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!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/184/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Panelists:

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

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

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

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

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

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendysources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast/

Don’t miss - my 6-week Sales Accelerator Workshop starts again on September 27th! This workshop was a game changer for the retailers who participated in the first round back in July. In this workshop, we work together step by step on the sales funnel: how you find your people and move them from lurkers to repeat customers. If you need more info or would like to join us (you totally should), here is the link.

Show Notes

First impressions count. 

Your brand assets are your customer’s first glimpse into what your shop is all about. That’s why ensuring they tell a cohesive story is SUPER important. Today I’m going to give you a few tips to ensure that no matter where customers are looking for you, they will find a clear, cohesive story of what your shop is all about.

Remember that reality is what our customers think of our shop and our brand, not necessarily what we want them to think. Keep in mind that you have control over this! No matter how customers find you, your shop’s first impression matters. The information you present online via Facebook, your website, LinkedIn, Google Business, etc. should be accurate and convey consistent information and branding. You need to ensure that your platforms answer these questions: (1) who you are (2) what you do and (3) who your shop serves.

A few tips:

1. Use keywords that your customers will be searching.

2. Don’t be too generic with your description of what you do.

3. Make sure all the basics are correct: your phone number, address, store hours, etc.

4. You don’t have to be for everyone. Speak directly to your ideal customers.

5. If your social media accounts or Google Business haven’t been updated lately (much like the exterior of your shop), you are likely repelling customers.

6. Ask a friend or business buddy to look at your socials and website with fresh eyes. If you are in my Retailer’s Inner Circle, grab a buddy and work together on this.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  

Episode 174: Five Ways to Network in Your Own Community

Episode 166: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Return Customer Rate

Episode 165: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Increasing Your Average Order Value

Episode 164: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Foot Traffic and Conversion

Episode 163: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Where to Start

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/186/

Show Notes: 

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

Topics We’ll Cover in This Episode:

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

• Why you need to reframe your “yeah, but” responses

• The best way to respond to compliments

• Reframing your “have to’s” and “should’s” into “get to’s”

• The power of simply making a decision and moving on

• Reframing our expectations of our customers and our staff

• Flipping the script and detaching yourself from bad outcomes

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

• Reflecting on what went right

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 178: 3 Top Mindset Musts for Retailer Owners

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

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

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendysources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/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!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/get-your-shop-holiday-ready-now-episode-170/

The time has come!  It’s now mid-August and before you know it, the holiday shopping season will be here.  Your shop will be full of customers, your profits will be high, and you’ll be feeling GREAT.  But wait, how do you get there? I’m here to help!

Over my 10 years in this business, I have found that retailers who are most successful going into the holiday season have two things in common: (1) a good mindset and (2) a plan in place.

Here’s how I’m helping retailers like you get ready for this holiday season!

1. I’m hosting a FREE live Holiday Prep Workshop August 28th at 4pm ET. I’ll talk you through some things you’ll want to have in place so your holiday retail season goes smoothly. Learn more and register here! 

2. For podcast listeners, Grab my free Holiday Podcast Playlist!  Over the years, we’ve had some incredible conversations here on the podcast about all things Q4 so I decided to curate a playlist for you with the best of CST holiday podcast episodes.  You can grab it HERE.

3. If you’ve been on the fence about joining my Retailer’s Inner Circle, the time is NOW. We start our full Holiday Boot Camp in September - it is a five part plan to give you all the steps you need for a successful end of the year. We host it inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle and it is all new and revamped this year. Come be part of the conversation. As you know, we also have countless masterclasses and a great community rich with conversation and ideas from retailers all over the world.  This is where you’ll find your people!

Thanks for listening today!  I hope to see your smiling faces on August 28th for the Holiday Prep Workshop. If you have any questions about the services I offer for retailers, jump into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! I’d love to help.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  

Grab the Holiday Playlist HERE.

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

Show Notes 

If we want to make real progress, we need to stop setting more goals.

I am thrilled to introduce you to a new way to think of progress with my good friend and fellow coach, Richard Ralston. 

Richard has been a coach/mentor for 30+ years and focuses on helping his clients realize their full potential and make true progress on their goals. A champion of community and for communities, he specializes in helping people make progress and has created a methodology called The Progress Pod Accountability Group System where he helps people set up small mastermind groups to help them continue making progress. Within those small groups, they use the Next Tiny Step Method.

We’ve all felt overwhelmed when it comes to goal setting and reaching our goals. We set goals, and when we don’t reach them, we set even more goals. More goals = Overwhelm. So, in order to reduce the overwhelm, Richard created the Next Tiny Step Method where instead of putting the focus on the end result, you start at the tiniest first step at the beginning.

It’s really down to two questions. What do you want? And when are you going to do it? 

The Next Tiny Step is the process of making one single action. An action that is so small it’s immediately doable and you see the progress right away, which in turn motivates you even more and rids you of overwhelm. If life happens to get in the way of your next tiny step - shift it to the next available white space in your calendar. It’s that easy!

So grab your pen and paper and take notes - we’ve got a mindset shift you’ll want to use not just in your shop, but in your life! It’s time to gain clarity on your goals, take action, and make progress!

“Goals are a direction to go in, not a destination to get to.” - Richard Ralston

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/142/

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/177/

Show Notes:

Let’s talk about LOCAL SEO for retail. Today on the podcast I’m talking with Matt Diamante, owner of a Canadian digital marketing agency called HeyTony, about all things LOCAL SEO. If you aren’t sure where to start with SEO, this podcast episode is absolutely it. Matt and I talk through the basics and the small steps you can take today to get your retail business and website optimized on Google. 

“[People use Google] with intent: they are looking to buy, they are looking for more information, maybe they are looking to do research to buy later. And if you are not showing up higher on Google, you aren’t going to make that sale.” -Matt Diamante

Simple Tips to improve local SEO on your website and Google Business:

1. The footer on every page of your website should have your business name and logo, your address, and a contact phone number.

2. Delete duplicate content from page to page on your website (this doesn’t apply to the footer). If more than one page on your website explains the same thing, rewrite it.

3. The more reviews you have on your Google Business, the better you will rank. Ask your customers to leave reviews on Google.

4. Ensure everything is updated on your Google Business page: your business name, address, phone, description, services, photos, etc. Make sure you list ALL of your services.

5. Remember that social media isn’t necessarily used by people who have an intent to purchase (except TikTok sometimes). Use social media for instant feedback from your customers (likes, comments, etc.) SEO, on the other hand, gives us delayed gratification. It can take time to see that it’s working; however, locally, it can work fast if you put in the work.

6. Use Google Search Console. Google Search Console is a free service offered by Google that helps you monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot your site's presence in Google Search results. It helps you learn and use your data.

7. Blog as often as possible as long as you are putting out good pieces of content - at the very least, one time a month for retail shop owners. Answer the questions your customers have inserting your keywords, it doesn’t always have to be selling.

About Matt and HeyTony:

Hi! I'm Matt! I run a digital marketing agency called HeyTony. I've helped my clients get over 55M+ website visitors through my organic digital marketing efforts. Oh, and I love talking SEO. Don't get me started, cause I won't stop!

Check out my free course, Understanding SEO.

Follow along with me on Instagram @heytony.agency and on the HeyTony Website.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

Episode 97: 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Website

Episode 160: Simplifying Social Media with Guest Expert Leanne Pressly

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendysources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/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!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Many of our creative businesses start as passion projects because we truly love what we are doing.  However, we all know by now that running a business takes more than passion. Today I’m talking with Leanne Pressly, founder and CEO of Stitchcraft Marketing, about all things social media: an aspect of our businesses that creatives often overlook. Stitchcraft Marketing is a digital marketing agency that specializes in helping fiber and fabric companies with social media strategy and execution.

Throughout the episode, you’ll hear so many nuggets of wisdom from Leanne about social media strategy.  

Here are some of the social media pointers we dig into:

1.Keep it simple.  Instead of managing 4 social media poorly, cut it back and focus on the one you are most familiar and comfortable with.

2.Be sure that you keep alert to changes happening on the platform you use because the social media landscape changes fast and often.

3.Post consistently and stay engaged with your audience.

4.Lean into your competitive advantage: YOU are your brand and you have that advantage over the big box stores.

5.Use ChatGPT for ideation, not as a replacement for blog posts/content.

Some tips for being efficient when managing your social media strategy:

1.Enlist the help of apps like Trello and Canva.

2.Use a content calendar to reference what you want to focus on.

3.Batch your content.

4.Schedule your content in advance.

We also touched on what’s hot right now in the social media universe (May 2023): (1) Short Form video and (2) Facebook moving away from Business Pages and Groups and into profiles that were converted from Individual pages into Professional Mode and (3) the rise of TikTok (4) live selling (CommentSold).

About Leanne:

Leanne Pressly is an accomplished entrepreneur and businesswoman with extensive experience in the craft and hobby industry. She is the CEO and Founder of Stitchcraft Marketing, a digital marketing agency that specializes in helping fiber and fabric companies with social media strategy and execution.

Under Leanne's leadership, Stitchcraft Marketing has grown into a leading digital marketing agency in the craft industry, working with clients ranging from independent craft shops to major craft brands such as Olfa, Bernina, Knitter's Pride and h+h Americas. Leanne is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and events where she shares her expertise in digital marketing and entrepreneurship. She also hosts the podcast, Business of Craft showcasing topics to help craft retailers thrive.

In her free time, Leanne enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with her family in the Colorado outdoors. She is also an avid maker particularly in the areas of knitting, quilting and collage art.

Find Leanne at www.stitchcraftmarketing.com

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 123: How To Find a VA for your Brick and Mortar Business with Guest Expert Emily Reagan

Episode 134: Easier Content & Copywriting with Guest Expert Lacy Boggs

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Show Notes: 

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

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

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

SAVE $200! YES SAVE $200!

Join here

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

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

The 10 Tools we shared and links : 

1. Google Workspace: grow up your business

2. Flodesk for email marketing services

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

4. Descript: content creation

5. When I Work

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

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

8. Canva AI Tools

9. Libro FM for audiobooks

10. Voxer

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendysources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/180/

Show Notes:

Did you know we have an active book club in my Level Up Mastermind? It’s true - we do! One of our amazing members - Millie Blackwell of Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop - curates an incredible list of books for our Mastermind members and leads our book club each month. Today on the podcast, Millie and I are having a fun time reviewing the books we read so far this year, complete with star ratings!

Don’t miss the first episode Millie and I recorded together. Bonus points for whoever knows which of the books we review today Millie called out as a favorite in Episode 132. It’s linked below!

A quick reminder - before you shop the big guys for you reading and listening think local retail first. 

How to support your local booksellers:

1. Shop in store! This is the very best way for your local booksellers to help you find exactly what you are looking for - and maybe even a little more!

2. Shop your local bookstore’s website or through bookshop.org . Bookshop.org is an amazing alternative to shopping on Amazon. You can choose which shop you want your purchase to support. Use bookshop.org if your favorite local bookstore doesn’t have their own website.

3. Purchase audiobooks through Libro.fm. Libro.fm is an alternative to Audible.

New Zealand followers, you can shop directly with Millie HERE. 

The Books:

Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead by Tara Mohr (2014)

Our thoughts/themes/takeaways: To us, this book was all about overcoming your inner critic and self doubt.

Millie shared this quote:

“Feedback can only tell you something about the person giving you the feedback.  It can’t tell you anything essential about yourself.” - Tara Mohr

I loved this one:

“I wrote this book because I’m tired of meeting women who have important messages to share but whose self-doubt is keeping them quiet. I’m tired of encountering woman after woman diluted by the myth that she needs to be MORE of something: more qualified, more prepared… than she already is in order to share her ideas.” - Tara Mohr 

Millie & Wendy’s Star Rating: 3.5 / 5 stars - We both loved the book but the themes have been exhausted over the past 9 years.Therefore, it didn’t hit home as much as it would have had the book been read back when it was written in 2014.

Get Different: Marketing That Can’t Be Ignored by Mike Michalowicz (2021)

Our thoughts/themes/takeaways: Following your industry’s “best practice” marketing creates white noise. If everyone else is doing it, your business won’t stand out. We have to differentiate our marketing to stand out from the competition.

Millie and Wendy’s Star Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars - Millie loved this one so much that she listened to the audio and then bought the book to highlight and refer back. We both liked that this book had practical, actionable marketing ideas for small business owners.

I’ll Be Back: How to Get Customers to Come Back Again and Again by Shep Hyken (2021)

Our thoughts/themes/takeaways: Customer loyalty is not about a lifetime, it’s about the next time every time. Hyken talks about marketing for loyalty vs. loyalty programs: We need our customers to want to choose us. We need to have our team on board with knowing why we can’t just be mediocre.

Millie & Wendy’s Star Rating - 4 / 5 stars: Shep knows his audience (busy shop owners) and caters to them: this book is easy to read and has great chapter summaries.

I interviewed Shep Hyken back in Episode 118.

Perennial Seller: The Art of Making and Marketing Work That Lasts by Ryan Holiday (2017)

Our thoughts/themes/takeaways: We need to always be looking outside of our own industry for inspiration. Another takeaway that got us thinking was Holiday’s idea of relationships as a platform that needs to be nurtured. 

Millie & Wendy’s Star Rating - 4.5 / 5 stars: Lots of the ideas in this book were new ones that we hadn’t heard before. 

4000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman (2021)

Our thoughts/themes/takeaways: If you live to the age of 80, you will live for 4000 weeks which, according to Millie is “terrifyingly and insultingly short.” This “time reminder” (not time management) book is all about embracing that limit and realizing we will never get everything done in our lives that we want to get done. We need to be intentional about what is important to us including rest and recovery.

Millie’s Star Rating - 5 / 5 stars: Millie reminds US readers to not judge this book by its cover.

Wendy’s Star Rating - 4.75 / 5 stars: I would give the audiobook 5 / 5, but found the paperback harder to pick up.

How to Grow Your Small Business by Donald Miller (2023)

Our thoughts/themes/takeaways: This one is textbook-like, specific, all-action: A great how-to guide for someone who wants to start a small business. Miller uses an airplane analogy to break a business down into 6 parts which when we discussed in the mastermind, many had strong feelings.

Millie and Wendy’s Star Rating: 4 / 5 - Neither of us were in the space of needing a book like this at the time we read it, but it is great if it is the type of business book you are looking for.

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown (2014)

Our thoughts/themes/takeaways: Millie loved the chapter on sleep and buffering: creating buffers in our lives to relieve stress. My big takeaway was the reminder that there are trade-offs with every decision and you have to be disciplined with decision making.

“Simplify, eliminate, reduce. Do less but better.” - Greg McKeown

About Millie and Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop:

Mrs. Blackwell is a specialist in non-fiction categories and stationery. She grew up on an apricot orchard in Central Otago but never really cared for the taste of the fruit. Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop is an independent bookshop for inquisitive minds and romantic souls in Greytown, New Zealand.

Website | Instagram

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

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

Episode 98: My Top Business Books for Retailers (the giveaway in this episode is closed!)

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendysources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/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!

 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!

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!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

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

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendysources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

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!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast/

In This Episode: 

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

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

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

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 69: Becoming a Destination Shop

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Free resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

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

2. 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.

3. 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!)

4. 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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

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

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

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

1. The 5 senses in your shop

2. Training your staff

3. Having the right inventory to reflect your brand

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

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

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

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendysources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

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

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

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

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 147: How to Reframe Your Mindset Around Competition

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

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

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

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendysources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/161/

I recently hosted 12 of my Level Up Mastermind members at a 2-day retreat in Orlando, FL.  Members came from all over the US, Canada, and even one from New Zealand!  The experience was profound on so many levels that I felt compelled to share some lessons and takeaways with you here on the podcast.

First of all, there is a lot to be said about meeting in person! Only a few members (me included) had met prior to this gathering.  We meet on Zoom once a month and have weekly drop-in calls but the camaraderie and community seems to become magical when you meet up with such a strong group of like-minded people in person. It’s so important to remember that we are not alone in running our retail businesses! Be on the lookout for an upcoming episode of the podcast where my Level Up Mastermind members share their best tips. It’s going to be so good!

Secondly, my retailers are all at different stages of business, but most are in the “refinement” and “growth” stages as identified below.

Three Seasons of Business:

1. Building: Becoming known in your community, building your brand

2. Refinement: Finding your groove, the “messy middle,” understanding your numbers

3. Growth: Role as CEO is expanding, adding revenue streams, the “sweet spot”

But you came for the meat and potatoes of the retreat.  Here they are!

6 Lessons and Takeaways from my Mastermind

1. Find your momentum (or relocate it).

Feeling drained, uninspired, or unmotivated are common and usually come from not having a clear direction. But remember!  Goals love action. Step into the role of CEO and ask yourself: What do I need to regain that momentum? What needs to change? Do I need to talk to a like-minded biz buddy? Join a group? Take a vacation? 

We can’t live in our comfort zone.  We have to do the work we don’t like or don’t want to do. 

“The best we can do is to keep asking for help and accepting it when we can. And if you keep on doing that, you’ll always be moving towards better.” -Higgins, Ted Lasso

2. Revisit the goals you set for your business and lifestyle.
Ask yourself: What do I want from my business now?  Five years from now? Am I building a brand that is an asset that is sellable or an empire that serves you for many years? The bonus around being business owners is that we get to choose who we serve.

You need to know what YOU need from your business. Ask yourself: Am I getting the paycheck I need? Am I building an asset? Do I have time freedom? Remember: This looks different for everyone.

3. Understand where your money is going.

Stop chasing sales if you haven’t figured out your margins, expenses, payroll, your paycheck, profits. You must dig into your numbers and understand the basics of where all of your money is going. 

If you need more help with this topic, you need to be in the Inner Circle over the next two months as we deep dive into this ahead of our Holiday Boot Camp.

“The person who doesn't know where his next dollar is coming from usually doesn't know where his last dollar went.” 

4. Your brand message/image/personality is crucial.

We had a special guest at the retreat, Mr. Adam Blackwell.  Mr. Blackwell owns an advertising agency and runs many other successful small businesses alongside Mrs. Millie Blackwell. Mrs. Blackwell attended as a member of my Level Up Mastermind.  Even across multiple seemingly different businesses, their branding is unique and unified. 

A great tip Mr. Blackwell gave us was to think of your brand as a person. Give them a personality and even a name. Ensure that across all platforms your brand is cohesive. 

Check out their businesses on instagram: @blackwellandsons and @thevillagebookshop

5. Stop wasting time on tactics and vanity metrics and get real and curious about strategy and metrics. 

Doing so will get you more predictable sales.  We worked on understanding how to implement SIMPLE REAL SALES and MARKETING strategies. 

Focus on the following:

• Understanding your audience and who needs to know us and HOW we can get better known and our brand out there

• How to pull those people from lurkers to shoppers and then raving fans

• Knowing how to measure so that you can have more predictable sales, paychecks, time off.

If you need more help with this topic, you need to be in the Inner Circle over the next two months as we deep dive into this ahead of our Holiday Boot Camp.

6. Brainstorming with a community of like-minded retail shop owners is magical. 

Hey! I built a container just for this! Why reinvent the wheel? There are countless years of experience within my Retailers’ Inner Circle. As a member you’ll have access to really cool shop owners and their shops, tons of masterclasses you can access on your own time, and the ability to brainstorm and bounce ideas off of YOUR people. Not to mention, we have two scheduled opportunities every month for live coaching calls and Roundtables. 

I hope this was helpful to you and remember, you can always reach out to me via my website or on social.  I would LOVE to see you in my Inner Circle this month!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 149: Retailer Success Series: How Two Friends Turned a Creative Hobby into a Successful Retail Business

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

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

Episode 122: Retail Success Series: CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis from Louisville Mercantile

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/187/

Show Notes: 

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

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

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

Topics We’ll Cover in This Episode:

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

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

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

• Two incredible resources I’ve created for you 

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

1. Planning Your Best Year 4 Part Podcast Series

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

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

SAVE $200 YES SAVE $200!

Join here

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendysources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

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

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

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

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

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

• Connecting with community

• Humanizing their brands

• Varying their marketing

• Planning

• And more…

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

Episodes 198-200: Retailer’s Visibility Series

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Free resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

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

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

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/152/

Today we are answering a listener’s question about hosting outside vendors for pop-up shows/markets in your retail space. We’ll deep dive into what hosting a pop-up vendor(s) could mean for your shop, why you should consider it, and a few key tips on what works when it comes to hosting these types of events.

In this podcast you will discover:

• The benefits of hosting pop-up vendors are two fold: (1) it is a great attract strategy to get a new audience of people into your shop and (2) it is a great way to nurture your existing customers by giving them something new and exciting.

• Invite vendors who align with your brand, your space, and your customers. (Specific examples are in the episode!)

• Themed pop-up events throughout the year are a great opportunity to invite local makers/artists/community members/brand reps & experts into your shop and increase visibility.

• It is important to have the details (including fee, if applicable) in writing prior to the event. Charging vendors (or not) to pop-up in your shop takes consideration and there are times when it is necessary. Listen in for specifics on that hot topic!

• BONUS IDEA: Hype up your vendor by marketing (FB live, IG live) from THEIR location.

“It’s a wonderful thing to have a vendor in your shop in a different capacity to give your customers something exciting to look forward to.” - Wendy Batten

Listen to the full episode for more details. Let’s work together on new ideas to bring in some new customers to your business and nurture your current ones!

This episode is sponsonsored by: 

If you are ready to level up your retail business join the Retailer’s Inner Circle THE go-to for independent shop owners to connect, learn and grow. 

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 69: Becoming a Destination Shop

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

Episode 145: How to Market Promotional Events in Your Shop

Episode 129: Community Attract Strategies with Inner Circle Member Michelle Emmons

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

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!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Show Notes:

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

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

Three Things to Focus on in Q4

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

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

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

If you are starting to panic because things are slower than you expected, try going live on Facebook or Instagram. Show the value of your products through bundling, offering gift baskets etc.

3. Wow & Delight New Customers: This is the time of year that new customers will be coming into your shop. Maybe their friends told them about you, maybe holiday shopping gave them a reason to make their first visit. Take time to show them around your shop, introduce yourself, and make that first impression a good one. We want these customers to come back in the new year.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

Episode 168: Merchandising to Sell: Intuitive Merchandising

Episode 107: Turn Browsers Into Buyers

Episode 99: Listener’s Question: How Should We Greet Our Customers?

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

Check out the top Holiday Sales Podcast Playlist of our top retail sales podcasts. 

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendysources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/merchandising-to-sell-intuitive-merchandising-episode-168/

Today on the podcast we are digging into the library of resources inside my Retailer’s Inner Circle to learn a little bit more about merchandising. I talk a lot on this podcast about the various masterclasses my members have access to inside the Inner Circle, and I’m sharing one helpful section with you today. I’m sharing part 2 of my 5 part Merchandising to Sell Masterclass and discussing intuitive layouts with you. Let’s dive in.

Two Types of Layouts

1. Free Flow Merchandising essentially means to send customers down a particular path.  Paths should be free of dead ends and set up in such a way that customers do not miss entire sections of your shop.

2. Aisles are just like they sound: typical of grocery stores. Aisle merchandising can sound cold, but it’s extremely effective if done properly.

To build the best layout for your customers, you’ll want to observe your customers in the shop. See how they move through your displays and note anything they might be missing.

Once you’ve found any holes in your merchandising plan, you can create more intuitive and intentional displays to attract your customers. Ensure similar use items are together.  (Example: don’t separate paint brushes from your paint!) Make it easy for your customers to find and understand things within your shop!

Re-merchandising is an amazing way to make your shop feel fresh, but be sure that you aren’t changing something that is working.

Focus on the entrance of your shop.

1. Make the first impression unforgettable (in a good way!)

2. Don’t put your highest ticket items by the door.

3. Use good lighting and make sure it is clean and spacious.

4. Ensure nothing is blocking the sightlines through your shop.

5. Know that customers typically go to the right when they come in - put your cash wrap to the left if it needs to be in the front of your shop.

6. All senses should be activated: good sights, sounds, smells, etc.

There is no better time to re-merchandise your shop than Q3: typically summer has slowed things down - it’s the calm before the Q4 storm! It’s also a good time for professional development. We are currently welcoming new members into the Retailer’s Inner Circle and would love to have you. If this conversation sparked something in you today and you’d like more, join us.  We’d love to have you.

Your Homework
Listen to the podcast episode on Customer Journey Mapping and walk your store from the entrance with fresh eyes. Begin observing your customers and watching how they flow through your shop. 

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  

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

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/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!

 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:

1. 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?

2. 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. 

3. 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.

4. 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!

Notes: 

Do you watch The Lost Kitchen? Do you know entrepreneur Erin French?

Her approach to business has inspired me, so today I’m sharing some of my leadership and customer experience takeaways from Erin French, owner and chef of The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine.

"In order to be successful in business, you need to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and be willing to adapt and pivot when necessary." - Erin French

https://wendybatten.com/153/

In this episode, you’ll hear 4 business lessons that women (and men) in leadership can learn from Erin. Erin French's success story offers inspiration and practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses and achieve a healthy work-life balance. The episode covers the importance of passion, unique selling propositions, staff management, effective marketing, and financial management; with a focus on how these lessons can be applied by small shop owners. I’ll give you in-depth examples and practical tips for each of these takeaways. 

"The key to success in business is not just about having a great product or service, it's about creating a strong brand and marketing it effectively to your target audience." - Erin French

This episode is a must-listen for any woman in leadership looking for support and guidance in running a profitable and sustainable business.

About Erin French

Erin French is the owner, chef, and creative mastermind behind The Lost Kitchen, a renowned and very unique 40-seat restaurant housed in a historic mill in Freedom, Maine. Erin authored Finding Freedom: A Cook’s Story; Remaking a Life from Scratch. The Lost Kitchen’s tremendous story is featured in Magnolia Network’s The Lost Kitchen.

Website: https://www.findthelostkitchen.com/

Instagram: @thelostkitchen

This week’s episode is sponsored by: H+H Americas

Join me at the h+h americas trade show if you are in the creative or craft business.  Here are the details:

h+h americas trade show

Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont

Chicago, IL

Dates: June 21-23, 2023 (Masterclasses start on June 20)

https://www.hh-americas.com/

Tickets on sale: March 15, 2023, use promo code CST23 to get free access to the exhibit floor

Other episodes you may enjoy…

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

Episode 98: My Top Business Books for Retailers 

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

Key SEO words: Erin French, The Lost Kitchen, passion, unique selling proposition, staff management, effective marketing, financial management, sustainable business.

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/164-2/

So now that you’ve built your audience and people in your community are aware of you (covered in Episode 162), what do we do next? Today, we are going to talk about how and why we measure foot traffic and customer conversion rates. Both numbers are very simple to figure out, so stay with me even if it sounds elementary at first!

How to Measure Foot Traffic and Conversion Rate

Step 1: Literally to count everyone that comes in the door over a specific period of time!  You can do this with a digital counter or with a post-it by the cash wrap with tally marks. 

Step 2:  Add up the number of sales you had during the timeframe. A POS system can give you this information, as well as your average order value.

Step 3: Divide the number of sales by the number of people who came in the door.  That’s all there is to it!

Example: 100 people came in the door, we made 50 sales. Conversion rate = 50%

Now that you have your conversion rate, what’s next? Knowing the foot traffic, conversion rate, and average order value numbers for your business is extremely empowering.  Once you know your numbers, you can identify how you want to build your marketing strategy to push the gas and grow your business. This episode is all about empowering you once you have these numbers. There are countless ideas on how to increase foot traffic, average order value, and conversion rates, but we need to market with intention.  

If you’ve got a shop on a busy street with foot traffic coming in all day long but your conversion rate is only 3%, you might want to build a strategy around increasing your conversion rate and order value, not necessarily your foot traffic. On the other hand, if you are a destination shop in the middle of the country with a conversion rate of 75% but with only 4 customers per day, you might want to build a strategy around increasing the foot traffic and average order value.

Your Homework: Over the next month, track your foot traffic and conversion rate so you have a benchmark.  Knowing these numbers will shed light on where there may be gaps in your marketing strategy and where you might want to push the gas a little bit.

We are deep diving into all of this inside of my Retailer’s Inner Circle this month. As a member, you will have full access to all of my masterclasses, once-a-month group coaching, and a monthly Roundtable discussion with other members of the group.  Plus, our Facebook community is vibrant with heart-centered business owners. It’s an incredible group of people who are always sharing ideas and helping out.  I’d be honored to have you.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  

Episode 162: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Where to Start

Episode 145: How to Market Promotional Events in Your Shop

Episode 107: Turn Browsers into Buyers

Episode 103: Increase Sales with Your Silent Salesperson: Signage

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

Show Notes 

It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day duties of running your business within the four walls of your shop.  In this episode, my guest Darrin Stern and I will shine a light on the value and benefits of attending trade shows.

Darrin is the Show Director of the h+h americas trade show, a brand extension of a long-running show h+h Cologne in Germany. h+h americas unites makers and wholesalers of all crafting industries: a one-stop source for everything one would need as a professional maker, a retail shop owner, an e-commerce shop owner, and/or an educator. 

The Value and Benefits of Trade Shows

1. 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 

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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/

 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!

 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!

 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!

 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. 

1. Culture: A customer-centric culture should start from the top and flow throughout the entire team.

2. Service: Retailers should focus on delivering more than just basic customer service—serving with intention and heart is essential.

3. Offers: Product mixes should cater to customers’ needs and desires, not just the store owner's preferences.

4. Operations: Streamlining processes and systems makes shopping easier and frictionless for customers.

5. 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!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/166/

You’ve made it to Part 4 of the Simple Sales Strategy Series! Today we are talking about Return Customer Rate.

So what is a Return Customer Rate? Your Return Customer Rate is calculated by dividing the number of customers who have made more than one purchase from your store by the total number of customers you’ve had during a given timeframe. It’s the percentage of your customers who are coming back again.

Your POS system likely gives you this number.  Keep in mind that figuring out your return customer rate isn’t a perfect science. Your POS system likely tracks return customers by the credit/debit cards they use, so customers who pay in cash might fly under the radar. 

So now that you have your return customer rate handy, give it a quick analysis.  At first glance, a high rate might seem like something to celebrate, but keep in mind that super high return rates might mean that you aren’t acquiring new customers. On the other hand, if our return rate is low, we might be acquiring tons of new customers but if they aren’t coming back we need to know why. Unfortunately, there is no ideal return customer rate, but much like the rest of this series, knowing and analyzing your return customer rate is super empowering and important to your marketing strategy and the tactics you put in place to achieve success in your strategy.

“[You need to understand]...where to spend your time and your energy…so that you are not just doing random acts of marketing.” - Wendy Batten

So let’s recap: Know your numbers: Conversion rate, average order value, and return customer rate. Know how many people are coming into your shop. Identify where you want to improve your numbers and ideally what you want them to be. (This is your STRATEGY.) Next, attach TACTICS (how you are going to implement your strategy) and get to work implementing. 

This is truly where the magic happens.  Retailers who are intentional with their marketing strategies build strong, healthy businesses. 

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  

Episode 165: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Increasing Your Average Order Value

Episode 164: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Foot Traffic and Conversion

Episode 163: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Where to Start

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Don’t set yourself up for failure!

In This Episode: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 160: Simplifying Social Media with Guest Expert Leanne Pressly

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

Episode 36: How Planning Kept Emily Kerley Thriving

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendysources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

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

The Five Things I’ll Chat About:

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

2. Retailers not doing everything they can to get sales

3. Treating your business like a hobby

4. Messy/dirty shops

5. Your attitude matters

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

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

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

Customer Map

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendysources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

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

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

1. Identify your vision and really dig deep on The Five Whys.

2. Find an effective avenue for becoming confident with your voice/business/vision, i.e. therapy, coaching, etc.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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/

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

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

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

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

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

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

• What should be on the outside of your shop

• Being known in your community by other independent business owners

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

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

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Free resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

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

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

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

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!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/190/

Welcome to Season 5 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast!

Topics Covered in This Episode: 

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

The 5 Areas I Will Explain in Detail

1. Your Shop’s Financial Well Being

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

3. Service and Hospitality

4. Being a Leader to Your Team

5. Your CEO Mindset (and Skillset)

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episodes 163-166: Simple Sales Strategy Series

Episode 63: Making Bookkeeping Simple with Guest Expert Kelly Christian

Episodes 40-43: Plan Your Best Year Ever

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendysources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

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:

1. 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.

2. 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

3. Be sure everything is in writing and have a mentor and/or professional look it over.

4. Know what YOU can afford.

Do you know what % of your gross sales should go to rent, or how much you will need to make to pay that rent? I share that industry average % and more in this episode. 

“Our heart can convince our head of anything, so we want to make sure it doesn’t convince us to get into trouble.  So put your CEO hat on and your heart and head can have a conversation with all of the right information.” - Wendy Batten

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/148-2/

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

Become better known in your community!

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

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

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

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

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

Let me know how you make out. 

Need more?

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

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

We start in April! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Free resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

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

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

Need more?

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

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

We start in April! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

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

Episode 177: Local SEO Simplified with Matt Diamante of HeyTony

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Free resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/174-2/

As independent shop owners, we are always looking for ways to improve our shop’s visibility within our communities. We want our shops to be better known by the people who live and work where we do, right? If that sounds like you, listen up. Today’s podcast is all about your Attract Strategy through networking; or, in other words; getting you out of the door to get people in your door.

Before we dive in, I wanted to let you know that we have a new Sales Accelerator Course starting in October.  Sign up here. 

5 Ways to Network in Your Community

1. Get social on social media: In addition to nurturing the clients you already have who follow you on social media, take a few minutes every day to comment, share, like, etc. on the posts of other businesses/groups where your ideal customers are hanging out. Check out who is watching your stories and who is following you and reach out to thank them or like some of their posts.

2. Get involved in your community: Getting involved can mean joining the Chamber of Commerce, shopping around and supporting the other local businesses, joining a club or group, etc. 

3. Host a community event or service: Host an event that doesn’t have anything to do with your shop but supports your community. Examples from my clients are pet adoptions, paper shredding events, flea markets, book clubs, outside group meetings, etc.

4. Set up collaborations: Think about your customers and what collaborations you can offer them to make their lives easier. What goods or services are complimentary to your products? Collaborate with other local businesses to offer workshops/events/products that your customers will love.

“[A mindset of] Collaboration over competition can work miracles for you.”

5. Introduce yourself to people in your community: Retailers need to get out. Drop by some businesses in your community and introduce yourself without expectations. If it’s doable, offer a gift certificate or small gift as well. Having people know and recognize you and your business is incredibly valuable.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  

Episode 173: Find the Right Customer for Your Shop

Episode 166: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Return Customer Rate

Episode 165: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Increasing Your Average Order Value

Episode 164: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Foot Traffic and Conversion

Episode 163: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Where to Start

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

Don’t skip this because you’re not a “touristy” shop. 

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

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

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

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

Need more?

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

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

We start in April! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

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

Episode 173: Find the Right Customer for Your Shop

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Free resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

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!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/162/

Today we're looking into what we can be doing in Q3 to set ourselves up for success in Q4

Independent shop owners have enough on their plates, lets make sure we making things easier for ourselves. 

If you need more support or are ready to take the next step in your business, I would LOVE for you to join the retailers inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle.  As a member, you will have full access to all of my masterclasses, once-a-month group coaching, and a monthly Roundtable discussion with other members of the group.  Plus, our Facebook community is vibrant with heart-centered business owners. It’s an incredible group of people who are always sharing ideas and helping out.  I’d be honored to have you.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  

Episode 158: Best of Series: Becoming a Destination Shop

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 31: 7 Strategies to Attract Foot Traffic to your Brick + Mortar

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/179/

Show Notes:

I’m talking with Retailer Inner Circle member Jessica Gebauer. Jess owns Krysset Artisan Boutique & Market in Yardley, PA: a shop full of unique products and gifts made by artists all over the United States and Canada. Jess’s business started as a monthly subscription box and evolved into a brick and mortar when she realized the subscription box was limited and she had bigger dreams.

Working with makers has its challenges: being able to meet margins, being able to pay staff, etc. Jess’s advice is to focus on makers who are set up to do wholesale and want to sell their goods to independent retail shops like Krysset. Jess uses Faire and other wholesale marketplaces, trade shows, local craft shows, and years of experience to find her vendors. Krysset has over 100 vendors in rotation.

We talked a bit about Jess’s journey to CEO. It has not been linear, as most shop owners will tell you! Jess describes opening her shop as being on the water skis attached to the boat, rather than being the one actually driving the boat, which is so true and an analogy I love.

Jess opened Krysset in September 2021 as the pandemic lingered. She describes her first year as “really (really, really) rough.” She had a number of challenges she was facing in her personal life, leading to her first hire: her current shop manager, Michael.

Her CEO hat has been coming out more and more in 2022 and 2023 as she settled into her shop, something we focus on inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle.

Here are a few very simple marketing ideas that have been working well for Jess and Krysset:

1. Treating their customers well and with respect when they come in the door. Jess’s employees intuitively know that the people coming through the door want to be treated as a friend. It is so important to hire people who believe in genuine hospitality.

2. Updating the exterior of her retail store. With the help and suggestions of the Inner Circle community, Krysset got an exterior makeover that brought new customers into the shop. Immediately following making some changes, her foot traffic multiplied.

3. Carrying products that aren’t carried at every boutique on the East Coast.

At the end of the episode we have a conversation about why independent brick and mortar retail is so important. Jess was asked recently why she opened an independent retail store when “Amazon exists” and we both have strong opinions on that question as you probably do too! Tune in for our answers!

About Jessica and Krysset:

Jessica Gebauer is an entrepreneur who turned her passion for jewelry and artisan-made products into a successful retail shop. Her boutique, Krysset, is brimming with unique products from independent businesses across North America. As an advocate for the creative community, its her mission to support the dreams of other entrepreneurs.

Why Jess exclusively sources from other small businesses and independent makers:

“People think it's "novel" to shop small but they truly don't understand the magnitude of that decision. They don't understand the significance of choosing small, what that means for people's livelihoods, how much it's truly needed to maintain diversity and uniqueness among product choices plus how it encourages ingenuity and enriches people's lives - both the maker and the recipient of the product.” - Jess Gebauer

You can follow along with Jess and Krysset here:

Website | www.krysset.shop

IG | @krysset_shop

FB | www.facebook.com/KryssetShop

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 174: 5 Ways to Network in Your Own Community

Episode 158: Becoming a Destination Shop

Episode 122: Retail Success Series: CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis from Louisville Mercantile

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendysources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

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

1. 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.

2. 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. 

3. Neither is afraid to speak up when something isn’t working and both are willing to try new things.

4. 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.”

5. 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!).

6. 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

1. Put everything in writing.

2. Try working together first: learn how the other person operates and be sure your styles compliment each other.

3. Picture the partnership as a marriage: Can you move together in the same direction toward the same goal?

4. Be willing to make adjustments when things aren’t working and shifts when things are working very well.

5. 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/

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/189/

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

Thank you!

Topics Covered in This Episode: 

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

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

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

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

SAVE $200! YES SAVE $200!

Join here

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

Episode 138: Wins, Insights, Lessons & Struggles

Episode 136: Annual Planning That Fills Your Life Buckets

Episodes 40-43: Plan Your Best Year Ever

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendysources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

  With host retail coach Wendy Batten

 https://wendybatten.com/158/

Isn’t it flattering and exciting when customers make a day around visiting your shop!? Doesn’t it make you a little teary when people make visiting your shop a special event!? Today we’re talking about how to build that business that attracts all of the customers for all the right reasons.

It’s time to widen the net and become THE destination shop!

We have the opportunity to not just sell things, but truly create an experience for people and make them feel something. And this should be at the top of your list, and in order to make it happen, you have to know your ideal customer.

We discuss so many ideas in this episode on HOW you can get your customers excited to come in and experience your shop. Whether you own a bookstore, a vintage shop, a home decor store, a jewelry store, or a paint store - we’ve got you covered.

So, are you asking yourself the following questions…?

*What is something your ideal customer would love?
*What is it that your customers don’t love?
*Are you building a community?
*Are you creating an EXPERIENCE?

Overall, it’s all about trust, community, being 100% yourself, and intentional planning. None of this happens by accident. Let’s dive in and not just focus on our great inventory, but focus on expanding our customer footprint and becoming the beautiful business and attraction you were meant to be.

Let’s keep our shops enjoyable not only for our customers, but for us as well!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

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

Episode 107: Turn Browsers into Buyers

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/172/

When circumstances are out of our control, what you do next is critical.

As the CEOs of our businesses, we have to be prepared for when things go sideways and problems arise in our shops and in our lives. Today on the podcast,  I’m sharing a proven method that works for me the CTFAR model and how it can change your problem solving process and get you better results. It’s not a new emethod and originally created by Brooke Castillo. It has worked for me in so many situations in my business and in my personal life - it will work for you as well.

What is the CTFAR Model?

C: Circumstances - What actually happened that was out of our control 

T: Thoughts - How we think about the circumstance

F: Feelings - How we feel because of the thoughts

A: Actions - What we do (or don’t do) in response to our feelings 

R: Results - What we get in the end

The purpose of the CTFAR model is to reframe your thinking to help you solve problems. By being aware of what is happening and choosing how you think about it, you can change the outcome. 

We need to always be showing up with a positive, solution-oriented mindset for ourselves, our team, and our customers. When we do this, we will see positive results.

“Our actions will drive our results but it starts with our thoughts.” - Wendy Batten

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  

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

Episode 147: How to Reframe Your Mindset on Competition

Episode 151: How to Have Difficult Conversations with Good Staff

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/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!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

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

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

In the episode I’ll cover:

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

• How uniforms make your brand more cohesive and professional

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

How do you feel about uniforms?

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

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

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

Episode 193: Retailers: First Impressions Count!

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Free resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

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

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

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

Are you hiding from your customers?

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

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

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

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

Need more?

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

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

Episodes 163-166: Simple Sales Strategy Series

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Free resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

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!

 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!

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!

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/

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

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

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

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

Shelli and I chat about:

• The difference between a job and a career

• How to attract and hire the “right” people

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

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

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

• What you should be sharing and not sharing with your employees

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

About our guest, Shelli Warren

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

You can find Shelli on all of these platforms:

LinkedIn |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  YouTube  |  Website 

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 151: How to Have Difficult Conversations with Good Staff

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

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Free resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

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:

1. Any maintenance and physical changes to your shop

2. Updating processes & systems

3. Reorganizing and making changes/additions to your team

4. Your marketing plan

5. Review and know your numbers

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

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

Episode 162: What to Focus on in Q3

Episode 166: Simple Sales Strategy Series

Episode 195: What Numbers Successful Retail Shop Owners are Measuring

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Free resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

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

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

“Confidence comes from doing.”

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

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Free resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/185/

Show Notes:

Retailers take note. 

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

What is burnout?

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

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

Managing Burnout Like A Bank Account

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

4 Modes/Stages of Burnout:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Ashley’s advice:

1. Determine what stage of burnout you are in. 

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

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

About Dr. Ashley:

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

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

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

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

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

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

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendy’s resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/176/

Show Notes

We all know that differences exist across generations, but have you given any thought to how those differences could impact your marketing? Today on the podcast we are going to dive into just that: generational differences among our customers and how we can market differently to ensure we are serving all of our customers without leaving money on the table.

This question came up in my Level Up Mastermind retail group recently and as a group we did some digging. Today I’m sharing some research and findings with you all. If you are interested in learning more about the group, you can check out my website here.

How to Market to Different Generations

Here are some notes about each generation: where they are in life, what they respond to, what they are looking for, etc.

• Gen Z - (ages 12-26 currently) - Gen Z spans a wide age range, but the older bunch is at the age where they are getting their first apartment, buying their first home, getting married, etc. They will tell you that they have a short attention span. This group (more than others) responds to short form video (TikTok)

• Millennials - (ages 27-42 currently) - Millennials have a busy lifestyle. They are often parents of young children. A few things that characterize their shopping experience are frictionless buying, connection to community, loyalty to brands they love, driven by peers (reviews). Surprisingly, Millennials are still listening to the radio. They love curbside pickup and Instagram buying - anything that makes life easier.

• Gen X - (ages 43-58 currently) - Gen X shares characteristics of both Millennials and Boomers. They are totally loyal to brands they love and expect great customer service. Traditional marketing typically still works amongst Gen X (value added, coupons, discounts etc.) They are a very nostalgic bunch and often purchase from Facebook ads.

• Boomers - (ages 59-75 currently) - Surprisingly, Boomers are the best at opening emails. They are very brand loyal and not motivated by FOMO, meaning last minute or exclusive deals won’t speak to them. Boomers love online ordering and still purchase gift certificates.

How to Make Sure You are Serving Multiple Generations 

Some follow-up questions to think about as you listen:

1. Who in your community does your shop serve?

2. Who do you want to serve?

3. Who actually lives in your community?

4. Who is buying for whom and how does that affect your marketing?

5. What can you offer in your shop that crosses multiple generations?

6. If you serve a specific generation, what can you do to serve the generation coming up behind them?

Be sure to stay open and curious about your marketing strategy and how you can market your business across generations. For example, if your ideal customers are primarily Gen Z, how are you reaching Boomers when they are looking to purchase gifts for this younger generation?

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  

Episode 31: 7 Tactics to Attract Foot Traffic to Your Brick and Mortar

Episode 79: Your Competitive Advantage Over Amazon

Episode 82: 5 Steps to Simplify Your Content Planning

Episode 101: Making Email Marketing Fun with Kate Doster

About your host, Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

 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:

1. Communicate effectively with your staff and family about the boundaries you are setting.

2. Establish and stick to a schedule. Set your working hours and ensure your family and staff know these hours.

3. Delegate tasks to your staff and don’t micromanage them.

4. Unplug from your work.

5. Schedule days off and vacations - rest is not a reward, it is essential!

6. 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!

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.

1. Offering repeat exposure on select items can maximize sales using cross-merchandising or multiple merchandising.

2. Consistent signage throughout the space can effectively communicate with customers.

   • Point out best sellers, locally made goods, quotes, etc.

3. 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

4. Identify your ideal customers and merchandise the store accordingly.

   • Have unscalable conversations to figure out pain points for customers

5. Offering how-to-tips within your displays can engage customers and encourage them to spend more money.

   • Utilize QR codes and tip sheets

6. 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!

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!

 Show Notes 

If you want to drive traffic into your store, simply putting a storewide discount on your products isn’t the way to do it anymore. There is a better way and it starts with planning. 

Planning is the key to running successful marketing events and promotions. It will enhance your event’s “game plan,” it will build your confidence, and it will set you up for a successful event. 

Here are some event types to consider: free demonstrations, a guest vendor doing a pop-up inside your shop, girls’ nights out, community building events, hosting local real estate/interior design vendors, holiday-themed shopping events, etc.

Planning these events ideally should take place quarterly - and at least 4-8 weeks in advance of the event. 

Step One: Reverse engineer the event itself. 

What is the outcome you are looking for by holding this event? What is the objective of having it? This question should have a specific answer: say, “I want to bring in xx in revenue during this event” or “I want everyone to know about xx product.”

“Let’s think about the purpose. What is the objective? What is the reason we are doing this event?” - Wendy Batten

Step Two: Know how you will measure the success of the event.

When you look back at your objective (say, to bring xx people for a demo), how many people came?  How many people took promotional literature about the demo? If it was sales driven, did you meet your sales goal? If the objective was for 12 people from the media to show up, how many did? Did they talk about you to others? What wins can you track/celebrate?

Step Three: Write down all of the details of the event keeping the objective in mind. 

How will you “wow” our customers during this event? Can you add something unexpected to make them smile?

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/143/

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/178/

Show Notes

Running a retail business doesn’t have to be so hard, but sometimes it can be, right? You want your business to be successful, but sometimes as your business grows you face more challenges and bumps in the road. Today I’m going to share 3 must-have mindset shifts you need in order to keep growing your successful retail business. I promise today’s episode can change your retail business for the better.

Before we get started, I wanted to shout out my Retailer’s Inner Circle. The retailers in this group are doing the work, supporting each other, and growing so fast - and there is always room for more! If you need support in your retail business, join me and a community of heart centered, like-minded retailers who are working on bettering their retail businesses. Joining comes with access to countless masterclasses (some I mention in today’s episode) that you can work through at your own pace. We meet at least monthly via Zoom and our Facebook group is active pretty much daily! If you’ve been hesitant, ask yourself why? The monthly investment is low and the rewards are so high. It’s a vibrant space because of retailers like you who want to grow their businesses, make more profit, and have more time in their lives. 

Together we are always working on mindset. 

Successful retailers need these 3 mindsets. 

What we cover in the podcast this week. 

Three Mindset Shifts You Need for Success

1. Circumstances happen so you need to build your resilience muscle. We have all had bad things in our businesses: bad buys, bad reviews, a good team member leaves. How do you react when these things happen? Following the CTFAR model will help you control your thoughts, your feelings, and your reactions. I talk about the CTFAR model at length in Episode 172. It makes your resilience muscle stronger; and therefore you can show up for your team as a better leader. As your resilience muscle grows, it gets easier to be proactive when things go haywire.

2. You need to understand the mechanics of your retail businesses. You need to make decisions based on your data, to know where your money is going, to know how the risks you are taking will affect your retail business etc. The numbers can be scary especially to a lot of us who run creative businesses, but it is crucial to have a grasp on them. There is a masterclass called Money Matters that you’ll have access to with your membership to the Retailer’s Inner Circle. The masterclass breaks it down for you so you can be confident when talking about money and your numbers.

3. You need to be open to growing, learning, and changing. You cannot stay still in retail. Even if things are going great for you in your business right now, it likely won’t stay that way if you aren’t open to evolving and growing in some way. You don’t know what you don’t know, right? Growth can only happen when your mindset is open to what is possible for your retail business. What exciting opportunities have you said “no” to because you were nervous? Could you have made it work? Have you shot down the idea of business coaching because you didn’t think you needed it? Let’s change your mindset around change and see what magic can happen in your business!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  

Episode 172: Solve Any Problem and Get Better Results With This!

Episode 157: Best of Series: Growth Mindset with Inner Circle Member Jeff Lee

Episode 128: 5 Ways to Recreate That Disney Cash Flow Magic in Your Shop

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

S

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/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!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/165/

Welcome to part 3 of the Simple Sales Strategy Series!  Today, we are digging into your average order value. Your average order is likely a number that your POS system is reporting for you. It is the average value of all of the sales you make in your shop over a specified period of time. Simply divide total revenue by the number of orders.

Many retailers think they don’t have any control over what customers are spending in their shops, but guess what? You absolutely do. What if you could increase each of your sales by 2%, 5%, $10…? What would that mean for your business?

This isn’t about getting “salesy” or being manipulative. It’s about making sales. We are here to run and optimize profitable businesses while serving our customers in the best ways we can.

Here are just a few ideas for increasing your average order value without feeling salesy:

1. Make a “bestsellers list” and display it in the shop.

2. Ensure staff is trained properly on your core products.

3. Merchandise to SELL.

4. Complete a customer journey map. (Episode 144)

5. Have a grab and go section at checkout.

Your Homework: 

Use your POS system to figure out your average order value over a specified period of time. Then, figure out where you want it to be. Next, figure out HOW you are going to change your marketing strategy to get it done. Which tactics are you going to employ to get your AOV up while serving your customers with a better shop experience? If everything else stays the same in your shop (foot traffic, conversion), what would this increased number do for you?

We are deep diving into all of this inside of my Retailer’s Inner Circle this month and having a ton of fun doing it. Want to join us? You can! The doors are always open in the Inner Circle.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  

Episode 164: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Foot Traffic and Conversion

Episode 163: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Where to Start

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

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

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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/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.