizing business. Brenda Cadman is now one of 25 people in the world who are verified, global Canva experts. She is here to talk to us about more advanced ways to use Canva for your retail business.

We’re discussing how to easily use Canva properly for your business so your online branding and overall marketing presence are consistent, well thought out, and make you easily distinguishable.

But we also discuss how Canva is perfect for the shop owner and what else you can use it for besides just social media. Greeting cards, welcome packages, signage, bag stuffers, ads and so much more. Listen in and find out how Canva can work for you and how to organize it properly:

Delete and Archive
Review and Rename
Inventory your graphics (use Canva folders)
Create a hierarchy of folders
Create Brand Kit

Canva is an awesome tool that can really save you time as a shop owner and I hope these steps will help you save time in the long run.

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/119/

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The worst thing that can happen when you ask is they say no. Well, my guest today said YES! I am thrilled to introduce our featured guest expert, author, and speaker: Shep Hyken. Shep knows retail and is a customer service and experience expert and a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

We talk a lot about the customer experience and customer loyalty in my Retailer’s Inner Circle program, and Shep’s books are always suggested reading. His teachings focus on building loyal customers, how to be just a little better than average, and how that can help shop owners have an advantage over the big box competitors and even thrive, not just survive.

We talk everything from:

His many books and the lessons inside
The importance of community involvement
Local advertising & marketing
Hiring staff and including them in the customer experience
Customer Behavior (CSAT)
The top reasons customers come back
The customer journey map (and a great exercise for you to do)

This is an episode you do NOT want to miss - so get your pen and paper ready, share this episode with a biz buddy, and listen closely. Learn the what and how of your awesome responsibilities of providing an amazing experience for your customers.

“Customer service, it’s not a department. It’s a philosophy.” - Shep Hyken

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/118/

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I just recently returned from a beautiful two week road trip. When I travel, I make it a point to shop small and visit as many shop owners as I can. Today, I want to share with you my experience and five important lessons that will help you be better found and look at occasional visitors in a new, lucrative way.

Get Found - Are you on Google My Business, Google Maps, are you in local business directories, etc? There is such value in being found by new people.
Get Reviews - Include them on your website, Google My Business, and social media platforms. They matter.
Shop Front & Signage - Is it visibly appealing, inviting and clear?
Do local businesses know you? - It’s all in the power of conversation. When other local businesses talk up your shop, it only brings more people in.
A reminder - take the vacation! - Refocus. Reset. Take care of your mental health and wellbeing. Make this a priority. It will help your business in the long run!

Put yourself in a position where you are easily found by as many awesome new humans as possible.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/117/

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There’s always going to be seasons of quiet. Many times that happens in summer. Times when things are a little slow at the shop, not as busy… but don’t panic. This is normal.

So, for this episode, I have five strategies to help you optimize those slow seasons. Strategies that will help you move forward during a not-so-busy season.

Embrace a little downtime - Be OK with your shop not being crazy busy. Allow the slow times to happen and embrace the fact that rest is essential.
Refresh your space - This is not so much about the merchandising, but regular shop maintenance. Need touch-up paint? Need to organize? Dust? Try and focus on the little things you never have time for during the busy season, and don’t be afraid to get your team involved.
Plan your events - Have a team meeting and start planning for Q3 and Q4. Fill up your idea parking lot. No idea is a bad idea here!
Update your operations - Your contracts, policies & procedures, manuals, opening and closing checklists, operations etc.
Learn something new - What do you wish you were better at? We all have something. Use this time to fill your skills gaps - our numbers, marketing strategy, POS systems, social media, your website, take a course. Whatever it may be, it’s time to level up!

Maybe you just need to rest.

That’s ok too.

We want to show up at our very best when it gets busy again. Utilize your downtime to better prepare for what’s coming in Q3 and Q4. Be on the lookout for our Holiday Boot Camp in August!

NAME it. CLAIM it. Then you can TAME it.

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/116/

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Have you grabbed my four module Retail Made Simple course yet!? It’s now available on demand! It’s a success path for creative shop owners just like you.

We’re entrepreneurs, we’re creatives. We are naturally idea machines.
Having so many ideas, though, is a blessing and a curse.

So how do you tame all of those wonderful ideas? How do you know which ideas to say yes to and which to say no to? Here are three steps that will help you control and funnel through all of those thoughts in your head and help you put them in the right place:

Big Picture Planning - Put things through a funnel. Does this idea fit into our plan? Do you have the bandwidth to follow through?
Is it Passion Project: - Is this idea something you’d be willing to get up at 5 am for?
The Ideal Parking Lot - When a wonderful idea comes to you, write them down either on paper or digitally.

Stay focused on what’s moving the needle and what’s making you revenue. Stay in the lane that’s working and add creative things as you pull them out of your parking lot when the timing is right.

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/115/

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We aren’t in business to work 24/7, 365 days a year.

We need time away from it in order to avoid burnout and grow.

It’s ok to step away.

Some of us aren’t very good at this, though. Me included. But I’m learning. So I am hoping that some of the ideas in this episode allow you to give yourself permission to step away and find that it isn’t impossible but extremely important.

Some of these strategies include:

Stepping away during slow periods - Schedule your leave and provide a lot of notice ahead of time. I wouldn’t recommend doing it during Q3 or Q4, but, if you are super organized - go for it!
Delegate - Trust the people that work for you. Provide them with all the tools and training they need so you feel good about stepping away.
Avoid being a worrywart - Pre-plan! Put your phone away while on vacation and give your staff the autonomy to make decisions without you.
Emails & Social Media - Batch your content and set up auto-responders.

Disconnecting from your business is important for your mental health, your family, your brain, and your creative growth.

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/114/

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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.

More show notes here https://wendybatten.com/podcast/

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It’s time for a mid year review. Last year we did a mid year review podcast episode and it was one of our more popular downloads, so I thought we would do it again!

I’m sharing how I do mine and how I walk my clients through one.

It’s a great time to check on where we are and where we are headed this year.

Here are some steps to follow to do your own mid year review.

Reassess your yearly goals - What were your goals? Did you achieve them? Why or why not?
Look back month by month - What revenue did you make? Get comfortable with looking at your numbers and the overall data.
What was going on in your life? - Our personal lives can be so intertwined in our business life and we need to give ourselves grace. Keep notes every month.
Look at inventory - Did you follow through with your intentional marketing plan each month?
What do we do now? - What did you pay yourself? What was your profitability? How often have you worked? What’s working for you?
Looking forward - Prioritize what’s important to you for the remainder of the year.

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable and really take a deep dive into your business. Pause. Shift. Refocus and make plans for success!

More show notes here https://wendybatten.com/112/

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There’s no need to panic. The sky is not falling. If a downturn in the economy is on your mind, let’s talk about the things you need in place to go into it prepared if it happens... What can you do to be the best prepared and thrive? I’m here to tell you, folks, it’s not the end of your business or your self employed life. Many businesses THRIVE during tough times and I want you to be in the best possible position and be prepared for anything.

Get proactive. Not reactive. All with the right attitude and mindset.

Get intentional & efficient - with money, staff, inventory, etc.
New customer acquisition - do you have a strategic marketing plan in place?
Loyal customers - create that emotional attachment. Wow and delight them!
Business Foundations - get really good at understanding inventory, POS systems, profit & loss + more.
Positive Mindset - believe that your business is going to THRIVE!

“The biggest risk is not in what we’re building. The biggest risk is not supporting what we’re building.”

Jeffrey Shaw, The Self Employed Life

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/111/

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Let’s talk about the retail landscape and all the changes we’ve faced. Let’s give ourselves permission to pause and reflect in order to evolve and grow.

Speaking of change… there is some change going on over here as well. My Retail Made Simple course is now available on my website! A four module course that shows you how to be the CEO of your business. We talk about money, retail marketing and sales, planning/time management, and stepping into that CEO role. I hope you’ll dive in!

Here are a few ideas for you to consider BEFORE we head into the busy Q3 and Q4 that may help you reflect:

Permission to coast - Let’s take a true pause from doing the next big thing in our business. Be ok with the way things currently are for a minute.
Reassess your ideal customer - have you had a chance to think about this lately? Flip the script and think about the customer you DON’T want to serve. Who is NOT a good fit for you anymore?
Resist the low hanging fruit - Do you still love all of your products and services? Do they still excite you and light you up?
The rules for your life - What are your non-negotiables? Does your business align with those values?

We’ve been so busy. It’s ok to take a minute and BE where you are right now in your business.

https://wendybatten.com/110/

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Today we have a very special guest — wealth and abundance coach for entrepreneurial women, Emily King! AKA the “money godmother”. She helps female business owners find the balance of having a heart-centered business while also making money. Having that strong money mindset is vital to any successful business!

Let’s make a shift around money.

What do you expect around money? What are your money goals?
Emily wants you to shift those expectations and thoughts. She really breaks down the money mindset in such a simple way that allows you to make that shift and find the freedom to break down the expectations you’ve built for yourself.

We have a great conversation around money and abundance - and a great tip on bad ideas and creativity!

It’s time to open up your brain to the opportunities of abundance. There is so much opportunity for all!

“Start before you think you know the how.” - Emily King

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/109/

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“Self-employment can be so lonely” is something I hear a lot. Sometimes, it’s the people that are close to us that just don’t get it. We can often feel isolated and lonely in the self-employed life we’ve chosen. We can feel guilt and shame for spending too much time away from family. We can feel like we’re not enough. So many feelings can bubble up when we don’t find that true support or connection from our closest inner circle. In this episode, we are talking about strategies to conquer those feelings and find the people who can support us and we can trust.

Check-in on our Big Rocks - the important things in our business and life. Family, health, wellness, etc. Don’t sacrifice these big rocks for your business.
Find Your People - Find them outside of your regular circle. Find people that are doing what you are doing and are where you want to be.
Define Your Boundaries - Don’t talk about work all the time to the people who don’t show support. Save those conversations for the tribe who gets it.
Honest Conversations - With those that support you, and those that don’t. But be sure to tell your true tribe what’s going on. Be vulnerable with them and figure out what you need for support.

Success is leapfrogging through all of this vulnerability and loneliness in our self-employed lives. Use these strategies to find YOUR understanding support community.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/108/

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We work hard to get every customer in the door. Lets make sure we are serving them and turning them into buyers, not browsers. In this rapid-fire session, I am giving you a few suggestions to try in your own shop to help turn those browsers into buyers! I recently spoke at a conference and answered this very question and wanted to share with you.

Are you converting browsers into buyers? Before we try a new strategy - get a baseline on how you are doing so you will know what's working. Let’s understand our customer conversion rate. (It’s easy once you know how). Let’s understand the numbers and metrics to get the data you need to increase your conversion rate. (Because we can’t grow what we don’t measure - right?)

Once you know that, you can dive into the following ideas:

Understand why people buy - Really pay attention to your customer’s needs. Educate your staff and make sure they understand the mission.
Have a flexible return policy - Don’t leave money on the table! Having a return policy will break down so many barriers.
Product hesitancy - Show your customers the value of the product and how it can improve their life. Have demos and free demo days! Use your signage as a silent salesperson, provide samples, etc.
Make customers feel confident - Know your products thoroughly, and provide tutorials, QR codes, and YouTube videos. Make the customer feel good about the product they are thinking about.
You are the expert - Have a customer appreciation wall or bulletin board that shows other customers doing exactly what some are hesitant to do. Share customer WINS on social media! Be the expert and guide them.

Put yourself in your customer’s shoes and break that barrier!

More show notes at https://wendybatten.com/107/

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Where and What Women Create magazines have been a big influence in my world, and Jo Packham is the visionary behind them.
I can’t contain my excitement for this week’s episode! Leader and visionary, Jo Packham, has been such an inspiration to me from when I first started my business. Her magazines opened a whole new world of what's possible for me, so this interview means the absolute world! I know you will love it too.

Being in her 44th year of business, Jo has been through and seen a lot — she shares hard truths about her business journey and the rough road it can be. She started with a simple retail store creating beautiful, curated magazines that rank extremely well among the highest honored and ranked in both subscriptions and on newsstands.

In this episode, we’ll discuss how Jo knew that the creative business life was for her and all of the ups and downs that come along with it. She’s built and fostered an amazing community of loyal customers (including me!), surrounded herself with trustworthy people, and shown strength and confidence in everything she does.

This is an episode you do NOT want to miss!

“Wherever you are on your journey… Take Notes. Keep Notes. Take lots of pictures and travel safely.” - Jo Packham

A Special Giveaway just for you!

One of the Creative Shop Talk’s lucky listeners will receive a FREE subscription to Jo’s What Women Create magazine!

To enter:

Watch for the IG CONTEST post with the contest details here on my IG page:

https://www.instagram.com/wendybatten.biz/

Not on IG? Or want an extra chance to win?

Just send me an email wendy@wendybatten.com with the Subject Line: What I create

Tell me a quick story about your shop and we’ll enter you in the contest!

Good luck!

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/106/

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It happens to everyone. Let’s say one morning you’re going through your normal routine and BAM - out of nowhere you receive a negative review. It’s crushing. It feels unfair. Unjust. A personal attack on you. It’s going to happen at some point. In this episode, I want to walk you through how to take care of it and what to do when you get a bad review. 1. Answer Every Review - Now is not the time to panic. It may feel truly threatening to your reputation, but now is the time to put your CEO hat on and respond respectfully. 2. Take the High Road - Kill them with kindness. Offer to resolve the problem and take your time in responding so you can be responsive, not reactive. 3. Look at the Big Picture - What can you learn from this? 4. Be Proactive - Ask your loyal customers for reviews on a regular basis.

One bad review is not going to ruin your business. Just make sure you are prepared when they happen.

Full show notes at

https://wendybatten.com/105/

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Let’s turn old inventory into cash flow. Think of all of your inventory as dollar bills. And I mean everything. Inventory is cash sitting on your shelves, backrooms, closets, and storage bins! Let’s turn some of that inventory cash sitting there and help meet your revenue goals, pay the bills, fulfill payroll, etc. In this episode, you’ll learn some great tips to help you boost your cash flow just by clearing out the clutter. Have a Blowout Sale and “Marie Kondo” your inventory to get rid of everything that doesn’t spark joy (or make you money)!

Assess the Mess - Take a good, honest look at your stock room inventory and jot it all down. Including your project pieces.
Make the Decision and Do it - Don’t think about it, don’t ponder. Declare it publically!
Promote it - Hyping up the sale will help you win! Keep it simple and don’t overthink. Email, Facebook, Instagram, local businesses, online bulletin boards, etc.
Move it - Consider your pricing. Get the items that are no longer serving you and get them below cost. Detach from what you paid for the item and get it sold.

Do you hold a clearance sale in your shop? What’s your process?

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-104/

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When is the last time you thought about your signage? Your signage can do SO much more than just inform about pricing. Think of your signage as: Your Silent Salesperson.

In this episode, we are discussing actionable steps, strategies, and tips on how to use your signage properly.

The “Do” List:

Use simple font
Help customers find “hidden gems” - ex: Staff favorites. Stick to your brand and make signage that helps your customers make decisions.
Location - place signage on products, on the mat at the front door, etc. Ask a question or mention events and workshops. Allow your signs to do the work for you!
Outdoor Signage - Does it say who you are and what you do? Be clear.
CTA - include a Call to Action wherever you can.

The “Don’t” List:

Only have SALES signs - don’t become the discount store.
Dismiss the Quality - Make sure the sign reflects the quality of your brand.
Location - place signage too high (have it at eye level).

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-103/

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There's no easy button or magic wand that we can use to increase our sales during workshops and events. However, if you're doing your job right, if you're making people feel seen, you're prepared, and you come from a place of service - magic can happen!

In this episode, I share actionable steps to increase your in-store sales after workshops, events, and demos. Easily and effortlessly. All without feeling slimy, icky, or yucky.

Get them to imagine themselves doing the project/thinking about the pieces at home - ask your event attendees to imagine the project/piece/item in their home, where would they put this? How would they use that? What piece do they want to paint? Etc.
Make it easy for them - No pressure, no hoops to jump through, no hassle. Give them something special, a value add, that will make your customer feel excited, happy, and wanting more right now.
Plan for "what's next " for them - Be prepared after a workshop with what's ahead. What event can they sign up for next? Catch them while they are in excitement mode!
Extra tip - Never rush anyone out of a workshop/event or make them feel like they have to go. Entice and encourage them with private shopping after the event!

Always come from a place of service. When you do that, magic really does happen!

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-102/

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If you've ever struggled with WHY you should send email or WHAT you should send - this episode is for you!

It's so important to connect, serve and sell in a way that resonates and connects with your customers. My guest today is the incredible Kate Doster, who believes that sales will follow by having fun, treating people like people, and being genuinely helpful.

I'm a true fangirl of Kate!

As a retail shop owner, you may find it hard to find the time or wonder what content to share - or why you should even bother? But the stats don't lie - customers are much more likely to purchase from you if they have CHOSEN to be on your email list. Even if you are on Instagram and Facebook - you NEED email.

Email Marketing is a mindset. It's a simple, helpful conversation.

Kate really dives into how to give yourself permission to truly have fun with your email list and not get in your own way. There are no rules. We discuss strategies to grow your email list, topics to discuss besides discounts, how to batch content, and more!

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-101/

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Hey there, friends, and welcome to our 100th episode of The Creative Shop Talk Podcast!

Do you celebrate your business milestones?

I call them champagne moments! So many of us just don't take them, we just move on to the next thing on the to-do list. Is that you? It was (and can be) me.

In today's episode, I'm sharing lessons learned from doing 100 episodes of our podcast, 3 of the biggies that you can use in your business. Why it's important and HOW to celebrate.

We do hard things every day. If you are listening - you've already done a hard thing in opening your business. The million little things you've had to learn and do.

Big or small. It's important to acknowledge the things that are happening.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-100/

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It's Ask Wendy day today!

One of the questions that I'm asked quite regularly is, "How do I greet customers?"

What should I say? What shouldn't I say? I share the "bad words" that most of us say!

This is such an important step in the customer relationship and helps them feel welcomed and stay loyal (and help us make more sales). This episode really breaks down what we should and could say with the reasoning behind it.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-99/

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All of the books mentioned in today's podcast could be yours if you join us for our upcoming free, three-day Spring challenge- The Retailer's Refresh Spring Challenge. Let's get reset for the new season together starting on March 28, 2022! Doors are open!

Even if you are not a reader, try the habit of reading 15 minutes a day. It's all it takes to open up your mind to new concepts and new things, new mentors, and bigger ideas.

Here are some great business books that I love and their "highlight reel".

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-98/

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Why, as retailers, do we need a website?

Not only does it give you credibility and a professional look, but it's a marketing asset you OWN. It is something that is yours and simple goes a long way. Let's face it, not everyone is on Instagram or Facebook, but they are searching Google, maps, or Google My Business.

But let's make sure you aren't making the five mistakes we talk about today.

Have you covered all the basics on your website? Make your website CLEAR for your customers so you're not leaving money on the table.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-97/

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We are covering a big topic today: Marketing. What should we know? Where should we spend our marketing money? What should we do? These are questions I get all the time, and in this episode, we are discussing a simple way to look at what we can do BEFORE we spend one penny on paid advertising.

We must first think about the first impression we are making when people DO find us.

Do we have our ducks in a row? Is the info correct and accurate? We control and own what's out there.

Then we need to think about things already available to us, social and sharing in different communities. Then, earned marketing - what opportunities are available to us because of the reputation we are building in our communities?

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-96/

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Admin and paperwork, a necessary evil and time suck for shop owners. The thing that overwhelms us at times and we put off. Then it weighs on us.

But in this episode, I want to help free up some brain space for you and share some tips that help me stay on top of things.

As we know, tax season is here and these strategies will save you both time and money. We must make sure that things like payroll, inventory, loans, and mail are all in order and we create solid habits that will help keep us organized and reduce that overwhelm.

Build time into your schedule, go virtual with bookkeeping, have a proper system for paperwork, get organized, and more. Listen in - it will save you some headaches, time, and money.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-95/

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When a business owner comes to me for help, there is usually a part of their business that is a little out of balance in one area. As we evolve, so do parts of our business.

Your business's ecosystem can very much be compared to a fish tank. I'm serious!

You start with an idea of owning a little independent shop and you begin that journey.

Everything looks pretty and shiny just like your first fish tank - a little fish swimming happily in a cute bowl. We tend to do everything meticulously, but as our business (or our fish tanks) grow, balancing the ecosystem of what needs to happen to keep the business (and the fish) thriving has to evolve too. How's that for a visual!?

But what should you focus on in order to keep your business ecosystem healthy? This episode goes over four core categories to consider that need to be balanced as we grow:

The Front of House - products, service, merchandising, team, etc.
You - your responsibilities, self-development, and your role as the CEO
The Business End - financial health, systems, and vision strategies
Marketing and Sales - the tools, strategy, and intentional planning for marketing, etc.

We must continue to keep litmus testing all the areas of our business - and keep the ecosystem in check so that we can thrive and grow in a healthy way with more ease.

When was the last time you checked in on your retail ecosystem?

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-94/

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Wowing and delighting your customer, what does that actually mean? This is a follow-up, promised episode that is packed full of ideas to help give your customers an amazing experience. It's really all about making your customers feel seen and feel like a real part of our brand. So much so that they leave telling the world all about your shop! It's all about building a community of regulars who love and sing our praises.

Try to think of ways to make things in your shop a little bit more interesting, fun, and different than everybody else. It's not about discounts and sales. It's about experiences and feelings. Creating and adding value add when customers come in. There are many ways we can do this beyond the obvious. Use the existing customer data and really create a circle of awesomeness where your customers love shopping with you, leave happy, share their experience, and tell their friends. The circle just keeps going round and round. It is a feel-good marketing strategy that works. So grab your pen and let's go!

Want to continue this conversation? Join our free Rockstar Creatives Facebook group and let's chat! We will be discussing ways to wow and delight your customers in the group this week.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-93/

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If you're like me and you really didn't buy into the whole morning routine thing, this is the episode for you! I just felt like I wasn't really good at it, but I eventually went from being a super squirrel brain, jump-into-work-right-away kind of business owner, to somebody who actually really enjoys a morning routine now. Why even bother, you ask?

I noticed a lot of people I admire, am coached by, and/or who achieve great things, have great morning routines. I wanted to be intentional. And that began with the start of my day. Actually, it really starts the night before. I also wanted to feel empowered. I level up not only my business every morning, but myself. My morning routine includes personal development as well. Reading, journaling, enjoying a cup of coffee without social media, moving my body, or sitting still for 10 minutes. They are all things that are now a part of the start of my day - and it's making a big difference.

I've shared this with some of my clients and it's working for them to feel more intentional, more empowered, and less chaotic.

Are you ready to choose your habits?

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-92/

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Wendy and Malinda are friends who have been business partners since childhood. From event and wedding coordinators to furniture flipping in the early days, they are now melding the two passions together. Their individual strengths complement each other so beautifully and allow them to work together through the pivots and shifts they've had to make throughout the pandemic. It hasn't always been easy, but they've still found amazing success.

Wendy and Malinda have found silver linings during these times, too. One of those is the creation of an EXPERIENCE bucket (a new revenue stream). They were able to take a group of customers and travel from Southern California to Roundtop, Texas to an antique market! Brilliant!

Learn how Wendy and Malinda turned themselves into true CEO's of their business. Their focus on planning, community outreach, their creative ideas, and the confidence to follow through with those ideas have propelled their business forward! Be confident and clear with your brand!

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-91/

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Are we giving our customers an EXPERIENCE? As we move into 2022, our customers are seeking to be seen. They want more ease, more connection, attention, and more relatability. They want to gather again, take workshops, and laugh together. Don't we all!?

Today's podcast episode discusses how you can customize and build loyal customers and level up some of the experiences inside your shop for your customers. Ways to really humanize your brand.

I'm not saying we should reinvent the wheel, let's optimize the things you're already doing. Find those touchpoints within your business that you can enhance. Make sure your customers are getting what they want and what you WANT them to experience.

It's time for you to be a customer of your own business so you can keep your customers loyal.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-90/

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April Stroink is a Profits First expert and money coach who is passionate about helping entrepreneurs fall in love with their finances. She started out 20 years ago as a classically trained financial advisor but was simultaneously developing her financial practice and working with her husband to run their large specialty outdoor gear retail business. She opens up about the classic mistakes they made during that time - chasing top-line revenue, and the problems that creates.

Mindset and money go hand in hand. We tend to get so attached to our business that we see the sales, but because we're so emotionally wrapped up in it, we don't want to see the TRUE numbers. It's so important to have people on your team that are not emotionally attached so we can look at our business in a real way.

You'll love April, who happens to be MY Profits First coach too, listen in and share your feedback.

What is your money mindset? Do your habits and mindset align with your future?

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-89/

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This series is not just to share the highlight reel of real retailers' success, but also the ups and downs as retailers grow into their confidence, CEO role to see that success. It is a journey.

Meet Melanie Kolb. Melanie's shop owner journey is a remarkable one. Her business growth and her love for her customers has grown since day one due to her hard work, following her dream, and pushing through the hard things with determination. Like many, Melanie started out as a hobby, progressed to booths and soon grew to vintage pop-up markets. But she wanted to stop traveling and create a destination shop. She made a pivotal decision to set up shop on her beautiful farm in Alabama, donned her CEO hat and set up marketing strategies to attract her customers to her farm, using things like Facebook Lives selling her french farmhouse decor.

We discuss fear of failure, reverse engineering, keeping customers happy, planning, and knowing your financial numbers. All CEO decisions that helped Cedar Grove Farms become the destination shop that it is today. As Melanie said, "No one's expecting us to be perfect except ourselves. If we let that go, we're a lot happier. Just be consistent, do what you love, love on your customers, and everybody's happy."

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-88/

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This series is not just to share the highlight reel of real retailers' success, but also the ups and downs as retailers grow into their confidence, CEO role to see that success. It is a journey.

Meet Stacey Allgood. Stacey didn't start out wanting a business (an accidental entrepreneur) she quickly realized that her love of people helped her to significantly grow and find her niche. She has grown and morphed from a tiny space to her own brand new building - she's successfully selling creative kits, door decor, gifts and more! Folks can come in and paint their own pottery/canvases as well as host parties. And through all the ups and downs of her journey, she was able to consistently grow her customer base and make real CEO business decisions.

Since starting her business in 2012, she is Better Than Ever (pun intended!) And that's all due to her striving to always learn and wear that CEO hat. Making smart, revenue generating decisions. Decisions that include using her space wisely to create an actual event center and focusing on what's missing in her community., paying attention to business foundations, the numbers and more - which quite frankly - Stacey admits she didn't want to do. There's no specific formula, but there are business foundations for all of this, and big conversations need to be had. Conversations and education about your Ideal Customer Avatar (ICA), foot traffic, inventory, money per square foot, and the backend financial management.

Learning the building blocks of her business and knowing what truly lights her up has given Stacey the confidence to make those crucial CEO decisions - to see more profits, more success - on her terms. Listen in for some great business nuggets...

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-86/

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Is your business running you or are you running your business?
Do you know there is more potential for success but you don't know how to get there?
Headed to burnout trying to figure it all out?

Making business decisions on how you want your business to run is in your control. In this last episode of Season 2 of the Creative Shop Talk podcast, I'm sharing my story of burnout, how I see the pattern repeated with many retailers, and 5 ways you can fast track past mistakes and take full control.

I almost hit that wall. Things were going well, but it was busy and I always knew there was more potential. I knew I was failing to reach said potential. I also knew I shouldn't be this tired. So what was I missing? It wasn't until my daughter told me that she was moving to New Zealand that I knew I needed to make a change. I needed things to stop being so hard, but I didn't know how.

So I took control. I made a choice based on how I wanted my lifestyle and business to look.

There is SO MUCH POTENTIAL for your business to thrive with more ease.

Here are five mistakes I kept making and I see time and time again, and a way to fast track past them.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-86/

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You have lots of customers coming in the door this season - how are you making sure you wow and delight them so that they can't help but smile when they leave and become superfans?

If you've listened to my podcast for a while, you know that we talk a lot about the 5 parts of retail marketing, the framework I call Foot Traffic Made Simple.

We can keep our marketing unique, but there are 5 things we all need to do to keep that marketing engine humming along.

Attract. Engage. Nurture. Serve. Wow and Delight. It works.

Let's talk about WOW and DELIGHT. It's what really sets us apart from those big-box competitors.

We value our customers, without them we have no business. So with every customer that walks in the door - let's make sure we are wowing and delighting each of them.

Here are 4 tips to help you wow and delight your customers this holiday season and get them coming back in January.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-85/

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Are you investing in your staff, or as I like to say, your team?

Paying attention to your team RIGHT NOW is as important as having the right inventory and pricing, both major pieces of your retail success. Your team is an extension of you and your brand. They are a huge asset.

It can be hard being the boss. Today I'm sharing some strategies that will help our employees be better at what they do for us. Strategies that will help them represent our brand in the best way possible and keep them happy. If our employees are happy, our customers are happy, we're happy.

Here are six strategies to help you amplify your team's performance this holiday.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-84/

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Success. What does that even mean?

Are we talking about particular goals you may have? To me, it's more about how you FEEL about your business.

Success can mean - more time off, maybe a bigger paycheck or reaching goals. It might mean getting your doors open, or expansion or maybe just making your first sale.

It all depends on what stage of business you are in, and the lifestyle you want to go along with it.

Now is the time to plan your goals out for success in 2022.

Goals such as:

More ease within your business
A less stressful holiday season
Having systems in place for inventory
More organization
Better time management
Staying consistent with social media content

At every level of your business, continue to ask yourself: "I wish I was more ________."

We should always strive to continue our learning and improvement. Whether you're in the first year of business or expanding and having a big year, we all have to refine and optimize our business.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-83/

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Our overall motto going into 2022, friends, is “how can we make things light and easy?” Believe it or not, content planning CAN be EASY!

I know content can be overwhelming.

Are you staring at the screen wondering what to share and put out there and when?

Whether you're using Facebook, Instagram, email marketing, or a website - content humanizes our brand so customers know us, our values, and what we have to offer.

Are you feeling stuck when it comes to content? These five steps will surely help you get UNstuck and make this part of your business a little bit easier.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-82/

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Google My Business may not be the sexy popular platform we think of - mainly because you have to fit your business into their parameters, but it is essential. And FREE! Many businesses stop at just having a Google My Business profile, but are not taking the time to optimize it.

25 years ago, Chris Hickle's wife was teaching piano lessons to help pay for college. The business really began to grow and they started really focusing on their online marketing strategy. Chris was then able to quit his 9-5 job and help solely with the business.

Chris found a hole in the market with music stores. He is not a musician himself, so expanding and offering his online marketing and technology skills to other musicians and business owners was the natural next step for him and his wife, Jen, in 2013. That's when they started Never Alone Business Services and help brick and mortar businesses market their business.

Did you know?

Over 90% of searches online are done on Google
You can connect Google My Business to your Bing local listing
Your goal is to be in the top three searches

Listen in and learn the details on how you can optimize the visibility of your business today. Just as Google is, Chris and his wife Jen are keeping their focus on small, local businesses because they truly are what drive our economy.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-81/

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The holidays are coming. For some of you, this season is treating you well and it's amazing. But for others, the feeling of tiredness has really set in. Today I am sharing a few strategies that will help you if you feel like you’re about to hit a wall and the mental anxiety of it all is starting to set in.

A healthy business needs a healthy CEO and can't operate their business if they aren't in love with it. (Re-listen to Episode 45 for some inspiration on falling back in love with your business).

To ease the pressure of the holiday season and Q4 and to see the success you want, you first have to show up as your best self for your family, your team, and your customers.

In this episode, we'll go over:

Reset your mindset (bless and release all the negative thoughts)
Reignite your passion (write down the positives, declare your goals, and surround yourself with those who encourage you)
Revisit or create your Thrive List (non-negotiable things you need to make you feel good - self-care)
Rest and reclaim - so you can show up 100%

What does all of this have to do with running your retail business? Everything. If you’re feeling down, burnt out, and not fueled by the things that make you thrive, you’re not showing up and you’re going to hit that burnout wall.

I want to encourage you to rest and reset. You don’t want to go into any quarter, let alone the 4th quarter and this busy season, with a low-energy battery.

Ask yourself: "What would make this light and easy?"

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-80/

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Let's talk about Amazon. First - you are not Amazon. And boy that's awesome, isn't it?

In today's episode, I am going to give you some strategies and ideas that will give you a competitive advantage over Amazon.

First up - change your mindset. Think of Amazon as just another business down the road, and ask yourself "what do they do well that I can incorporate into my independent shop?"

Your competitive advantage is HUGE. You are a passionate, caring hard-working shop owner.

But let's look at a few things Amazon does well that YOU can implement in your own business. (No - I don't mean free shipping)

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-79/

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Amy Hart was an elementary school teacher first, then started teaching painting classes at a friend's local store in 2016. In that same store, Amy and her friend started a line of paint by number products and sold it to stores all over the country.

She created toile (pronounced "twall") which means "linen cloth" or "canvas" in French. Amy shared it at a local flea market in the Spring of 2017 and then opened her first little shop in Tallahassee, FL in September of 2017.

When she quickly outgrew her first shop, her family then moved to Thomasville, GA where they found their new location for The Hare & The Hart. A shop with an English/Southern/French decorating style and a huge, amazing community!

It's hard work to open, run and stay creative. It's even harder when you know you need some strategic planning and "business back end skill and confidence." Amy shares how she knew it was time to step into that role in a more confident way. And she did.

Owning a retail shop doesn't come without its ups and downs. But after taking Wendy's courses, and immediately signing up for the Retailer's Inner Circle, Amy found the tools and resources and more so, the confidence to step fully into her role as CEO. Now, the back-end of her business is set up so well that she is able to hand things off to her team and be ok with it.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-78/

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Let's discuss the 1% difference. What if we just increase everything by 1%? What if we focus on small, tiny tasks and put them into action within our business? Sometimes that's hard to implement. I know.

It's all about the percentages, though. Every percentage matters. Whether you're trying to increase your foot traffic, increase your conversion, increase or decrease your margins, cut the payroll fees, etc. One little step at a time shows progress instead of always trying to make unattainable, giant leaps.

So what is that 1 THING that you need to work on? What is something you want to get 1% better with so you can start to see improvement in your business?

What if you had 1% of last year's annual revenue in your pocket right now? Hmm...makes us think right?

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-77/

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Are you keeping yourself small?
Are you DIY'ing your entire business?
I was.

Entrepreneurs have that mindset that we can figure it out ourselves. That's just the way we are wired. Throw in a creative spirit and drive - and well - we want to DIY it all.

But in this episode, I want to share with you how you can think a little bit differently and create a massive impact on your business!

Recently, I made the revelation that I was keeping myself small in an area of my business I wanted to grow. Over the past six months, I have been tweaking my website. When I had time, in between everything else. I know HOW, I just kept pushing it to the back burner. I found that I was frustrated that we were not making headway on that side of my business - and it was costing me time, money, and stress because I was trying to DIY it all…

Then I was reminded of a great book: Who Not How by Dan Sullivan reiterates this mantra: "Just because we can doesn't mean we should." WHY was I doing this to myself? Which meant it was time to hire a team to help me with my website. I knew the ROI (return of investment) was going to be great. So I hired out and we're almost done with the entire revamp of a new website in less than 2 weeks.

Those things in your business that you are forcing yourself to do, are out of your zone of genius, are really complicated, or are put off week after week… start thinking about hiring an expert that can help you take those tasks off your plate. Help you LEAPFROG into the next level. This goes for coaching too. If you are stuck, get unstuck and re-motivated, and back on track with the right support. LEAPFROG.

Listen as I discuss various shop owner stories and how they added team members to their business and the success it brought them. They stopped trying to DIY their entire business and hired people to help them accelerate.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-76/

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Today we are sharing strategy on adding Shopify or ecommerce to your brick and mortar with my friend and Shopify expert Susan Bradley of The Social Sales Girls! We will talk about tips and tricks on how to build an ecommerce Shopify site and find success.

Susan had her own brick-and-mortar retail business in 1990 and sold her small chain of stores in 2010. A year later, she bought a little ecommerce company called We Squeak where most of the sales were wholesale to brick and mortar retail boutiques. She quickly found herself close to bankruptcy and realized in order to make a sustainable business, she needed more online sales.

In 2018, though, after she sold We Squeak, she created a course and then created her successful ecommerce business. Believe it or not, Susan is an expert coach and shares her knowledge about the ins and outs of Shopify on her weekly podcast, The Roadmap to 50K.

She's absolutely wonderful at sharing information regarding the CEO side of Shopify - the metrics and the measuring. It's truly where the ecommerce magic happens!

We chat about the fact that you can't just build a pretty website and hope they come. We also chat about how foot traffic is different for brick and mortar vs ecommerce. They require two different types of marketing and strategy. Understanding this key difference is what will help you see success if you want to add this additional stream to your retail business.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-75/

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Here's two questions I get asked all the time:

How big does my audience need to be to see profits in my shop?
What should I be posting on social media to get the most people I can to visit my website?

We don't have to have a million people following us in order to be successful. We just need the RIGHT people following us.

It's all about the quality of your AUDIENCE. Your people, the buyers, your customers, your community. In today's episode, we will discuss a few ways that we can maximize profits, impact, and joy with the right size audience and the right people.

We discuss the following steps you can take:

You must know what you want to be known for (Retail marketing 101) - You can find more about this in my Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass!
You need to know WHO you are serving and why YOU are the person for them. You can't be everything to everybody.
Know how to talk TO your audience, not AT them, by creating content that invites them into your world.
Build your small but mighty fanbase by loving on your people, sharing and caring and they will return that and become your raving fans who will support you.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-74/

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A replay from Episode #58 for our Encore Series this month! We are featuring some of our most popular and most downloaded podcasts for this round and you won't want to miss them! They are extremely relevant as you are planning for the holidays. It's important to level up and become that CEO right now. Enjoy!

I know…nobody wants to talk retail math and numbers. I get it. There are so many numbers we feel like we should be looking at within our business like profit and loss, balance sheets, etc, etc, etc. and we don't quite know where to start.

In this episode, I'm sharing three major (but simple) metrics that you'll want to be able to rattle off at the drop of a hat! These are numbers that I didn't even know existed when I first started running my shop. My shop was busy, we were making money… but I honestly had no clue where it was going. Or how to use these numbers to increase sales. Scary.

Do you know your KPI – Key Performance Indicators? They will help you PLAN FOR PROFITS and growth!

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-73/

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A replay from Episode #50 for our Encore Series this month! We are featuring some of our most popular and most downloaded podcasts for this round and you won't want to miss them! They are extremely relevant as you are planning for the holidays. It's important to level up and become that CEO right now. Enjoy!

One question I received from a coaching client is, "What's coming for retail, and how can I be ready?" The answer is simple: Get ready! Don't be complacent, take action on the momentum you may have built. Shore up the gaps, get confident and strong in the areas you may feel that you have weak links. There's so much hope for retail. Let's congratulate ourselves for getting where we are and let's get ready for what's coming!

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-72/

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A replay from Episode #48 for our Encore Series this month! We are featuring some of our most popular and most downloaded podcasts for this round and you won't want to miss them! They are extremely relevant as you are planning for the holidays. It's important to level up and become that CEO right now. Enjoy!

Are you constantly asking yourself, where did the day go? Or, why time runs so fast? Believe it or not, we are bombarded by so many time wasters in our day-to-day business that we don't realize the impact it can generate in our lives. Between emails, text messages, calls, social media notifications, and even our colleagues, we're constantly battered with potential time-wasters.

Eliminating all the distractions at the office can have a positive impact on your productivity, output, and mental wellbeing. Don't get me wrong, my friends, distractions happen but we can reduce them.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-71/

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A replay from Episode #2 for our Encore Series this month! We are featuring some of our most popular and most downloaded podcasts for this round and you won't want to miss them! They are extremely relevant as you are planning for the holidays. It's important to level up and become that CEO right now. Enjoy!

Before you roll your eyes at this episode title. Know that I don't mean corporate, stuffy, suited CEO….I mean head honcho, the queen bee, the chief creative, the VISIONARY of your biz, etc.

I mean the person in control of your business. The boss.

Take a minute to think about why you started your retail business. Do you remember your original business dream? Are you living that dream?

Your dream can get lost in the daily grind of doing ALL THE THINGS in your shop. I'd love for you to change your thinking and take the small steps to become the Creative CEO of your business. You're not just an employee. Your dream was not just to create a job for yourself. You've got to take control.

This CEO mind shift doesn't come overnight. You'll want to practice it.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-70/

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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.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-69/

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My most requested guest - Marian Parsons is on the podcast today!

Business owner, artist, blogger, creative, author, painter, booth and market seller, podcast host, product developer, paint line owner, business mentor - and so much more. We chat about her business journey and how she has evolved and grown her beautiful business, staying creative, and so much more.

In 2008, Marian was a mom of a four-month-old and a two-year-old, had no money or experience in running a business, but her family needed to make some extra money. So she began decorative furniture painting and painting murals in local homes.

Realizing that this wasn't all that she wanted to do, Marian quickly evolved, started a blog, and re-branded herself as a business focusing on antiques, home decor, and painting. She became a vendor at the Lucketts Store and had a milk paint line which made her feel as though she was flying by the seat of her pants. All while being a sponge and learning from the amazing people she surrounded herself with.

Yet another Accidental Entrepreneur…

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-68/

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Get inspired by another member of the Retailer's Inner Circle whom we are talking to today, Jane Bellante of Morning Dew Creations! It's always so helpful to hear how others manage and run their business.

In Jane's own words, her business journey is kind of crazy!
(I love that though, because we are all unique in our business journey)

She started making jewelry in her early twenties, had children, went back to get her teaching degree, all while painting custom furniture pieces on the side. Burnout set in quickly. And soon, as we like to say, Jane became an accidental entrepreneur!

She previously owned a 3,000 square foot shop and had to close due to covid. But this pause gave her newfound energy and motivation. So she moved all of her products online and launched mixed media kits with all the ingredients needed to create. She would then hop on a Zoom call so they could make it together.

Through all of her planning and decision-making, Jane shifted again. She now owns a 750 square foot shop and it's doing so well because of the community she has built. Jane SHOWS UP for her customers and her love of teaching shines through.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-67/

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In this series, I want to introduce you to some of my coaching clients inside the Retailer's Inner Circle and hear how their retail journeys evolve and how they are seeing success. We learn so much from hearing how others manage and run their business.

Enjoy hearing from Virginia Warner of Tazewell Co. Mercantile.

Believe it or not, Virginia took over her current shop from her daughter! At first her daughter was selling only locally resourced items. Virginia is a history buff and was much more interested in collecting! Currently, her revenue streams (or, as we call them in the Inner Circle, revenue buckets) are from the selling of antiques, food baskets, and in-person, artistic workshops.

Everything she does is personal and has such a special touch!

Of course, everything changed during covid and Virginia had to make a 'sanity decision', a decision that kept her business going but wasn't for the long term.

How did she pivot and what did she pursue to create yet another revenue bucket during these dark times? Listen in and see how she tapped into a source she loved.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-66/

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In this series, I want to introduce you to some of my coaching clients inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle and hear how their retail journeys evolve. We learn so much from hearing how others manage and run their business.

Enjoy hearing from Lee Hawn of The Lemonade Stand.

Lee's journey began back in 2014 when she was simply flipping through a home decor magazine and saw a stunning dresser painted in milk paint. She did a little research, found a local retailer who sold the milk paint she was looking for, and she fell in love with the shop right as she walked in!

She started taking courses, selling her own furniture, which all evolved into making farmhouse signs. She did all of this while also still maintaining her 20-year long career in HR! After attending local markets and teaching workshops, she decided to make a business from her basement. In 2018, Lee and her family made the big step to own a brick-and-mortar shop in Uxbridge, Ontario.

She turned her passion and hobby into a retail business.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-65/

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In my Retailer's Inner Circle, we share our WINS every Friday. There are so many reasons for this! Wins will inspire others and they will make you realize, celebrate, and acknowledge your own achievements.

When you start feeling discouraged as you see other people's wins, Flip the Script from negative energy to positive energy! We all have those days where we think everybody else in our community is doing really well and we're at a standstill. Here's how we should work through those feelings:

Look at what the other retailer is doing and only focus on the 20% of things that matter. Only the things that align with your goals and vision for your business. Don't shift direction just because you see a shiny new way, and make sure to look at what's DOABLE for YOU.
Ask yourself: Is this something that I can apply easily right now?
If the answer is yes, HOW can you keep it super simple? Is it something as simple as writing or responding to an email in order to make a sale? It doesn't have to be complicated!

When you work through those three steps, you're going to start to see the wheels turning, the needle moving, and things happening in your business that maybe you hadn't thought about before. This is how you really step into that CEO role!

No more woe-is-me attitude, retailers! It's time to take other people's WINS and turn them into our own INSPIRATION!

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-64/

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Bookkeeping. I tend to see fear come from my retailers when I mention bookkeeping because they either don't want to hand off the job to someone else, don't want to spend the money, or they have fear of HOW to simplify it. There is HUGE ROI in staying up to date with your book. Seeing your balance sheet, profit and loss statements and knowing your numbers in real time - is so crucial. Having your bills paid, being able to adjust and pivot with proper info and the added bonus of peace of mind!!

No more lying awake at night worrying about that pile of paperwork!

In this episode, we share common fears: How will we communicate, how will we do this paperless? Even though I was afraid of the process, Kelly breaks it down for us.

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-63/

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We are all busy, driven, passion-filled retailers. We have big visions, big dreams, and we're constantly working to achieve those goals and succeed. But, there are three things that I see happening regularly with retailers who end up losing or closing their business.

Complacency. Not in the sense that you don't care about your business. You've just stopped paying attention. Paying attention to your customer's needs, your business standards, the look of your shop. Maybe you've stopped looking for new product lines or stopped paying attention to your marketing strategies. You're just busy! I get it. But we can't always blame external things anymore, we have to look inward, set aside our ego, and really dig into the details.

Mindset Shift - Refresh and review your store standards! Set goals and get motivated!

Dissatisfaction in our job. Many retailers are natural creatives and are always looking for the next new and shiny thing, right? Building the store was fun, but now you're in year two, three, or even five and feeling like you want to do something else. Are you tired? Not paying yourself enough? Bored?

Ask Yourself - What was my big picture? What's my why? What's going RIGHT in my business?

Neglect. This is a big one and I see it all too often. You are so busy in the day-to-day busyness of our business that you're not paying attention to the skills gaps or the attention to details as you should be, you know you need to freshen things up, learn new ways, but there just aren't enough hours in the day and the thought of having to learn something new in order to stay fresh and relevant is daunting.

It's time to revisit or reimagine your vision and go after it!

Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-62/

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It is such a privilege to be chatting with my friend retailer and Inner Circle member Ann Schneider of The Front Porch, a home decor, silk floral & boutique store! We found each other via social media because our business names were so similar. We soon met in person at a conference and immediately hit it off!

Ann has such an amazing way of running a business, so we are digging deep into her strategies and business journey over the past 25 years. She has done everything from selling her infamous paint lines, taught classes, and has recently gone mostly virtual via Facebook Live sales due to the pandemic. She describes her failures and the various twists and turns her retail journey has taken.

We discuss the importance of margins and Ann's groundbreaking idea of stepping back from her business and closing for periods of time to help create balance in her life. We also discuss how she knew it would work because of the strength of her email list! Yes, you heard that right!

Another risk that Ann took along her business journey was not signing a long-term lease with her landlord. This put her at risk of having to move out of her location, which in fact happened. But she describes the silver lining of it all. It has allowed her to start anew, rebrand, and pivot after almost 30 years in business.

It's time to realize that our board of directors is sitting at the kitchen table with us. We have to make it all work for them and for the lifestyle we are striving for. And none of these radical decisions would have worked for Ann without the foundation of an incredible email list, a social media following, and the RELATIONSHIPS Ann has built with her customers.

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We are in the business of self-improvement all the time as shop owners, there’s just no end. It’s part of the gig.

We have to be lifelong learners in order to improve and grow, right?

But... if you’re constantly holding yourself back and thinking that you’re not good at that… start saying to yourself: “you aren’t good at that YET.”

Everything and everyone is trainable.

Most shop owners are doing all the things like ordering inventory, planning, working the counter, unpacking boxes, cleaning the bathrooms, etc.

When we first start - that’s manageable. But as we grow, we need to grow our business skills.

Jumping on the learning bandwagon, jumping all over the place.

It’s not ideal to fall into the trap of squirrel brain learning by wanting to learn everything all at once. We have to be specific with what we are trying to learn and identify what we need each week, each month, each quarter.

Break your need-to-learn skills down into broad and simple/specific skills. Then actually set the time to learn these skills, as we discussed in Episode 59 and How To Do A Mid Year Review.

I share 2 ways in this episode are how to master skills through repetition and how to be intentional about really wanting to do these skills well. Whatever skill you need to learn, whatever thing you’ve identified as a skills gap - we then need to pay attention to how and where we can get that help and lose the squirrel brain!

Let’s dive deeper into the skills you need for your business! Grab your coffee and let’s go!

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This year has proven to be a very interesting season for retailers with COVID, quarantines, shutdowns, and reopenings. So I want you to give yourself grace and compassion as you plan and move forward through the rest of 2021.

I started doing mid-year reviews years ago, both for my own business and for my clients, to discuss and analyze the nitty-gritty of what exactly has been going on behind the scenes. We look back at the first two quarters of the year and check:

*Numbers - things like monthly revenue, the email list, average order value (AOV), sales, expenses, profit and loss sheets, foot traffic, and inventory. Are you behind, Are you ahead?

*Marketing Strategy - Did you put your marketing plan in place? Did you execute? How are you attracting new people? How are you engaging, serving, nurturing, and delivering to those customers?

It's important to create habits in your business that help you regularly look at these details so you can properly plan and make goals for the future. Knowing this information and asking the right questions of WHY will help create the freedom and lifestyle you want.

So let's figure out HOW to plan for the rest of 2021, stay focused and gain the confidence, clarity, and courage to keep going!

Did you find this helpful? Do you want more help so you can soar?
Don't miss - my small group coaching course: Retail Made Simple
The doors are open and we start May 31st, this signature course is a four week, small group intensive that will give you access to:
weekly group coaching calls with me
a private and supportive Facebook community of retail owners
and lifetime access so you can review the training when you want.

There are four modules of self-guided, easy, bite-sized trainings and accompanying resources to get your retail business going and growing.

So come to summer camp with me and sign up today and join me!

Grab my FREE retailer's training and workbook - Retailer's Game Plan
Click here my gift to retailers to help you stay on track and be the strongest business you can be - you won't want to miss it!

This podcast is sponsored by my Retailer's Inner Circle:
If you're like many creative retailers I know, you've gone online for business information or support, but the info you find doesn't apply to a physical brick-and-mortar store or a creative retail shop. You're searching for help and answers because you're heart-centred first, you're worn out wearing ALL the hats, or maybe your marketing is a little messy.

You love your brick-and-mortar store but you feel it has taken over every aspect of your life!

Ready for a community custom-made for you?

If you are interested in joining our community you can sign up for our waitlist! Doors to the Inner Circle will open again soon! Join the waitlist here.

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite Episodes
Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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I know... nobody wants to talk retail math and numbers. I get it. There are so many numbers we feel like we should be looking at within our business like profit and loss, balance sheets, etc, etc, etc. and we don't quite know where to start.

In this episode, I'm sharing three major (but simple) metrics that you'll want to be able to rattle off at the drop of a hat! These are numbers that I didn't even know existed when I first started running my shop. My shop was busy, we were making money… but I honestly had no clue where it was going. Or how to use these numbers to increase sales. Scary.

Do you know your KPI - Key Performance Indicators? They will help you PLAN FOR PROFITS and growth! It will help you find those little tweaks that will make all the difference in your sales. Here are three you'll want to measure:

Foot Traffic
Conversion Rate
Average Transaction Value (aka as Average Order Value or AOV)

But where do I find these numbers and what do they mean? Why should I care about them? Today we are walking you through all of the processes of HOW to find the math behind your KPI's and why. So grab your coffee and calculator and let's get started!

Did you find this helpful? Do you want more help so you can soar?

Don't miss - my small group coaching course: Retail Made Simple
The doors are open and we start May 31st, this signature course is a four week, small group intensive that will give you access to:

weekly group coaching calls with me
a private and supportive Facebook community of retail owners
and lifetime access so you can review the training when you want.

There are four modules of self-guided, easy, bite-sized trainings and accompanying resources to get your retail business going and growing.

So come to summer camp with me - sign up today and join me!

Grab my FREE retailer’s training and workbook - Retailer’s Game Plan:
Click here my gift to retailers to help you stay on track and be the strongest business you can be - you won’t want to miss it!

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite EpisodesThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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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. 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.

Grab my FREE retailer’s training and workbook - Retailer’s Game Plan
Click here my gift to retailers to help you stay on track and be the strongest business you can be - you won’t want to miss it!

This podcast is sponsored by my Retailer’s Inner Circle:If you’re like many creative retailers I know, you’ve gone online for business information or support, but the info you find doesn’t apply to a physical brick-and-mortar store or a creative retail shop. You’re searching for help and answers because you’re heart-centered first, you’re worn out wearing ALL the hats, or maybe your marketing is a little messy.

You love your brick-and-mortar store but you feel it has taken over every aspect of your life!

Ready for a community custom-made for you?

If you are interested in joining our community you can sign up for our waitlist! Doors to the Inner Circle will open again soon! Join the waitlist here.

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite Episodes

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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Shop owners are all hoping to create a bit of security within our business, but this year has certainly shown us that we are not always in control.

Having multiple streams of revenue within your business will help you to get that control back! This isn't about necessarily doing more, but it's more about thinking outside the box and expanding what we are already doing well.

So let's "put it through the hopper" together and ask ourselves these four questions:

Does it excite me?
Is it something my customers will purchase?
Will it be profitable?
Does it fit under my brand umbrella?

Taking these steps into consideration when thinking about other revenue streams will hopefully spark a thought process of expansion! Join me in brainstorming the many options there are for adding extra income right now!

Grab my FREE retailer’s training and workbook - Retailer’s Game Plan
Click here my gift to retailers to help you stay on track and be the strongest business you can be - you won’t want to miss it!
This podcast is sponsored by my Retailer’s Inner Circle:If you’re like many creative retailers I know, you’ve gone online for business information or support, but the info you find doesn’t apply to a physical brick-and-mortar store or a creative retail shop. You’re searching for help and answers because you’re heart-centered first, you’re worn out wearing ALL the hats, or maybe your marketing is a little messy.

You love your brick and mortar store but you feel it has taken over every aspect of your life!

Ready for a community custom-made for you?

We’d like YOU to join our small monthly coaching group specifically made for CREATIVE RETAILERS! Join the waitlist here.

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite Episodes

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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We know that marketing is important, right? We know that social media is a big part of our marketing plan, along with local marketing, collaborations, and paid advertising. These are all measurable plans where we can SEE how it is helping our business.

But there is something that you are already doing every day that surprisingly CAN be measured - conversational marketing. Most of you are regularly connecting with your customers through caring, passionate, and heart-centered one-on-one discussions. Whether it's at the counter or on social media, it's happening.

In this episode, I'm going to teach you how you can create a strategy around simply communicating and listening to your customers and HOW to ask the right questions.

And the best part? It's FREE, simple and it's POWERFUL.

Listen in and hear about some really cool things that have happened by implementing some of these simple strategies.

Grab my FREE retailer’s training and workbook - Retailer’s Game Plan
Click here - my gift to retailers to help you stay on track and be the strongest business you can be - you won’t want to miss it!
This podcast is sponsored by my Retailer’s Inner Circle:If you’re like many creative retailers I know, you’ve gone online for business information or support, but the info you find doesn’t apply to a physical brick-and-mortar store or a creative retail shop. You’re searching for help and answers because you’re heart-centered first, you’re worn out wearing ALL the hats, or maybe your marketing is a little messy.

You love your brick-and-mortar store but you feel it has taken over every aspect of your life!

Ready for a community custom-made for you?

We’d like YOU to join our small monthly coaching group specifically made for CREATIVE RETAILERS! Join the waitlist here.

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite Episodes

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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I should be doing this. I should be doing that. I should be doing all the things!

So many of my retailers, along with myself, have been seriously feeling this constant sense of overwhelm and telling ourselves what we should be doing. Whether it's in business or in our personal lives, we all are wanting to be more consistent, get one more thing checked off the list, find more balance, be more present, right?

It's time to flip the script.

So if you feel like you are "shoulding" all over yourself like me, then this episode is for you! I want to share with you three main tactics and ideas on how I regroup, feel less overwhelmed, and hopefully it will help you as well!

Retailer’s Spring Refresh Challenge
Join our FREE 10-day x 10 minutes a day challenge, it’s running April 12-21st, 2021.
It’s a simple “Spring Cleaning” of your retail business that will have you feeling like the rockstar retailer you are!

Click here to Join the Challenge - you won’t want to miss it!

This podcast is sponsored by my Retailer’s Inner Circle:If you’re like many creative retailers I know, you’ve gone online for business information or support, but the info you find doesn’t apply to a physical brick and mortar store or a creative retail shop. You’re searching for help and answers because you’re heart-centered first, you’re worn out wearing ALL the hats, or maybe your marketing is a little messy.

You love your brick and mortar store but you feel it has taken over every aspect of your life!

Ready for a community custom-made for you?

We’d like YOU to join our small monthly coaching group specifically made for CREATIVE RETAILERS! Join us here.

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite Episodes

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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What happens when most of your revenue comes from one product line? What happens when something goes awry or there's a mass disruption with that particular product and your business ceases to exist?

Today we are discussing branding yourself and not the product lines that you carry. We are diving deep into some various retailer's stories and what happened to them so you can avoid not having all of your eggs in one basket!

Are you only marketing toward your highest revenue-making product line, or are you marketing toward your actual brand? Are you truly prepared in the back-end of your business when something does happen and you need to shift?

Let's talk about a multitude of top tips and resources that will allow you to still love on your favorite brands AND make those amazing sales. So put your CEO hats on and let's really take a detailed look at where your income is coming from and you're not at the mercy of someone else.

Retailer's Spring Refresh Challenge
Join our FREE 10 day x 10 minutes a day challenge, it's running April 12-21st, 2021.

It's a simple "Spring Cleaning" of your retail business that will have you feeling like the rockstar retailer you are!

Click here to Join the Challenge - you won't want to miss it!

Retailer's Inner Circle:
If you're like many creative retailers I know, you've gone online for business information or support, but the info you find doesn't apply to a physical brick and mortar store or a creative retail shop. You're searching for help and answers because you're heart-centered first, you're worn out wearing ALL the hats, or maybe your marketing is a little messy.

You love your brick and mortar store but you feel it has taken over every aspect of your life!

Ready for a community custom-made for you?

We'd like YOU to join our small monthly coaching group specifically made for CREATIVE RETAILERS! Join us here.

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite Episodes
Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don't forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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Who has not gotten to this situation at work: "Oh, I thought Wendy was going to do it", "Wait, I thought Susan had already taken care of it", and so on. Miscommunication causes big problems in our retail businesses, to slip through the cracks, leaving our small shop in trouble with no one to hold accountable for.

It's also true of ourselves as self-employed retail owners. Who is watching over us? Who are we accountable to? Who can we get to help support us?

In this week's episode, I share a few tips on how we can stay accountable in our retail business. In addition, I talk about how I stay accountable and how I created my own accountability group. When building up a great team and company, we as business owners, have to be the first ones to walk the walk. The moment our employees see us taking responsibility and following through with our commitments, they will be more likely to do the same. I discuss a strategy to improve effectively by having an internal support team.

Right now, more than ever before, having strong retail business skills is so important. I'm sharing several ways and areas and ideas on how you can stay on track and accountable in this episode. Who do you have in your world to help you stay accountable?

Maybe, the recent shutdowns and business disruptions have made you realize you need a stronger "backstage" as you come through this uncertain time in business. Being accountable is one of the skills I go over in my One-On-one Coaching program. We discuss your fears and struggles in business and how we can help you overcome them. Remember, ensuring that everybody in your retail business takes responsibility for each project will make accountability become the new norm in the company's culture.

So, stay on track, my friend. Find your people. Find a good community to support you. If you need any support with your retail business, you can reach out to me. You can find me at WendyBatten.com and in my Retailer's Inner Circle. I am so proud of everyone in the group. Inside we work together to stay educated, supported, and accountable - come and join us!

Our Sponsor:
The Retailer's Inner Circle is open and accepting new members. We are the go-to for support, encouragement, education, and yes, accountability.

Our community is unlike others, we understand small shop life, and want to help you reclaim your confidence, clarity, profits, and joy in your retail business. Let us help you.
It's a great group - leapfrog over obstacles.

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite Episodes:
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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Today we are starting a new series to bring in brand owners to chat. Today’s guest Suzanne Fulford, founder and the CEO of Dixie Belle Paint Company, started her journey as an enthusiastic DIYer with a passion for cultivating and creating beautiful timeless pieces that brought new life to old, tired, and forgotten furniture.

In this week’s episode, Suzanne and I talk about the future of the paint industry, its trends, and how brands work with retailers to make a win-win situation. I also talk about why we do and offer a particular product or service. Suzanne shares how she ended up founding and being the CEO of Dixie Belle Paint Company.

Sometimes we are afraid of what could possibly happen with the decisions we make for our businesses. Suzzane was terrified to jeopardize her business and the profits it was bringing to her family. Her perseverance, dedication, and determination led her to have a beautiful paint company. She shares how she did her own website, she took pictures of her product, and how her marketing team helps her give back to retailers.

You’re going to love meeting Suzanne and all the tips she shares with us today.

Do you like meeting other retailers and like-minded people? Do you need more control and less overwhelm in your retail business? Let me invite you to join my monthly coaching group Retailer's Inner Circle. Want to learn what’s working for OTHER creative shop owners so you are constantly seeing fresh ideas instead of being stuck? We understand creatives, paint sales, and workshops. We get that you may have been a creative first and now are running this crazy business.

The Inner Circle monthly group is a first of its kind experience combining coaching, training, and community support led by retailer and retailer coach strategist, Wendy Batten, who has years of relevant experience as an industry expert. Click here to learn more.

Our guest:

Dixie Belle Paint Company - Offers non-toxic, no VOC's, easy cleanup paint, and can be used on virtually any surface! High-quality chalk mineral paint is perfect for painting furniture/material/cabinets and much more. No waxing required. Dixie Belle Paint is owned/operated in the USA! For more information, please visit our website at www.DixieBellePaint.com.

https://dixiebellepaint.com/

https://blog.dixiebellepaint.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DixieBellePaint

https://www.pinterest.com/dixiebellepaint/_shop/

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Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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One question I received from a coaching client is "what's coming for retail, and how can I be ready?"

The answer is simple: Get ready! Don't be complacent, take action on the momentum you may have built in 2020. Shore up the gaps, get confident and strong in the areas you may feel that you have weak links. Be ready for what's coming. There's so much hope for retail. Let's congratulate ourselves for getting through 2020 and let's get ready for what's coming!

In this week's episode, I reveal the small yet powerful things that can help you make a big difference in 2021. We need to regroup and pay attention to what's coming forward. We want to be ready for anything that's coming our way. One thing you can do is look back over the year and identify the gaps that might have been in our business. I talk about how I take some time on my schedule every week for personal development. Often we forget the importance of the role of being the CEO of our own business. I also share why is so important to attract the right buying customers into our shop.

Another thing I believe is so important and that will help you make a difference is paying attention to what your customers need. I share some tips on how you can do this without stepping out of your boundaries. Something I made emphasis in this episode is about being memorable. We want people to remember us for what we do and for what we offer. I also share some tips on how to switch things up. That will help people think of us as a shop that is constantly evolving and growing.

There's so much hope for retail moving forward, if you need support, a community that making great progress in retail, want to learn new skills and guidance with running your retail business, our community may be just what you are looking for. Need help with inventory management, store operation, and business-related things, join my Retail Inner Circle.

If you need support with those CEO roles to help you get ready, if you need support with marketing and putting all, all-the-things together, and become that big picture planner, please reach out. You are not alone, join us.

Our Sponsor
Foot Traffic Made Simple - Do you want a simple marketing plan that helps you promote your beautiful retail shop in your own way — and watch more customers walk through the door on a daily basis?

Stop hoping for foot traffic and start planning for it, with a doable fully mapped out, and clear plan to get customers in the door, the easy way - hint, it's not about more social media and doing ALL the things!

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Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don't forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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Many retailers are so busy running their brick-and-mortar stores and creating beautiful things, sometimes we just need a little help with marketing. Having strong retail business skills is going to be key to be successful. Marketing matters. That’s exactly what I teach in my Foot Traffic Made Simple, my new mini-workshop for shop owners.

In today’s episode, I’m doing a Live Coaching call with Lisa Casey from The Painted Pineapple in Moncton, New Brunswick. Lisa has a great following, she rebranded just before the pandemic closed all business - she wants to go from unknown to known by more customers. On our call, we talked about how she has done a great job at getting known in Moncton and ways she can improve. She just needed some tweaks and help and we thought we would share the breakdown and process with you. We discuss tips on nurturing and wowing your customers. We talk about asking for reviews from your customers.

Taking the first step to asking for help is the hardest. If you need help with marketing you are welcome to join me LIVE on March 15th for my Foot Traffic Made Simple mini-workshop.

I’ll be covering all of this and more. We go over a five-part marketing plan so you can put an end to overwhelm. My mission is simple, I want creative shop owners to feel confident and in control of their business, grow their profits, and get back to living the lifestyle they dreamed of!

Our guest:

Lisa Casey Retail Inner Circle member and owner and CEO of http://thepaintedpineapple.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/thepaintedpineapplemoncton

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite Episodes

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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Are you constantly asking yourself, where did the day go? Or, why time runs so fast? Believe it or not, we are bombarded by so many time wasters in our day-to-day business that we don’t realize the impact it can generate in our lives. Between emails, text messages, calls, social media notifications, and even our colleagues, we’re constantly battered with potential time-wasters.

Eliminating all the distractions at the office can have a positive impact on your productivity, output, and mental wellbeing. Don’t get me wrong, my friends, distractions happen but we can reduce them.

In this week’s episode, I talked about the three biggest time wasters that we, creative retailers, face on a daily basis and how we can avoid them. Something I hear every day is, “I just don't have any time. I'm too busy. I've just got too much to do.” I shared some tips on how you can stay focus at work. I share the top three time wasters that I changed in my own personal business life and really made a big difference.

Of course, it’s natural to get distracted. But it’s when we recognize all those distractions and work out a plan to not let them take over the lives that can make a positive impact on us and others.

I want to remind you that if you need any support join my monthly coaching group Retailer's Inner Circle. In this group, we work together on these types of problems. We help each other. We had a challenge about the phone distraction and the conversation inside the group was just amazing. Please reach out if I can support you in any way. Click here to learn more about my Retailer's Inner Circle.

This week’s talking points on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast:

Staying focused
Working on things that maybe don't matter
Moving the needle forward
Removing temptations
Addiction to our phones
Batching your work
Non-revenue-generating things

Our Sponsor

Rockstar Creative Retailers and Shop Owners Group - This is THE place for creative brick and mortar store owners, booth space owners, and DIY studio owners. The who, what, and how's of running a creative retail business. Social media, workshops, time management, staffing, marketing, and more...there's so much, right? This group is loosely based on the things I teach in my monthly coaching group the Paintpreneur's Inner Circle, and teach my one on one coaching clients and retreats.

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite Episodes

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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Comprehending what sets us apart may seem too obvious, but many creative retailers spend time focusing on the day-to-day of their business that they forget about the big picture. This is totally understandable, but if you fail to look at what makes you stand out over your competition can make all of your marketing efforts ineffective.

The key to reaching a new customer is connecting on an emotional level. If you can speak to your customers’ challenges and offer a solution, it will make it much easier for them to do business with you. And that’s exactly what I want to talk about with you this week.

In this week’s episode, I talked about the secret to getting your customers to choose you over your competition. We discuss whether customers choose you because of the proximity of your store, the price of your product, or simply because they are loyal to your brand. I also talk about creating that emotional connection with your customers. Why do you think it’s important to share your story? Whether you have an antique shop, a paint shop, a bookstore, a chocolate shop, or whether you're selling beautifully curated gifts, everybody has competition. Everybody has a reason for them to want to go to your shop versus the shop down the street. I discuss the different ways we can share what we are doing and what our business represents.

This week’s talking points on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast:

Supporting other businesses
How do you stand out
What makes you different from your competitor
How do we get customers to know of our business
How do we get customers to trust us
Creating emotional connections
Sharing stories on social media
How Front Porch Mercantile started
What your Facebook page should convey
Business values

Our Sponsor:

This week’s episode was brought to you by my monthly coaching group Retailer's Inner Circle. Inside my exclusive inner circle, I offer support to you and your business in any way possible. Feel free to reach out at WendyBatten.com. Click here to learn more and join my Retailer’s Inner Circle today.

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite Episodes

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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Hey there friends and welcome to Season 2 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. I want to start by thanking each and every one of you for all the support throughout Season 1. We’re jumping into season 2 with a retail success story - meet Melanie Curley from Mango reclaimed. Her story inspires. Being successful is the biggest dream every creative retailer has. But success doesn’t happen within hours or days. Success comes out from hard work, dedication, perseverance, and love for what we do.

Melanie Curley is the owner of Mango Reclaimed, a vintage furniture studio that opened in 2013. Originally a small studio designed to sell reclaimed furniture, Mango Reclaimed has grown and evolved over the past 8 years to encompass a 5,000 sqft studio space that retails multiple paint lines, various DIY products, custom furniture reclaiming, and is host to a variety of hands-on workshops and customer events.

In this week’s episode, I talked about a success story of a creative retailer that started as a photographer but now has a successful retail business, and a new paint line that became highly sought after by retailers across North America. We will discuss how she ended up in the retail industry and I’ll share how Melanie exemplified the proper way to run a retail business. We also talk about what to do when something doesn’t work in our businesses so you can grow and expand exponentially. Melanie discusses the scary business decisions she has made, and how she manages to be a mom of two, fiance, and keep her business up and running throughout a pandemic.

You’re going to love meeting Melanie.

I want to remind you that if you need any support or if I can help you in your business in any way, please reach out. You can always reach out by emailing me at WendyBatten.com. I do one-on-one coaching and host a fabulous group of retailers inside my monthly coaching group Retailer's Inner Circle. I say fabulous because it's a space where we support one another and grow together. Click here to learn more.

This week’s talking points on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast:

Creative retailer success story
One-on-one coaching
Diversifying and changing
Running your own business
Accidental entrepreneurship
Choosing the right business model
Being brave and confident
5-Step marketing plan
Building a community matters

Our guest:

Mango Reclaimed - A vintage furniture studio established in 2013 by Melanie Curley offering reclaimed, refinished, and restyled furniture. Now offering Mango Paint. Mango Paint is a Canadian made, water-based paint that is specifically designed to reclaim furniture. This paint imparts a beautiful soft matte finish that is incredibly smooth to the touch. With minimal prep work required, you can breeze right through to the fun part!

www.facebook.com/mangoreclaimed

www.instagram.com/mangoreclaimed

www.pinterest.com/mangoreclaimed

www.facebook.com/mangopaintinc

www.instagram.com/mangopaintinc

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite Episodes

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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Do you ever feel like you resent your business? What do we do to continue to stay in love with our business? How do we get back to the honeymoon phase?

In this week’s episode, I talk about resenting our business. I know this past year has been eye-opening. One of the things I discuss is the importance of being intentional about the business that we have and figuring out what we want from it. If we resent it, if we burn out, if we just try to do all the things all the time, we cannot grow our business. We need to take back our calendars and have systems, marketing, and processes in place.

If you want to take back your calendars and stop resenting your business, I want to invite you to join The Retailer's Inner Circle, a custom-made online community made for creative shop owners looking to learn and grow their business. Inside the Inner Circle you will find valuable resources that will help you fall back in love with your business. This is not a course. We offer a community & resources for retailers just like you! Click here to learn more.

I also want to let you know that this is our last podcast for this first season. I can't believe we have done a year of podcasting and I'm so grateful for everybody that has been here. I am sending you all the love and good vibes so you can stop resenting your business and start seeing your business grow. I’m here to support you in any way so you can get back into loving your business and finding that right path. Please remember to reach out. It is my mission to help creative shop owners feel better about their business. You can find me at WendyBatten.com.

This week on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast:

Resenting our business
How to fall back in love with your business
Burning out
Vision planning
Importance of visualizing
Understanding where we’re going
Taking back our calendars
Personal development
How to be vulnerable
Firing yourself
Asking for help

Our sponsor:

Online Course: Retail Made Simple - The Success Path for Creative Shop Owners

This is a four-week online program designed by and for creative shop owners. In this program, you will get the information and resources you need to simplify and lay the foundation for your creative retail business so you can get it going and growing.

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite Episodes

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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Welcome to 2021! I'm very excited about this year. How are you feeling? I hope you are feeling optimistic and confident about diving into 2021.

I want to thank each and everyone who joined me on December, 30th in my Rockstar Creative Retailers and Shop Owners Group on Facebook to discuss my four-part series Plan Your Best Retail Year Ever. I loved the questions and enthusiasm from everyone.

In this week’s episode, I share four must-have ingredients that every creative retailer needs for a successful business in 2021. I also discuss some major shifts that we are seeing in the retail industry. One of the foundational ingredients I talk about is being a CEO. Often retailers just want to own a business and forget everything that entails. Being the CEO of your creative business presents you with a lot of benefits. Other ingredients I shared are being money savvy, being streamlined, and efficient. I also discuss how marketing and sales help creative retailers grow their businesses.

Have you joined My Inner Circle yet? This is a monthly group, one-of-a-kind community for select retailers only. Click here to join the experience combining coaching, training, and community support led by me, Wendy Batten.

We are in a niche of caring about people and caring about their success. I want you to be successful. So, I invite you to take some time, sit down, and think about what you can improve in 2021, where you can get more training, what goals you want to achieve this new year, and how do you feel about those four ingredients. In my Retail Made Simple - The Success Path for Creative Shop Owners we go over these four must-have skills in more depth. This incredible online program starts in just a few more days. Register now by clicking here.

This week on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast:

Four must-have ingredients for a successful business
Retail industry trends
Our customers
How our businesses are affecting our lives
Being money savvy
Understanding your numbers
Ideal customer avatar
Five pillar marketing strategy

Our sponsor:

Online Course: Retail Made Simple - The Success Path for Creative Shop Owners

This is a four-week online program designed by and for creative shop owners. In this program, you will get the information and resources you need to simplify and lay the foundation for your creative retail business so you can get it going and growing.

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite Episodes

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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Are you excited about planning your best retail year ever? Listen to this my friends: we need to celebrate the wins and acknowledge that we've been working hard throughout 2020.

In Episode 40, we talked about looking back and how to move forward by looking at what worked and what didn’t work. Later on, in Episode 41, we discussed how an ideal 2021 would look like to us. Last week, in Episode 42, which was our third part of our series, we talked about what we needed to do to get where we want to be.

This week’s episode is the last part of our “Plan Your Best Retail Year Ever” series. I’m sharing two things you need to know when planning out for 2021: how to put all the pieces together and how to build to move forward. We will identify how you can reach your goals and what you need to do to step out of your comfort zone. We're wrapping up the end of the year and you must end it strong.

Have you already started planning out 2021? Do you have questions or do you need guidance in any of the parts? Join my free Rock Star Creatives Facebook group. I’m hosting a coaching session and will talk about the four-part planning process on Thursday, December 30th. You don’t want to miss it.

Also, I have a big surprise for everyone on the waitlist for my Retail Made Simple - The Success Path for Creative Shop Owners. A new session of this four-week online program starts in January and registration is now open (click here). This course was designed to simplify the business side of running a creative business and help retailers get their business going and growing.

This week on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast:

Planning your best retail year ever
Putting all the pieces together
Stepping out of our comfort zone
Personal development skills
Understanding cash flow
Marketing is not just social media
The domino effect
Hiring a coach

Our sponsor: Online Course: Retail Made Simple - The Success Path for Creative Shop Owners

This is a four-week online program designed by and for creative shop owners. In this program, you will get the information and resources you need to simplify and lay the foundation for your creative retail business so you can get it going and growing.

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite Episodes

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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Previously, we discussed five prompts for year planning in Part 1 of my “Plan Your Best Retail Year Ever” series. These helped us to look back before we can move forward. In part 2, we talked about three prompts that help retail business owners plan for 2021. These three prompts are related to our numbers and finances.

In this week’s episode, Part 3 of the series, we are going to talk about what we need to do to get where we want to go. How do we get customers?

I discuss different ways you can make money and how to put a simple marketing plan in place. Budgeting doesn’t have to be difficult if you have all the information you need, so I also share tips on how you can budget by quarter.

I know we talk a lot about managing money and planning for 2021 in these episodes, and you might have a lot of questions and doubts. I want to help your business grow. I’m excited to announce that I am hosting a free session inside my Facebook group Rock Star Creatives on December 30th to answer all your questions about this series. This group is a free and safe space where creative shop owners hang out and share business insights and tips.

If you would like to learn at a deeper level, you can join my Retail Made Simple workshop that starts next month. When you enroll in the course, you will learn and understand not just the process of planning a whole new year but how the retail business works.

This week on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast:

What do we need as business owners
Brain dump all your different revenue streams
Different ways of making money
Add eCommerce to your current website to generate more revenue
Breaking it down
How to budget
Setting goals for ourselves
How to get things done

Our sponsor: Online Course: Retail Made Simple

It's a four-week course that I run every January for retailers to help them uncomplicate all the business stuff.

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite Episodes

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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We can’t predict if we will have any more bumps in the road in 2021. 2020 has been a big mountain and detour for all of us, but at least we know where we're headed.

Everybody has been asking, how do we plan out 2021? Throughout 2020, many independent retailers are thriving. And that’s fantastic. We all want to succeed. But before making plans for the future, we must look back at how our current year was. Previously, we discussed five prompts for year planning in Part 1 of my “Plan Your Best Year Ever” series - Episode 40 of The Creative Shop Talk Podcast last week.

In this week’s episode, Part 2 of my “Plan Your Best Retail Year Ever” series, we are going to talk about looking forward. To do so, I share three prompts that will help you plan for 2021. What do you want the new year to look like? We talk about revenue and the importance of understanding how to read our financials. I also describe the process of breaking-even. Inside my Retail Made Simple course that starts in January 2021, you could learn more about finances as we talk about the topic in depth.

I want you to make enough money into this retail business. Let's start planning. Let's make life possible. You can join my retailer’s Inner Circle for networking with other like-minded retailers.

This week on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast: * Planning for 2021 * 3 prompts for planning 2021 * Where do we want to go * What would make us feel good * Knowing your numbers * What revenue do you need to get to where you want * What do you want to be known for in your community * Creating a marketing plan to feed in revenue

Our sponsor: Online Course: Retail Made Simple

It's a four-week course that I run every January for retailers to help them uncomplicate all the business stuff.

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite Episodes

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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How do we plan for 2021 knowing that we don't want a repeat of everything that happened in 2020? With vaccines and political changes and all the things that have been going on in the world throughout this year, we're going to see a different climate again in 2021. So, how do we plan for that? How do we know what to do?

We all know that it's been a rough year. But what were the feel-good moments? What are you most proud of that happened in 2020?

In this week’s episode, we’re going to talk about planning out our 2021 and how to start planning for a new year. I’m going to have a four-part series through the month of December where I help you through the whole process of planning out the year in simple bite-sized steps. We also discuss how Susanne Spence Wilkins, the owner of Crazy 8 Barn & Garden, dropped a major revenue stream that made her profits go up.

I also share how my five prompts for year planning helped a client move forward into her 2021 planning. I'll be doing it inside my retailer’s Inner Circle as well with my members.

This week on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast: * How do we plan for 2021 * 5 prompts for planning for a new year * Celebrate and look at the good things that happen * Look at your monthly numbers * Identify what worked and what didn't and what felt light * Looking at the present * What do we need to do more of

Our sponsor:

Online Course: Retail Made Simple

It's a four-week course that I run every January for retailers to help them uncomplicate all the business stuff.

Subscribe, Connect & Share Your Favorite Episodes

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.

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Bedsprings and Burlap in Topeka, KS will celebrate 8 years in business this November.

Jill Beam had always loved making things but realized there was only so much she could make for herself and friends or family.

Jill was a full-time teacher when she started the business and worked it as a small hobby hustle for four years. She consistently put money back into the business and bootstrapped as she went along.

Drawing on her years of teaching experience, Jill has made it her mission to be truly kind and encouraging to build her customer community.

Now Jill offers a variety of painted furniture, interesting products, and classes to offer her customers what they want while also maintaining profitable revenue streams.

Listen in to get truly inspired by Jill’s journey. I promise, it is an incredibly relatable one.

Meet Jill and other amazing retailers in the Rockstar Creatives FB community!

Topics Discussed:

The importance of making your business partnership legal
How to build an incredibly supportive customer community
The ways that Jill got creative to keep business moving during the pandemic
How Jill works to assess a new product line to add to her offerings

Follow Jill Beam * Bedsprings and Burlap - https://bedspringsandburlap.com/ * FB - @bedspringsandburlap * IG - @bedspringsandburlap

Let’s Continue the Conversation Join our Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Facebook Community

Share Your Thoughts Are you liking the podcast and finding value from the content? I’d love it if you would share your review and give me feedback!

Let’s Connect: * IG @frontporchmercantile * FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur

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Hey friend, are you feeling frustrated by your low Facebook engagement or wondering how to showcase that amazing new stock when foot traffic is slow?

I’ve got the solution, and it is an absolute must-do for retailers of any size!

Today, we’re talking about how important using email is to remain top of mind for your customers and keep serving them to the best of your ability.

So many of the retailers that I work with resist the idea of using email to communicate with their customers. They feel sleazy, or like they are going to bug people.

I’m here to tell you that this is not true. If your emails are useful, valuable, interesting, and helpful they will be opened.

What can you send that you’re excited about and you can’t wait to share with your customers? Think about it just as you would engaging and interacting with someone that comes into your store.

And if you haven’t started building your list, start now. Don’t beat yourself up about it, just get moving.

Now is a great time to remind people that you are a small, independent retailer. You are still here and part of their community, many people are looking to shop local this season.

This is your time to shine and make money during the holiday peek! Start mining gold from your email list by providing incredible value to your loyal fans.

So, grab a coffee and listen up, the full episode has all the details on how to do email right for retail.

So, my friend, are you using email to communicate? Come talk with us in the Rockstar Creatives FB community and let us know what’s working or where we can help!

Topics Discussed:

The importance of communicating with customers
If you are not emailing customers you’re leaving money on the table
The types of information to send in your emails beyond just “buy my stuff”
How often to send communications now through the holidays.

Apply for the 2021 Mastermind Looking for a small but mighty community of retailers to help you take your business to the next level? We only have three spots remaining in the 2021 Mastermind program, you can apply to become part of this amazing group here.

Let’s Continue the Conversation Join our Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Facebook Community

Share Your Thoughts Are you liking the podcast and finding value from the content? I’d love it if you would share your review and give me feedback!

Let’s Connect: * IG @frontporchmercantile * FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur

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Sharvette began her journey as a branding expert at a friend’s table about twelve years ago.

What started with web design has grown into a successful, multifaceted business helping female entrepreneurs to build online platforms so that they generate more revenue with an amazing personal brand.

She works with clients on visibility and marketing with one on one consulting, group coaching programs, web design services, social media coaching, and conferences.

As retailers, we so often provide a high-touch service for our customers. Sharvette explains how personal branding, storytelling, and cohesive experience help to make your business more liked and trusted in your customer’s mind.

I’m so excited for you to drink in Sharvette’s expertise and advice for artists and small retailers! Dive in to learn how to harness the power of branding to create cohesive, stellar experiences for your customers.

You can snag Sharvette’s free Website Planner here: http://websiteplanner.biz/

So, my friend, how does your retail business use branding to shine? Share how you use branding in your own business in the Rockstar Creatives FB community!

Topics Discussed:

How branding goes beyond just a good logo
How to use branding to marry in-person and online experiences
The importance of personal branding if you’re a small retailer or artist
A few important aspects of getting your website to look its best

Follow Sharvette Mitchell Sharvette Mitchell - www.SharvetteMitchell.com

FB - @MitchellProductions

IG - @sharvettem

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Sharvette

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/Sharvette

Retailer Shout Out

Collective Interiors - https://www.collectiveinteriorsnc.com/

FB - @collectiveinteriorsnc

IG - @collectiveinteriorsnc

Let’s Continue the Conversation Join our Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Facebook Community

Share Your Thoughts Are you liking the podcast and finding value from the content? I’d love it if you would share your review and give me feedback!

Let’s Connect: * IG @frontporchmercantile * FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur

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Emily of Milkmaid Creations and Antiques is a farmer's wife and mom to three little girls.

She started her retail business after leaving her corporate job to be home more with her growing family. She's owned her business for over three years, where she sells antiques, home decor, custom painted furniture, and working to reintroduce DIY classes.

In the past year, Emily has hired an employee and a babysitter to help focus and hone in on growing her business.

When the pandemic hit, she took the time to get a website up and running, and made a major pivot to hosting online sales.

Listen to the ways that Emily has taken control of her business by digging deep into her numbers, surpassed last year’s sales, and was able to reach a big goal that has majorly paid off in her business!

I hope you’re feeling inspired. Come meet other amazing, creative retailers like Emily in the Rockstar Creatives FB community!

Topics Discussed:

How Emily got started in her retail business
The tactics that Emily has used to understand how to best take charge of the CEO of her business
How starting small and slowly growing helped Emily stay focused on the right-sized stage of her business

Follow Emily Kerley Milkmaid Creations and Antiques - https://milkmaid.commentsold.com/

FB - @milkmaidcreationsantiques

IG - @milkmaidca

Let’s Continue the Conversation Join our Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Facebook Community

Share Your Thoughts Are you liking the podcast and finding value from the content? I’d love it if you would share your review and give me feedback!

Let’s Connect: * IG @frontporchmercantile * FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur

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Have you thought about what business success means to you?

You started your business because you had passion and a unique set of skills to share with the world. But maybe those skills didn’t include a business background or an understanding of how to take your creative shop from newly opened doors to profitable.

You might even be unsure of what you consider successful for yourself or business.

Success can look really different from business to business, what is important is understanding how you define it so that you can take steps to achieve it.

In this episode, I share five foundational ways I see the creative retailers I work with building their own unique vision of success each day, including:

Identify your “big picture” strategy for your business and your life
How to develop a marketing mindset
Learning how to be adaptable
Consistently learning new things and applying those skills
The importance of finding support from like-minded individuals

This is just an overview, and I invite you to listen to the full episode for more insights into how I help members of my Inner Circle define their success and thrive.

The Inner Circle small group coaching program is currently open for passionate retailers ready to move the needle in their own business through action and support. Click here to get the full details.

Topics Discussed:

Five foundations ways to build the business right for you
Ways to define what success looks like for you and your creative business
Why you should stop comparing your business and success against others

Check out the Inner Circle The Inner Circle is now accepting new members for a limited time through Oct. 28, 2020. Get the details on this creative, supportive community.

Let’s Continue the Conversation Join our Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Facebook Community

Let’s Connect: * IG @frontporchmercantile

FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur

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“The map is not the territory.” Meaning, the path is not reflected realistically on paper.

There are twists, turns, and bumps in the road to success.

As a retailer, you know starting and running a creative business is anything but running down a simple checklist one-by-one.

While there isn’t necessarily a map to get from point A to point B, there is value in understanding where you’re at with your business to more easily take the steps to get where you want to go.

And there is tremendous value in having a community that has already walked the path at your side. In the Inner Circle group coaching community, we spend a lot of time focused on the tactics important to each member’s stage step-by-step.

So, my friend, I want you to take a breath and embrace where you are on the journey.

Embrace that things are not linear.

Let go of that anxiety and stress that has your shoulders up at your ears thinking you need to know what happens in the next six steps.

I hope this episode provides you that little “a-ha” or some sense of relief.

Come share your journey with us in the Rockstar Creatives FB community and if you’re ready for more resources and support, get on the waitlist for the Inner Circle opening soon!

Topics Discussed:

How to look at your retail business and understand where you are on your retail business journey
The different areas to focus on depending on whether you’re in the startup stage, the middle “sweet spot,” or growth stage
The benefit of having a community of like-minded business owners to help give feedback and directions

Retailer to Follow * Susan Robertson Pottery - https://www.srobertsonpottery.com/ * FB - @susanrobertsonpottery * IG - @susanrobertsonpottery

Get Prepped for a Profitable HolidaySign up for the 3-day Rock Your Holiday Profits Challenge happening Oct. 21 - Oct. 23 to boost profits while maximizing what you already have! Get on the Inner Circle WaitlistThe Inner Circle opens back up for a limited time on Oct. 25. Get on the waitlist now so you’re the first to know when doors open! Let’s Continue the ConversationJoin our Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Facebook Community Let’s Connect: * IG @frontporchmercantile * FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur

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Are you taking the time to regularly assess your retail business as the Creative CEO, my friend?

As creatives and small business owners, sometimes we get swept up in the day-to-day of shopkeeping tasks — tidying displays, opening inventory boxes, conducting workshops, or providing customer service.

While these are all incredibly important aspects of working in your business, they are not the Creative CEO efforts that work on your business to strategically help you move the needle and build momentum.

For that, I habitually conduct a CEO Date every Monday to work on my own business and stay on the path to success.

In this episode, I walk you step-by-step through each piece I include in my CEO Date and cover the must-dos I see countless retailers use to build incredible success.

We cover everything from marketing to metrics to self-care, so get out a notepad and dive into this lesson on starting this vital habit for your retail business. You can grab the checklist to guide your CEO Date here.

I’ve been doing these CEO Dates for years and will continue to do them weekly because I find them powerful in focusing on success.

Remember, even though you’re the independent-type that started your own business, you are not meant to do this alone. If you’re looking for encouragement and feedback, or want to share how your CEO Date went, stop by the Rockstar Creatives FB community and talk with us!

Topics Discussed:

Why the CEO Date is a non-negotiable habit for moving the needle forward in your business
How doing this consistently will keep you on track to reach your business goals
An overview of the 5-part marketing strategy I use with creative shop owners and retailers in the Inner Circle.
Understanding your leading and lagging metrics to evaluate the health of your business and plan for success
Evaluating your revenue streams and goals
The end of the week debrief that will get you focused on powerful, intentional business thinking

Get Prepped for a Profitable Holiday Sign up for the 3-day Rock Your Holiday Profits Challenge happening Oct. 23 - Oct. 25 to boost profits while maximizing what you already have! Listen to this Next Learn more about being a Creative CEO in Episode 2 You’re Not Just a Shopkeeper, You’re a Creative CEO Let’s Continue the Conversation Join our Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Facebook Community

Let’s Connect: * IG @frontporchmercantile * FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur

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Take a hard look at how you’re spending time and energy in your creative retail business. Is there something you’re doing out of habit or obligation, even though it stresses you out? Let’s move past complacency, my friend, and build the right-sized, successful business of your dreams.

Sometimes having to make big changes in your business (like shutting down due to COVID) can end up having remarkable results.

That is just what Susanne Wilkins from the Crazy 8 Barn on Highway 3 in Ontario had to face back in mid-March 2020.

After investing bigtime in the Cafe arm of her brick-and-mortar business and preparing to make the best of it for the busy summer season, Susanne found herself fighting back tears while placing a food order.

Susanne firmly placed her Creative CEO hat on, fought through her fear, and made a bold decision.

Listen to the full episode to hear how stepping through the fear of cutting back a 50% revenue stream led to less stress and increased business profits.

Topics Discussed:

The importance of understanding the profits each revenue stream is bringing in for your business
How taking this large revenue stream out of the equation gave Susanne more time off and a great deal less stress
Familiarity with her margins and numbers gave Susanne a paycheck for the first time in eight years
Why understanding what is important in your retail business is imperative to a thriving business
How Susanne is using her new found time to launch brand new product and courses that she is truly passionate about

So tell me, have you made major moves in your creative retail business recently? Come share with us over in the Rockstar Creatives FB community.

Connect with Susanne Wilkins * FB @Crazy8Barn * IG @crazy_8_barn * https://crazy8barn.com/

Listen to this next Episode 30 of Creative Shop Talk will help you make your STOP DOING list, just like Susanne did.

More free content to help you Download the Shop Owner’s Game Plan. It’s free and will help you plan out 7 big moves for your retail business. Let’s Continue the Conversation Join our Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Facebook Community

Let’s Connect: * IG @frontporchmercantile * FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur

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As a store owner, booth space owner or studio owner, I know you want more sales and more customers.

The answer is to be seen in your community.

I’m not talking about doing more Facebook here.

My attraction marketing tactics are all about getting the attention of your local community and getting them to take action and walk through the doors of your store.

It’s a grassroots effort and it takes time, but it makes a difference because in the end small business owners support other small business owners.

After you’ve listened to these seven tactics please pop over to the Rockstars Creative Shop Owners Community to share which two tactics you’re going to implement right away! If you need help taking action and accountability, I encourage you to get on the waitlist for my Creative Retailer’s Inner Circle.

The more you can get in front of people, the more sales you’ll get. Let’s draw in your local foot traffic. You’ve got this!

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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“Sorry I no longer do custom work.”

It’s totally okay to make changes in your retail business. (Especially now with coronavirus allowing us to press the easy "Change It Up" button)

The cliche advice is to “Marie Kondo” areas of your life. It’s a spot-on verb. Even in your retail business you don’t have to keep doing the things that don’t light you up, that don’t make you profits and don’t give you joy.

For me custom work was the first thing I let go. Once I moved on, I was able to focus on my area of joy and genius: in-person workshops.

And guess what? My retail biz became even more profitable.

Today I’m encouraging you to make your own STOP DOING LIST.

I have tips and strategies to help you decide what goes on that list.

You’re going to find it soooo freeing.

You’re going to let go of the stress and resentment from the things you don't love doing.

You’re also going to push the fears aside and see what happens when you do get to choose how you get to make your profits. Yes, my friend, YOU GET TO CHOOSE!

After you listen, pop over to my Rockstar Creatives FB community and add your #1 Stop Doing “THING” to the thread. I can’t wait to see what you are letting go!

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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I’m thrilled to bring the Procrastination Coach Dr Christine Li to the show today so she can help us all reduce stress going into Q4. Dr. Li is a licensed clinical psychologist who has a private practice in New York City and Westchester, New York.

Dr Li is all about supporting your best entrepreneurial self and shares today:

The secret to reducing your stress
Why “waffling” is a bad practice
Stepping out of the stress and setting the atmosphere you create in your store
Her 4 Fs to coaching yourself

We also do the first ever BOOK REVEAL on the show!

Connect with Dr Christine Li:

IG procrastination coach
FB procrastinationcoachdrli
Pre-order Her Book: 5 Minute Self Discipline Exercises: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com/

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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It’s that time of year, when retailers are planning out their Q4 sales and marketing plans to capitalize on the holiday spending season. Only this year, things are a little different. No matter where your brick and mortar is located and what your in-person restrictions are, you and your customers are concerned with keeping safe and healthy during the pandemic.

In this episode we’re rethinking the typical mad-rush holiday retail events. Let’s plan ahead, get creative and avoid the crush of customers that we count on but still make the sales we depend on.

Grab a notebook and take plenty of notes, because I’m sharing tons of ideas to make your holiday events successful … and profitable!

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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Sales Expert Nikki Rausch teaches authentic selling to creative retailers. With a background in neuro-linguistic programming and 25 years of experience selling, Nikki breaks down the process easy-to-implement techniques, tools, and tips for creatives who feel uneasy with the whole concept of “selling”

Nikki shares talks about the mistakes retailers make when selling plus:

1 crucial reason to invite the sale
Yes or No questions to ask every customer
How decision fatigue affects your customers
How to close sales on a FB Live with embedded commands
How to make it easy for customers to buy

This episode is filled with golden takeaways you can start doing right away in your store. I’d love to hear from you, with a 5-star rating and review, if you loved this podcast!

Connect with Nikki

Instagram @your_sales_maven
Facebook @yoursalesmaven
Website: yoursalesmaven.com
Nikki’s Free e-book

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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The stories you tell yourself aren’t always true. These stories are called limiting beliefs. They are FALSE!

When I hear creatives say:

"I'm not a numbers person"
"I'm creative, not a business owner type"
"Stress and overwhelm are a normal part of this creative shop owner life"
"I don’t have time to plan"
"I'm not good at the biz stuff"

I make it my goal to help them bust through these myths that are holding them back in their own creative businesses. Let’s flip the script!

If you change this story and hone your business skills you CAN realize more profits. But you have to overcome the limiting beliefs you’re telling yourself. Sign up for the Retail Made Simple course now so you can switch the story you’re telling yourself as a biz owner. Those stories should be "I can do it" and "I am good at the biz stuff."

Big big hint: There’s a direct line from your business growth with what you invest in yourself and do for your personal growth and development. Take that step to get better!

Now Open Wendy Batten’s Retail Made Simple Masterclass

www.wendybatten.com/success-path

Doors close Thursday, August 27 at midnight

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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Want more foot traffic and visibility? Posting on all of the social media platforms is NOT the answer.

I hear it over and over again, and I bet this is you too with your retail business. One of the core frustrations from my retail coaching clients is that they are completely frustrated and overwhelmed when it comes to marketing.

They feel stuck in a hamster wheel of having to post content, be everywhere all at the same time, keep up their energy, and never getting ahead.

Let’s get your marketing working for you.

In this episode, I teach:

3 marketing mistakes
the 5 parts of marketing (hint it’s not just playing on Tiktok)

Imagine attracting the right customers and getting more sales! You’ve got this.

Sign up for my FREE Retail Made Simple Masterclass - Sunday, August 23 at 7pm EST

https://wendybatten.com/masterclass/

Move your biz forward with my freebie download

The Creative Shop Owner’s Game Plan

https://wendybatten.com/gameplan

Get on the waitlist for the Retailer’s Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Interested in one-on-one private coaching?

I have a few spots left for Q3: https://wendybatten.com/one-on-one-coaching/

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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I’ve got really good news for small independent creative retailers during this pandemic time.

There is a boom happening for small business. Just check out these stats:

76% of consumers are trying NEW brands right now. This means they are shopping local, trying smaller brands, appreciating customer service, and avoiding faceless brands.
94% of my retailers in my Inner Circle are over their original pre-pandemic revenue goals for 2020. Not kidding. We cranked the numbers.

The majority of creative shop owners are doing really well during this pandemic! Today I share four focus areas to help you keep the momentum going forward during this crazy time.

Keep it up!

Link mentioned in this interview: Recorded FB Interview with Amy Cseh about cash flow.

Move your biz forward with my freebie download

The Creative Shop Owner’s Game Plan

https://wendybatten.com/gameplan

Get on the waitlist for the Retailer’s Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Interested in one-on-one private coaching?

I have a few spots left for Q3: https://wendybatten.com/one-on-one-coaching/

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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As a retailer and business owner, you work really hard. I see you. I’ve been there. But like I did for years and I see so many retailers doing this, you cannot forget to pay yourself. You are in business to make a profit, not hang on and see what’s left in the till.

“If you are not paying yourself a living wage, your business is not profitable.”

You need a steady income from your business. Understanding your inventory, knowing where your money is going and paying yourself a living wage is mind-shifting and business-shifting.

This episode is a little bit of tough love, but it’s going to pay off, literally, if you start writing yourself a regular paycheck, just like your rent check. Let’s dive in.

Move your biz forward with my freebie download

The Creative Shop Owner’s Game Plan

https://wendybatten.com/gameplan

Get on the waitlist for the Retailer’s Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Interested in one-on-one private coaching?

I have a few spots left for Q3: https://wendybatten.com/one-on-one-coaching/

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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Even during pandemic shutdowns I hear from many folks that they love the idea of owning a store.

So you wanna open your own store too? Before you dive into this retail business dream, let’s discuss the 10 things to think before renting the space and signing the contracts.

Retail business is not at all the pretty side of merchandising and styling store windows.

Go through this checklist first.

Further Reading: Am I Ready to Open a Brick and Mortar Store?

Move your biz forward with my freebie download

The Creative Shop Owner’s Game Planhttps://wendybatten.com/gameplan

Get on the waitlist for the Retailer’s Inner Circlehttps://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Interested in one-on-one private coaching?

I have a few spots left for Q3: https://wendybatten.com/one-on-one-coaching/

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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For the past 3 years Sarah Williams has built an incredible fan base with her store Framed by Sarah in Wichita Falls, Texas. She also added a monthly monogrammed subscription for her local and online clients.

Today she’s sharing her secret sauce for offering a subscription box as a new revenue stream. She’s answering your questions about: profit rates, multi-products vs single products, and products of the month. This is definitely something to think about for retailers.

Sarah is opening her "Launch Your Box" membership on July 23. Learn more and sign up here. (This is my affiliate link, I could make a commission if you purchase her membership with my link. Thank you! I only promote products I believe in. I encourage my retailers to diversify their income streams and subscription boxes could add recurring revenue to your business.)

Launch your Box with Sarah

Connect with Sarah Williams:

IG @framedbysarah
FB @framedbysarah
FramedbySarah.com

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Move your biz forward with my freebie download

The Creative Shop Owner’s Game Plan

https://wendybatten.com/gameplan

Get on the waitlist for the Retailer’s Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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It starts with a plan, my retailer friends.

Just last week, our Retailer’s Inner Circle sat down for a 3-hour strategic Q3 and Q4 planning session. It sounds intense, but it’s really not because a quarter is only 90 days! I meet many brick and mortar business owners who are just winging it and don’t bother to have a plan. So in today’s episode I’ll break down your Q3 into 5 major goals. Let’s go!

Move your biz forward with my freebie download

The Creative Shop Owner’s Game Plan

https://wendybatten.com/gameplan

Get on the waitlist for the Retailer’s Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Interest in one-on-one private coaching?

I have a few spots left for Q3: https://wendybatten.com/one-on-one-coaching/

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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In today’s very special What’s Possible episode, I am chatting with retailer: Amy Cseh. She is the owner of Schoolhouse Salvage -- an architectural salvage and vintage finds warehouse in Mentor, Ohio, outside of Cleveland.

Amy does NOT come from a retail background, and yet she has put in the effort to learn and grow a wildly successful retail business. After 8 years of business, she had the most successful sales period ever, right smack in the middle of all the chaos and shutdowns! Amy shares her journey as a business owner, what was instrumental in getting her to this point and what she’s learned along the way.

Join the Retailer’s Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Connect with Amy Cseh Schoolhouse Salvage

FB @schoolhousesalvage

https://www.facebook.com/schoolhousesalvage/

IG @schoolhousesalvage

https://www.instagram.com/schoolhousesalvage/

Schoolhousesalvage.com

https://schoolhousesalvage.com/

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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In today’s very special What’s Possible episode, I am chatting with retailer Jeff Lee. He is the owner of The Vintage Nest Home & Gifts in the historic downtown of Mount Holly, North Carolina outside of Charlotte.

Jeff shares the story of how he grew his retail business from an antique mall booth to a 10,000 square foot and addresses several of the bumps and learning lessons along the way. He’s the quintessential “accidental shopkeeper” who was a hobbyist turned store owner. I know you will relate to him and his business journey.

Join the Retailer's Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Connect with Jeff Lee

FB @thevintagenest

https://www.facebook.com/thevintagenest/

IG @thevintagenesthomeandgifts

https://www.instagram.com/thevintagenesthomeandgifts/

Thevintagenesthomeandgifts.com

http://www.thevintagenesthomeandgifts.com/

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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In today’s very special bonus episode, I am chatting with retailer: Wendy Johannes. She is the owner of WeJo in Honesdale, Pennsylvania - a reclaim, reuse and recycle shop with furniture paint, crafts, home decor and gifts.

She’s one of my retailers in our Inner Circle who is thriving during this pandemic. I’ve been so proud of her, she has made business decisions based on her numbers. She set a goal to increase her paint sales by 50% and she did it!!! You’ll hear her story and be completely motivated to focus on a profit-creator in your retail business like WeJo did.

Learn more about the Creative Shop Owner’s Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Connect with Wendy Johannes

FB @wejoarts

https://www.facebook.com/wejoarts/

IG @wendyatwejo

http://instagram.com/wendyatwejo

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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Our main job as retail business owners is to learn and get better and better. There are always going to be storms to weather and we can only strive for being prepared.

The bottom line is the retailers with core foundations are the ones who are doing exceptionally well -- and even thriving -- through these current times.

In today’s episode, I have tried-and-true tips for being prepared for the worst… and how to make it out on top while building our “entrepreneurial grit.”

Yes, I acknowledge that now is exceptionally tough for retailers. But I want to lighten the mood, share my own personal shop story about how things can go sideways at any given moment… especially when skunks are involved.

Listen up to hear what I learned from #skunkgate.

Wondering what to do next in your retail business? Download the Shop Owner’s Game Plan.

https://wendybatten.com/gameplan

Learn more about the Creative Shop Owner’s Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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When we’re in the middle of hard times, no one wants to think about the “lessons” we are learning at the same time. It’s so much easier to look back at those events ⁠—from a safe distance⁠— and reflect on our takeaways years later.

Right now, as retailers it is tough. We are facing pandemic shutdowns and change, social unrest and more. We are too deep living in it. It’s hard to see the good right now. We are personally developing, testing our strength and stepping up to the challenges.

I can’t help but remember the lessons I learned running my cafe years ago. I had something horrible happen in my business. I lost trust with my employees, completely lost confidence and just got tired. Luckily, my loyal customers rallied behind me and helped me realize I still had a passion.

This is a story about endurance and committed to the success of a retail business with questions to ask yourself if the business is still viable.

You can’t make business decisions from deep inside exhaustion and being emotionally heightened. So let’s chat about this, because we’re all going through these emotions and tiredness now.

Wondering what to do next in your retail business? Download the Shop Owner’s Game Plan.

https://wendybatten.com/gameplan

Learn more about the Creative Shop Owner’s Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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This is what I’m hearing from creative retailers from all over the world: I’m exhausted.

During the last 3 months, you’ve been working 10 times harder to stay afloat, to get curbside orders to customers, to show up on social media, and to keep your business going. This quarantine hasn’t been a down time to focus on your hobbies and home projects. You’ve been working!

This is a special episode to let you know I’m proud of you and that other brick and mortar retailers are feeling the same emotions! You are not alone. You have a dream, a passion and a business that you love, let’s take some time for YOU. I absolutely do not want to see you burnout as you reopen your store.

Learn more about the Creative Shop Owner’s Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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It’s overwhelming enough right now as we adjust our retail businesses to online orders, curbside pickup and appointments, and deliveries. On top of this, us scrappy retailers are getting orders from FB lives and comments, Instagram direct messages, phone calls, websites and emails.

How do we keep track of it all without dropping orders through the cracks?

How do we keep our sanity and not burn out?

How do we get our team on the same page?

The struggle is real and you’re not alone if you’re feeling swamped by all of the channels and platforms that clients can interact with you. This episode will help you come up with a system (and some must-needed boundaries) when it comes to collecting orders and communicating with your clients.

Enjoy!

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

View Details

A positive effect of this tragic Pandemic is it’s helping creative retailers who I coach to take a honest look at their business and really ask deep questions, like:

Why am I in business?

What is my purpose here?

Am I doing everything I can to lay strong business foundations to make my retail shop a viable and profitable business?

Am I committed?

It’s not a bad thing to be attached to our retail businesses. But if we’re going to really commit to success, we can’t drift anymore and we can’t wing it anymore.

It’s not going to be easy, but it’s time to evaluate your goals and level of commitment. Listen to this episode to hear stories of what other retailers are deciding and accomplishing, and how they are pivoting.

Enroll in the Success Path for Creative Shop Owners:

https://wendybatten.com/success-path/

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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Today I’m chatting with fellow creative retailer Kim Smith whose paint retail business The Oromocto Galleria in Oromocto, New Brunswick, had to shut down due to the Coronavirus restrictions.

Her brick and mortar business depended on in-person workshops for clients, both children and adults. She pivoted very quickly to social shopping, online orders, curbside pick-up and DIY workshop kits.

Kim shares her story of how she’s in-tune with her customers and how she helped her First Nation and military communities with her kits.

Stay tuned, next week I will sit down with another fellow creative retailer to find out what’s working for her retail business during the CoVid-19 shutdowns.

Connect with Kim and follow what she’s doing

Facebook @oromoctogalleria https://www.facebook.com/oromoctogalleria/

Instagram @theoromoctogalleria

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

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Today I’m chatting with fellow creative retailer Lisa Casey about how she is running her retail business during the pandemic.

Lisa had just rebranded her paint retail shop in Moncton, New Brunswick, just one week before the Coronavirus shutdowns forced her to close her doors.

She’s since pivoted her business to accommodate her customers who still want to DIY and paint while at home and still want to buy from her. As a silver lining, her store is up 20% year-to-date.

She’s going to share what she’s doing in her store, how she’s managing her social media and other keys to her success during this uncertain time.

Stay tuned, next week I will sit down with another fellow creative retailer to find out what’s working for her business during the CoVid-19 shutdowns.

Connect with Lisa and follow what she’s doing

Facebook @thepaintedpineapplemoncton https://www.facebook.com/thepaintedpineapplemoncton/

Instagram @thepaintedpineapplemoncton

https://www.instagram.com/thepaintedpineapplemoncton/

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

View Details

There’s no doubt that life and retail business will be different after this pandemic is over and behind us.

I’ve been talking with many brick and mortar shop owners about the positive changes we will see in our customers’ buying habits and what things will look like on the other side.

There are silver linings!

Stay tuned, next week I will sit down with a fellow creative retailer and find out what’s working for her business during the CoVid-19 shutdowns.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

XO Wendy

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The next few weeks are going to be tricky for business owners facing this COVID-19 pandemic. Many non-essential retail businesses have been forced to shut down and will struggle to pay their expenses, especially payroll, rent, etc.

In this podcast, I wanted to help you get a game plan for the next 8 weeks in your brick and mortar business. This means taking a hard look at finances, bills, inventory and having a contingency plan so your business can survive.

I have good news: there are great stories of communities and businesses rallying together to figure things out. I put together a few resources for you to get started.

It’s going to be okay!

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Please read my Facebook post (https://www.facebook.com/WendyBattenPaintpreneur/posts/521972035085266) for updated information and resources for retail business owners.

The Paintpreneur’s Inner Circle

I’ve opened my coaching group and community during this time: https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Let’s Continue the Conversation

My free FB Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

XO Wendy

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These are unprecedented times for small businesses. I am not going to pretend like I have all the answers in the upcoming weeks and months with the coronavirus spreading and businesses shutting down, but I can help you navigate through it.

Let’s talk through all your fear and uncertainty as a creative shop keeper right now. I have suggestions and encouragement for you. And most importantly, I’d like you to realize you are not alone and I am here for you.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I’ll keep it coming:

http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

XO Wendy

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We are diving into how and why product demonstrations can increase profits and customer satisfaction.

I do get push back from retailers about this because they assume they will be giving everything away for free and their customers won’t want to buy/act/signup. But in reality you are sharing your enthusiasm and passion with your customers, giving them the confidence to use the products on their own… and maybe sign up for your workshop, custom services or store events. It is a marketing tactic.

One of my coaching clients/retailers was very skeptical about putting in the effort into free demonstrations in her store. She ended up selling $800 in paint products alone

The same techniques, strategies and marketing tactics can work for all kinds of retail products, not just paints and brushes.

Giving demonstrations is totally worth thinking about for your retail biz. It’s how I built my creative retail store and won over my customers. To help you master the art of demos, I have a freebie for you with my best tips and tricks for giving a paint demo. Make sure you download it and try it out

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

How to Give a Paint Demonstration - Blog + a Free Downloadable of my best tips & tricks https://wendybatten.com/how-to-give-a-paint-demonstration/

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Want to meet up in person?

Join other retailers at the CEO Retreat March 24-26, 2020 in Orlando

A few seats left: https://wendybatten.com/spring-ceo-retreat2020/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review . I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

XO Wendy

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Listen in to this quick episode to learn how to get customers chatting about you.

You don’t JUST need more foot traffic through your shop’s door, you want to keep your customers inside your door… or store!

Let me explain.

As small retail business owners, we have to be remarkable and memorable to keep our customers coming back.

We offer something so vastly different than big box chain stores: we are heart-centered, we really care about our customers and our products, and we strive to create a unique culture and customer experiences inside our stores.

So let’s own it!

In today’s episode, I have three questions to ask about your creative retail business. These three questions will help you win at retail by being truly remarkable and stand out from the competition.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Seth Godin’s Purple Cow

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Want to meet up in person?

Join other retailers at the CEO Retreat March 24-26, 2020 in Orlando

A few seats left: https://wendybatten.com/spring-ceo-retreat2020/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review . I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

XO Wendy

Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable

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The Paintpreneur’s Inner Circle is now open through March 5. Click here to learn more.

I’ve helped hundreds of retail business owners determine their next step in the back-end of their store or brick and mortar.

I’m totally seeing a pattern here, friends.

First, everyone thinks they are alone and the only one dealing with these “issues”.

Not true. Every shop owner I have come across is facing something. Even if our stores look beautiful and our instagram feed is perfectly curated, there are always problems backstage and tough situations to manage. It happens way more than you’d ever realize.

Second, I see two different types of retailers asking for help.

The 1st type of retailer just started their retail business. They usually don’t need help merchandising or with the tasks that come natural, but they are realizing that owning a brick and mortar isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Surprise

They are asking me: Is this normal? What should I be doing? What is the next step?

These retailers really need support from others who have been there.

The 2nd type is a seasoned shopkeeper, who has been open for a few years. They are getting tired doing all the things, they are getting burnout and find themselves winging it. They know they need to narrow it down and set up better systems.

They are asking me: How do I make more profits? How do I figure out my strategic plan? How do I manage my time better? How do I keep up this business and make it sustainable?

These retailers really need more than pieced-together advice telling them to do more social media. They need serious retail business guidance, direction and implementation.

Listen in to this episode to evaluate where you’re at in your journey and learn what you can do when you’re totally stuck. The truth of the matter is all retailers, at every stage, need help figuring it out. You are so not alone.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Paintpreneur’s Inner Circle

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Want to meet up in person?

Join other retailers at the CEO Retreat March 24-26, 2020 in Orlando

A few seats left: https://wendybatten.com/spring-ceo-retreat2020/

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review . I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

XO Wendy

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Who here has spent all day shopping at Market and realized, quite painfully, they wore the wrong shoes?

My guest today got her “retailer start” by going to Market to help her mom sell furniture. There she began her under-the-table shoe business by hooking up other women who were shopping with her comfortable shoes from Mexico.

I can’t wait for you to meet a fellow creative retailer, Neely Powell, the founder of Charleston Shoe Company.

After going to shoe design school, Neely opened her first store in Savannah in April 2010, borrowing the first and last month’s rent from her mother. By July of that year she opened a second store on King Street in Charleston. Now she has 26 locations and as a wholesale product line in 300 boutiques.

This is so impressive because she did it with very little marketing budget, a baby on her hip, and not many employees.

In this conversation, she shares how she attracted customers to her store wearing two different shoes… how the power of referrals built her empire … and why the store atmosphere is so crucial to the customer experience.

I know you’ll find so much inspiration and encouragement from hearing her “accidental shopkeeper” journey. She’s overcome many obstacles but her fighting spirit is always willing to turn failure into opportunities.

“I love to say I’m a 22-year-overnight success because this didn’t all happen yesterday.”

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

https://charlestonshoeco.com/
https://www.instagram.com/charlestonshoeco/

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Want to meet up in person?

Join other retailers at the CEO Retreat March 24-26 in Orlando

A few seats left: https://wendybatten.com/spring-ceo-retreat2020/

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Before you roll your eyes at this episode title. Know that I don’t mean corporate, stuffy, suited CEO….I mean head honcho, the queen bee, the chief creative, the VISIONARY of your biz, etc.

I mean the person in control of your business. The boss.

Take a minute to think about why you started your retail business. Do you remember your original business dream? Are you living that dream?

Your dream can get lost in the daily grind of doing ALL THE THINGS in your shop. I’d love for you to change your thinking and take the small steps to becoming the Creative CEO of your business. You’re not just an employee. Your dream was not just to create a job for yourself. You’ve got to take control.

This CEO mindshift doesn’t come overnight. You’ll want to practice it.

To help you get started, this episode covers 4 strategies to shift your mindset into running your retail business like a CEO:

Acknowledging your mindset
Never stop learning
Build time in your schedule to do the CEO work
Knowing what success look like for you

Remember what got you and I here into our creative retail businesses, isn’t going to get us there! It’s not going to help us go even farther to making more sales and achieving a well-balanced life. We have to level up and become the CEO of our store. You can do it!

Want even more CEO tips? Check the link below.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Wendy’s 10 CEO Habits for Shopkeeper

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Join our Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Facebook Community

Want to meet up in person?

You’re invited to our Spring CEO Retreat March 24-26 in Orlando

There are a few seats left!

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review . I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

XO Wendy

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I’ve always been the weirdo doing things my own way. I’m a corporate dropout. I owned a coffee shop back when $3 espresso drinks were unheard of. I painted furniture and started a DIY blog before it was a trend. I opened a creative retail store and studio in my hometown in Moncton, Canada.

People thought I was crazy. I didn’t have plan. No one had heard of my paints. But I built my business with excellent customer service, lots of enthusiasm and was able to franchise my store.

This is my origin story. How all these experiences and lessons became my journey. And I am hoping you can relate.

Now my passion is to help other creative shop owners run stronger, healthier, more profitable businesses. As one creative retailer to another, I’ve been helping and coaching retailers all over the world for several years now.

We are a rare breed of business owners.

We’re not just selling.

We’re heart-centered.

We love what we do.

We love our customers.

We love our products.

We have this vision of our dream business and life.

We all have such similar struggles with our creative retailer life.

This is why I started this podcast. To help you thrive and grow as a retailer and know you’re not alone!

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

The ‘From the Heart’ blog post that changed it all
My DIY Front Porch Blog

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Join our Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Facebook Community

Want to meet up in person?

You’re invited to our Spring CEO Retreat March 24-26 in Orlando

There are a few seats left!

Let’s Connect:

IG @frontporchmercantile
FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here’s what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review . I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

XO Wendy

View Details

In Creative Shop Talk, creative retail coach and mentor Wendy Batten digs into the problems and solutions facing "accidental shopkeepers" and hobbyists turned retail business owners.

Wendy works with creative shop owners all over the world and with industry leaders. She specializes in working with creative retailers to get control over their brick and mortars, avoiding burnout and overwhelm while achieving more success and profits.

Thinking about opening your own creative retail shop? Ready to stop playing shopkeeper and "winging" the business stuff? Looking for more foot traffic? Want to turn your brick and mortar into a viable business? Want predictable profits? Want to take the next step to run your store and not let it run you? Turn to Wendy Batten to take the proven steps to achieving your dream store, living your creative life and helping your amazing customers.

Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten: Recent Episodes

Wendy Batten, Creative Retail Mentor