Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten

   With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:   Small habits can lead to big results!   In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I'm sharing 11 easy-to-start micro habits that can totally transform your retail business. These habits may be small, but they pack a powerful punch. From looking at your numbers to making faster decisions, I'll give you real-world, simple advice that WORKS.   Whether you run a boutique, a gift shop, or a creative space, these tips will help you grow with confidence — and have fun doing it!   11 Micro Habits for Independent Retailers: Don't “Ostrich” – Stop hiding from your business numbers. Look at them daily so there are no surprises. Always Be Learning – Reading 10 minutes a day or listening to a podcast can level up your skills. Ditch the Burden Mindset – Remember, you get to run this business. Approach it with joy, not dread. Use a “Yet” Mindset – “I'm not good at planning... yet.” Add "yet" to reframe your self-talk. Ask: How Can I Make This Easier? – Don't overcomplicate. Ask who or what can help. Crush Self-Doubt – Keep a list of wins, kind words, and proud moments to boost your confidence. Set Clear Goals – Know what you're aiming for so your daily actions move you closer to it. Look Up – Don't get stuck in the day-to-day. Plan 90 days out. Know what your customers are experiencing. Prioritize Your Health – A healthy YOU means a stronger business. Protect your time and energy. Decide Faster – Avoiding decisions holds you back. Be intentional and aligned with your goals. Make It Fun – This is your dream! Bring energy and joy into your day-to-day. Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.   Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 124: Confident Decision Making Made Easy with Business & Life Coach Andrea Liebross Episode 229: Having a Monthly Playbook for Your Retail Shop Episode 261: How to Stay Focused and Get Things Done About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:   Running a shop can feel like juggling flaming squirrels – I totally get it!    In this episode of The Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I'm sharing a powerful training from the Retailer's Inner Circle library to help you focus, prioritize, and actually get things done (without the late nights and endless to-do lists). If distractions and squirrel-brain are wreaking havoc on your retail business, listen up. This one's for all of the busy retailers out there trying to get things DONE!   Takeaways for Independent Retailers:   How to protect your personal time as a retail CEO The power of setting non-negotiables for work-life balance What a CEO Date is – and why it will change your week The difference between results and goals: what are the three “cross-offable” things you need to do today? How to use the Pomodoro Method to beat distractions: You'll be shocked by how much you can get done in 25 minutes! 4 D's to simplify your to-do list: Do, Delete, Delegate, Defer Why batching tasks and working away from the shop floor matters How small group support boosts momentum and accountability   Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.   Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.   Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 33: The CEO Date: A Non-Negotiable Habit is Key to Creative CEO Success Episode 48: The 3 Biggest Time Wasters for Retailers and How to Avoid Them Episode 136: Annual Planning That Fills Your Life Buckets About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:   Helping and inspiring independent retailers is my passion (and my job!), but I would be remiss if I never shared how inspiring my retailers are to ME. Their inspiration is never more apparent than when we are all together in person: talking shop, ruminating on all the things, and brainstorming through big ideas.   In this episode, I'm sharing some of my takeaways from my Level Up Mastermind Retreat in early April in Thomasville, Georgia. I'm always learning from my retailers and amazed by their ideas and this retreat was no different. There is something very inspiring about getting a group of like-minded people together who are working toward a similar goal: running a successful independent retail shop. I hope these takeaways inspire you to try something new to move the needle in your retail business.   Takeaways for Independent Retailers:   Bravery is contagious: It's important to surround yourself with people who are on your side.    Making a decision and being brave enough to stick to it when you see the needle starting to move and/or having the courage to course correct if it's not working   Collaborations & community are super hot right now: Everyone in your community has the same goal: growing and thriving in a community that supports them.   Look to your community for inspiring people: Annie Jones of The Bookshelf in Thomasville showed us that building multiple revenue streams and marketing differently works. (You can follow along with her Instagram at @bookshelftville)   Lean into others: You cannot do this alone!   I also wanted to give a quick shoutout to YOU! Thanks to your support, the podcast has reached 100,000+ downloads!    Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.   Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.   Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 246: Relationships are Rocket Fuel Episode 254: Behind the Counters: The Magic of Joining Forces to Foster Community and Build a Retail Destination Town with Millie and Adam Blackwell Episode 259: Behind the Counter: Building a Unique Retail Shop with Heart with Amy and Chris Hart About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

   With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:  Can couples successfully run a retail shop together? Absolutely! From a flash of inspiration on a trip to London to creating a beloved community hub in Thomasville, Georgia; Amy and Chris Hart join me on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast to share how passion, teamwork, and a little bit of "what's our widget?" can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Amy and Chris own The Hare and the Hart, a boutique inspired by the couple's time in the Cotswolds. They describe the shop as “English at heart with a Southern sensibility and a French twist.” Amy is an active member of the Retailer's Inner Circle and has been in the Level Up Mastermind for almost 5 years running. This episode is packed with tips for independent retailers, especially those working together as a couple. From finding your niche, connecting with your community, and navigating the ups and downs of retail life together, Amy and Chris are an inspiration to all aspiring retail shop owners. Takeaways for Retail Shop Owners: Finding your "widget": Identify your unique product (like Amy's Toile designs) Involving family: Amy and Chris have incredibly talented family members who showcase unique products in their shop.   Defining Roles: The importance of defining roles and communicating them clearly.    Build your community: Make it a point to connect with members of your community. Featuring local artisans in your shop is a good way to do that. Overcoming challenges: Amy and Chris know when their slow season is and have come up with ways to draw customers in and also keep their minds right knowing things do pick up.   Chris's Advice : "Don't give up your dream to somebody else.”  Listen in for more thoughts on what Chris and Amy could have done differently if they could rewind 7 years. “Don't give up your dream to somebody else.” -Chris Hart Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.   Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.   About Amy and Chris: Sweethearts since college, Amy and Chris Hart chose Thomasville, Georgia, as their adopted hometown in 2018 after many adventures. The Hare & The Hart is their shop in the beautiful, historic downtown, offering gifts and goods that are English at heart with a Southern sensibility & a French twist. They adore celebrating the beauty of the places people love, embellishing the spaces surrounding them, and sharing in the extraordinary joy of the everyday. Their family takes part by designing collections, including Amy's Toile of Thomasville. They are pleased to carry local artisans, along with those discovered on and inspired by their travels. Amy and Chris continue their adventures in a wibbly, wobbly 1850s house just blocks from the shop with their Labrador named Rugby.   Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 78: Learning to Level Up with Amy Hart Episode 127: Level Up Mastermind Q+A: Invest in Yourself Episode 256: Retailers in the Wild: Elevate Your Retail Shop Using These Observations From My Time in New Zealand About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:  What's something you are doing now in your retail business that you wish you would have started doing sooner? When I ask clients this question, the answer is often “I wish I would have started an email list sooner.”  The reason is because they've learned over time that email is still a super powerful tool! It's a direct line to your customers - no “beating the algorithm” required.  In this episode, I'm giving you 5 simple ways to build your email list and keep your customers happy. You'll learn how to connect better, sell more, and own your customer relationships. I hope you'll join my email list (if you aren't already on it)! You can do that by scrolling to the bottom of my homepage HERE. 5 Ways to Build Your Email List: Ask your customers at checkout to join the list: You can use a QR code to do this! Do an in-store give-away. Offer a freebie/lead magnet as an incentive to join. When you host events customers need to pre-register for, ask those folks to join the list when they are registering. Use a pop-up on your website and ask people to join: Simple and effective!   Remember to ensure your emails are valuable to your clients. You want them to look forward to hearing from you! Regular emails help you sell more and build loyal fans of your brand. Who doesn't need more of that in their retail shop? “If all of your social media accounts were gone tomorrow, how would you connect with your clients?” -Wendy Batten   Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.   Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.   Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 254: Behind the Counters: The Magic of Joining Forces to Foster Community and Build a Retail Destination Town with Millie and Adam Blackwell Episode 253: Mastering Social Selling: How Retailers Can Boost Sales and Build Loyal Customers About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   LAST CALL! Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you'll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We'll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!   In This Episode:  Ready to spruce up your shop and boost your business? Spring (or Autumn, depending on where in the world you are!) is the perfect time to clean out the old and bring in the new. In this episode, I'm giving independent retailers easy tips to refresh their mindset, clean up their shop, and make more money.  Key Takeaways: Mindset Refresh: Get rid of negative thoughts and focus on new opportunities. Remember why you started your business and get that excitement back!   Money Moves: Inventory Check: Look at old stock and have a spring cleaning sale to clear it out.  Don't let money sit on your storage shelves! Expense Review: Cut unnecessary spending by checking your credit card and bank statements.   Pricing Check: Make sure your prices make you a profit, and don't just copy your competitors.   Shop Spruce-Up: Clean your shop, including dusting and fixing anything that looks worn out.  Update uniforms, aprons, and how your staff presents themselves.   Marketing Boost: Refresh your marketing plans to get customers excited. Remember: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm!”   Plan for Success: Having a plan is key to making good things happen!   “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson   Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of likeminded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.   Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.   Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing Accelerator course. We start in April! More information HERE.   Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 104: Tight on Cash Flow? Let's Turn Your Old Inventory Into Cash for You! Episode 109: Money Mindset, Abundance, and Bad Ideas with Guest Expert Emily King Episode 194: Feeling Stuck? 20 Prompts to Help Flip Your Mindset About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you'll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We'll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!   In This Episode:  I'm home from a 6-week trip across New Zealand where I perused more than 150 independent retail shops! Phew! In this episode of the podcast, I am sharing 5 tips/observations that will elevate your retail shop.  Want customers lining up instead of walking by? It's time to revamp your retail strategy and I have the keys to success! Here are 5 powerful tips to magnetize customers and maximize sales, all inspired by visiting retailers in the wild in beautiful New Zealand. 5 Tips to Elevate Your Shop: Boost Visibility: I'll give you some ideas and platforms you can use right now to make sure people can find you. Perfect Your Shop Standards: There is more to keeping shop than turning on the lights and unlocking the door! Signage That Sells: I've said it before and I'll say it again: Good, clean signage is a silent salesperson. Check Your Inventory/Merchandising: I'll offer my thoughts around aligning inventory with your branding as well as making sure your shop is “shoppable.” Stop Making Assumptions About Your Customers: Offer your help. Serve all of your customers with hospitality. "Clear is always kind." -Wendy Batten   Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of likeminded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.   Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.   Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing Accelerator course. We start in April! More information HERE.   Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 78: Retail Success Stories – Learning to Level Up with Amy Hart Episode 103: Increase Sales With Your Silent Salesperson: Signage Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map Episode 168: Merchandising to Sell: Intuitive Merchandising Episode 175: How to Audit Your Brand Assets About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you'll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We'll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!   In This Episode:  Running an independent retail store comes with challenges, but it can also be AWESOME. Join me as I chat about keeping a positive mindset, facing challenges head-on, and creating your own version of success. Let's make your retail dreams a reality! Key Takeaways: The Myth of Easy Success: There's no secret recipe for success. It's about trying, learning, and growing.   You're Not Behind: Forget comparing yourself to others! Just focus on moving forward.   Challenges Are Part of the Job: Being a boss means dealing with problems. Think of them as making you stronger! Ditch the “Pity Marketing”: Complaining gets you nowhere. Take charge and find solutions!   Control the controllables: You can't change everything, but you can control your attitude, effort, and how you handle things.   Define Your Success: What does success REALLY mean to you? It's your business, so you get to decide!   Action Beats Avoiding: Don't hide from problems – tackle them!   And the best advice I can give you today… Keep Going! You're doing great. Stay positive, keep learning, and make it happen!   "The experience of resistance strengthens the architecture of our character enough to hold the weight of our success." -Megan Miller Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of likeminded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.   Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.   Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing Accelerator course. We start in April! More information HERE.   Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 147: How to Reframe Your Mindset on Competition Episode 225: Practicing Self-Care While Running a Retail Business Episode 246: Relationships are Rocket Fuel About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you'll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We'll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!   In This Episode:    What happens when independent retailers join forces? In a word: Magic. In this episode, I'm chatting with Millie and Adam Blackwell, a powerhouse entrepreneurial couple from Greytown, New Zealand. Millie owns Mrs. Blackwell's Village Bookshop and Adam owns Blackwell and Sons Bike Shop, both located in Greytown. Want to hear about how they transformed their small town in New Zealand into a thriving shopping and tourism destination? Let's dive in!   Key Takeaways: The Power of Collaboration: How Greytown retailers and small businesses united to boost business for everyone. Amplifying a Destination Town: The strategy behind turning a small town into a must-visit shopping spot. Winter Festival Success: How one idea turned the slowest season into a top sales month. Branding a Town Like a Business: Why a strong, unified message matters. Running Multiple Businesses as a Couple: Insights on balancing entrepreneurship and life.   “Customers don't just show up—you have to give them a reason to come.” – Adam Blackwell   Listen in to this week's episode and get thinking about your town, and what you could do to spark initiatives in your community.  Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! You'll get a monthly marketing and operations playbook, monthly group coaching, countless on-demand masterclasses and access to a vibrant community of retailers like you - and so much more. Check it out HERE.   Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.   Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing Accelerator course. We start in April! More information HERE.   Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 158: Becoming a Destination Shop Episode 180: Our Retailer Mastermind's Book Club Book Roundup with Guest Millie Blackwell Episode 218: Community Marketing Strategies with Millie Blackwell   About Mille and Adam Blackwell Mr. Adam Blackwell is the visionary behind Blackwell and Sons, and its commercial and creative driving force. He is a specialist in brand development and execution and runs his own advertising agency, Stun, which services clients throughout NZ, the US, and Europe.   About as politically correct as whale-hunting, Mr Blackwell loves to take on nonsensical, charge-by-the-hour bureaucracy, especially if it stands in the way of a certain theatricality he delights in bringing to all of his endeavors. He is renowned for his creative flair, decisiveness, and sparkling wit, but not so much his athletic prowess. (his words) lol.    Mrs. Millie Blackwell is a specialist in non-fiction categories and stationery at Mrs. Blackwell's Village Bookshop. She grew up on an apricot orchard in Central Otago but never really cared for the taste of the fruit. Mrs. Blackwell's Village Bookshop is an independent bookshop for inquisitive minds and romantic souls in Greytown, New Zealand.    Mrs. Blackwell has been an active member of the Retailer's Level Up Mastermind and The Retailer's Inner Circle program.    About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful to you! Thank you!      

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you'll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We'll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!   In This Episode:  Did you know that 76% of shoppers have made a purchase from a brand they discovered on social media? Social selling isn't just a trend—it's a game-changer for independent retailers looking to drive sales and build deeper customer connections. In this episode, we break down how you can turn your likes, comments, and follows into real revenue for your retail business. Key Takeaways: What social selling really means (hint: it's more than just posting products!) How to create engagement-driven content that leads to sales Why live shopping is the future and how to start The power of consistency—how to build an audience that shows up to buy Tools and strategies to make social selling seamless and profitable   Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! You'll get a monthly marketing and operations playbook, monthly group coaching, countless on-demand masterclasses and access to a vibrant community of retailers like you - and so much more. Check it out HERE.   Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.   Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing Accelerator course. We start in April! More information HERE.   Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 210: What's Working for Social Media and Retail Business Growth with Brooke Riley Episode 230: Takeaways from my Mastermind Retreat: Building Connections and Strong Businesses Episode 246: 5 Minute Marketing Tips: Relationships are Rocket Fuel   About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful to you! Thank you!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you'll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We'll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!   In This Episode:    Hospitality isn't just being nice to your customers. It's about genuinely caring for others and in retail, it starts with your team!   Join me and my guest expert Stephanie Miller Vincent as we chat about bringing hospitality back to its roots: caring about others. Stephanie has worked in hospitality in the US and in Canada for years. She now runs her own business, SMillerVision, where the goal is to help her clients empower their employees, leading to increased satisfaction for the employees and guests alike, company growth, and increased revenue. Win win win!   “Hospitality is not an industry. It is the core of who you are and how you take care of people.” -Stephanie Miller Vincent   In this episode, you'll learn at its core what “hospitality” means and what we mean when we say “you can't run a business from a checklist!”    Key Takeaways: You must lead your staff by example. The days of telling staff “because I said so” are over! Your staff needs to understand the vision of your retail business and why exuding high levels of hospitality to their customers/guests matters Being an “employer of choice” isn't always all about money. Have in-person conversations with your staff to find out why they work for you: what your strengths as an employer are, what they might change, what might make them leave. Think about your team the same way you would think about your customers. The “Peak-End Rule”: people remember an experience based on how they felt at its peak and at its end, rather than a sum of every detail of the experience. The “Third Place”: people are craving a “third place” beyond home and work. How can you make your shop that place for them - and how does hospitality fit in? Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! March is the PERFECT time to join - Coaching Week starts in one week from today! Every day next week we will meet for group coaching. This only happens once a year so don't miss it. On top of that, you'll get a monthly marketing and operations playbook, monthly group coaching, countless on-demand masterclasses and access to a vibrant community of retailers like you - and so much more. Check it out HERE.   Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.   Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing Accelerator course. We start in April! More information HERE.   Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 243: Behind the Counter: Creating Customer Joy in Retail with Kim Williams of The Polka Dot Press Episode 244: Behind the Counter: From E-Commerce to Brick and Mortar with Chris Waddy   About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful to you! Thank you!  

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/     Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you'll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We'll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!   In This Episode:  Become better known in your community! The third episode in the Retailer's Visibility Series is about connecting through community and leveraging your business through collaborations with other businesses in your area. I'll share exactly what collaborations are, how collaborations can grow your ideal customer audience, and who you should be contacting.    There are a lot of opportunities in your own community to connect with your customers. Where in your community is your ideal customer hanging out? Let's figure out how to get those people into your retail shop!   There is also an element of community involvement and support and I'll share my thoughts on when to say yes to all those sponsorships you are asked for. The goal is for potential customers to see you and your brand everywhere in the community! Remember: involvement doesn't always mean attending a fancy gala or some big networking event!   Listen in and hear how to make it easy, free and fun!    I'd love to know if this series was helpful to you and which of the 3 strategies you will amp up? Let me know how you make out.   Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! March is the PERFECT time to join - Coaching Week is from March 24-28! Every day during that week we will meet for group coaching. This only happens once a year so don't miss it. On top of that, you'll get a monthly marketing and operations playbook, monthly group coaching, countless on-demand masterclasses and access to a vibrant community of retailers like you - and so much more. Check it out HERE.   Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.   Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing Accelerator course. We start in April! More information HERE.   Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 199: Stop Hiding and Be Known: Part 2 of the Retailer's Visibility Series Episode 198: Stop Hiding and Be Known: Part 1 of the Retailer's Visibility Series   About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you'll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We'll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!   In This Episode:  How do we get our brick-and-mortar retail business found and seen by more people? Welcome to Part 2 of the Retailer's Visibility Series! In this episode, I'm sharing three things you can update today for free to ensure your shop is being found when potential customers are searching for businesses like yours online. And it's not all about social media! We'll touch on what SEO can do for your retail business and what you may need to update on your Google Business account and your shop's website. I'll also share my thoughts on blogging! (Hint: it's not dead!)   Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! March is the PERFECT time to join - Coaching Week is from March 24-28! Every day during that week we will meet for group coaching. This only happens once a year so don't miss it. On top of that, you'll get a monthly marketing and operations playbook, monthly group coaching, countless on-demand masterclasses and access to a vibrant community of retailers like you - and so much more. Check it out HERE.   Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.   Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing Accelerator course. We start in April! More information HERE.   Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 96: Before You Pay For Ads, Do These 3 Things Episode 142: How to Make Real Progress in Your Business with Guest Expert Richard Ralston Episode 177: Local SEO Simplified with Matt Diamante of HeyTony   About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you'll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We'll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!   In This Episode:  Are you hiding from your customers?   Have you ever heard someone refer to a business as a “best-kept secret?” While this is typically a compliment, we don't want that to be us! It's time to stop hiding and make sure everyone in your community (and beyond!) knows who you are and what you are doing.   Episode 249 is the first in a series of three podcasts dedicated to getting your shop found. We start with your Attract Strategy: the ways you are attracting new customers to your shop. We'll cover lots of important topics in this episode including what you should be doing on social media and why your front-facing assets need to tell a compelling story about you and your shop.    Inside the episode, I'm giving you three EASY action items to complete so you know you are doing everything you can to make sure your Attract Strategy is working for you and your retail business.    On the next episode of the podcast, we will continue the series specifically covering how your retail shop can be found. Don't miss it!   Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer's Inner Circle! You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple. Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.   Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing Accelerator course. We start in April! More information HERE. Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 96: Before You Pay For Ads, Do These 3 Things Episodes 163-166: Simple Sales Strategy Series About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:  Are you struggling to find the time to spend on what will move the needle in your retail business? Not sure what should be spending YOUR time on versus what you should be delegating out? In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, we are focusing on the art of delegation and the importance of focusing on CEO-level work. I'll talk about how to break down your tasks and time so you can effectively use the most powerful resource you have: your time as CEO. I have some great book recommendations to share in this one as well! Looking for more? Join the Retailer's Inner Circle. You'll have access to a monthly playbook that will help you track your numbers, support your weekly CEO date, provide promotional ideas and marketing strategies, and so much more. We also have an on-demand catalog of masterclasses that will help you move the needle and find success in your retail business. More info here! Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 33: The CEO Date: A Non-Negotiable Habit is Key to Creative CEO Success Episode 48: The 3 Biggest Time Wasters for Retailers and How to Avoid Them Episode 94: The Retailer's Ecosystem: Where To Spend Your Time and Focus Within Your Business   About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank yo

With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/     In This Episode:  Are you feeling overwhelmed at the thought of making a marketing plan for your retail business? Don't worry - I'm breaking it all down for you in this quick 5 minute episode. I'll share how independent retail businesses can simplify their marketing by focusing on the numbers that matter most. With the practical tips I share throughout this episode, you'll be able to flip your mindset around retail marketing to simplify your efforts AND make your efforts more intentional. Intentional marketing leads to retail success! Let's dive in!   Related podcasts we think you'll like:    Episodes 163-166: Simple Sales Strategy Series Episode 241: Year-End Reflections: Mindset, Marketing, and Lessons for Success in 2025 Episode 245: Best of Series: Retail Marketing from Gen Z to Boomers   About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!    

  With host retail coach Wendy Batten    https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:  We know that building strong relationships is more than just good business - it's the key to staying memorable, growing your network, and fostering trust in your community. In this quick 5 minute episode, I am breaking down how relationships can fuel your success: from customer connections to community collaborations. Key Takeaways:  Relationships Matter: Connect with your customers, staff, vendors, and other local businesses. Building trust and being known in your community keeps you top of mind. Empower Your Team: Train your staff to be conversationalists who represent your business and nurture customer relationships with care. Collaboration is Key: Partnering with other local businesses can spark fresh ideas and open doors to new opportunities. Word of Mouth Works: Strong relationships lead to referrals and help your business grow organically. Retail Excellence: Independent retailers stand out by nurturing relationships and providing exceptional service through authentic connections. Related podcasts we think you'll like:    Episode 147: How to Reframe Your Mindset Around Competition Episode 174: 5 Ways to Network in Your Own Community Episode 238: Behind the Counter: Building Community Through Beautiful Spaces with Lisa Wrixon   About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:  We are going back in time to rediscover one of the most popular episodes of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast!  We all know that differences exist across generations, but have you given any thought to how those differences could impact marketing for your retail shop? Today on the podcast we are going to dive into just that: generational differences among our customers and how we can market differently to ensure we are serving all of our customers without leaving money on the table. This question came up in my Level Up Mastermind retail group recently and as a group we did some digging. Today I'm sharing some research and findings with you all. If you are interested in learning more about the group, you can check out my website here. How to Market to Different Generations Here are some notes about each generation: where they are in life, what they respond to, what they are looking for, etc. Gen Z - (ages 12-26 currently) - Gen Z spans a wide age range, but the older bunch is at the age where they are getting their first apartment, buying their first home, getting married, etc. They will tell you that they have a short attention span. This group (more than others) responds to short-form video (TikTok) Millennials - (ages 27-42 currently) - Millennials have a busy lifestyle. They are often parents of young children. A few things that characterize their shopping experience are frictionless buying, connection to the community, loyalty to brands they love, driven by peers (reviews). Surprisingly, Millennials are still listening to the radio. They love curbside pickup and Instagram buying - anything that makes life easier. Gen X - (ages 43-58 currently) - Gen X shares characteristics of both Millennials and Boomers. They are totally loyal to brands they love and expect great customer service. Traditional marketing typically still work amongst Gen X (value added, coupons, discounts etc.) They are a very nostalgic bunch and often purchase from Facebook ads. Boomers - (ages 59-75 currently) - Surprisingly, Boomers are the best at opening emails. They are very brand loyal and not motivated by FOMO, meaning last-minute or exclusive deals won't speak to them. Boomers love online ordering and still purchase gift certificates. How to Make Sure You are Serving Multiple Generations  Some follow-up questions to think about as you listen: 1. Who in your community does your shop serve? 2. Who do you want to serve? 3. Who 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 79: Your Competitive Advantage Over Amazon Episode 82: 5 Steps to Simplify Your Content Planning Episode 101: Making Email Marketing Fun with Kate Doster   About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:  Are you curious how e-commerce businesses evolve into brick and mortar shops? Maybe you operate an Etsy shop or sell on social media but have always wondered what it would be like to open your own shop. If that sounds like you, listen up! In this episode of the podcast, we are diving into the story of Chris Waddy, the owner and CEO of Loopy Wool in Salisbury, New Brunswick. Chris shares her incredible journey from running a small Etsy shop to building a thriving brick-and-mortar destination. She is also an active and valuable member of my Level Up Mastermind and Retailer's Inner Circle. If you're an entrepreneur looking to turn dreams into actionable plans (or your online shop into a successful brick and mortar!), this episode is packed with insights just for you. Let's dive in! Key Highlights: Planning for Success: How simple planning eased anxiety and built confidence in Chris's retail journey. Brick and Mortar Mastery: The challenges and wins of opening a physical store after starting online. Community Impact: How creating a vibrant, local business can uplift small towns - and YOU can be a part of that! Marketing Tips: Chris talks about her experience using design, events, and even billboards to attract customers and build a destination business. Balancing Introversion and Leadership: Chris's insights on navigating personal challenges as a retail entrepreneur. Actionable Takeaways for Retailers Plan Events to Build Buzz: Create signature events or demos around quieter seasons to bring traffic to your store. Employ Multiple Revenue Streams: You can earn revenue with both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce options to build stability and reach more customers. About Chris Waddy and Loopy Wool Chris is the owner of Loopy Wool, a fibre art studio in Salisbury, New Brunswick. Chris was a rug hooker first but her love extends to all fibre art now. Loopy Wool opened less than a year ago.  Follow along with Chris and her business: Loopy Wool: Instagram | Website | Facebook Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 55: Unscalable Conversations: A Free, Simple, and Powerful Marketing Tool to Use Episode 69: Becoming a Destination Shop Episode 143: How to Plan and Host Successful Events and Promotions in Your Shop About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:  What's the secret to running a retail business that feels like home and keeps customers coming back? In this episode of the podcast, I sat down with powerhouse and retail expert Kim Williams of The Polka Dot Press in Tallahassee, Florida - and we are answering that question and so much more. Get ready to be inspired!  With over 21 years of retail experience and a knack for social media marketing, Kim shares actionable tips for retailers, heartfelt stories, and strategies that every independent retailer can use. From training staff to balancing a side business, Kim's insights are a must-hear for retailers looking to stand out in 2025. Key Highlights: Kim's Retail Journey: From a home-based stationery line to a thriving brick-and-mortar stationery and gift shop, learn how Kim evolved her business over two decades. Hospitality in Retail: The beauty of treating your shop like your home and creating a welcoming experience for customers. Your shop should feel like your happy place! “Treat your shop like your home, and your customers will feel like family.” -Kim Williams Staff Training Secrets: How Kim uses a “Disney Main Street” analogy to keep her team and customers engaged and her shop dynamic. Listen in for some really fun secrets her staff uses to make the customer experience at The Polka Dot Press better! Smart Transitions: The bold move to move from custom services and focus on curated, ready-to-sell products. Additional Revenue Stream Success: How Kim invested in her love for social media marketing: taking on clients and adding revenue. Social Media Success: Why relationships matter more than algorithms and how consistency can transform your online presence. “Relationships over algorithms—that's the key to social media success.” -Kim Williams Balancing Act: How Kim juggles a successful retail business and a growing social media agency. Actionable Takeaways: Embrace “consumable gifts” for products that delight and don't add clutter. Use open-ended questions like, “What brings you in today?” to spark meaningful customer interactions. Consistency is key on social media to maintain visibility and build trust with your audience. About Kim and The Polka Dot Press With over 30 years in the retail industry, Kim started her business from her home in 2003 and has since grown it into a thriving gift shop known for its unique gifts and stationery. Recognized as an Outstanding Retail Leader by the Florida Retail Federation in 2012, Kim's expertise and dedication to customer service make her an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their social media presence online. Follow along with Kim and her businesses: The Polka Dot Press: Instagram | Website and The Buzz Grove: Instagram | Website Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 239: Behind the Counter: Building the Business You Wish Existed with Jasmine McCue Episode 221: How to Raise the Bar on Excellence in Retail with Guest Expert Jeffrey Shaw Episode 204: Behind the Counter: Meet Inner Circle Member Jeanne Terrill About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:  Join me for a 4-hour intensive January Retail Reset on January 14th! This is a small workshop where we will be laser-focusing on your business. Feel like you might need to revisit your goals and get clear on what you need to do in 2025? Join me! All of the details are here.    If you are dreading making a plan for your retail shop in 2025, I have something for you: Design Your Best Retail Year Ever is available for purchase as a stand-alone workshop (or free for you if you are a member of The Retailer's Inner Circle program)!    This workshop has been named a favorite by so many of my clients. It's truly an invaluable resource that every retail shop owner can use - whether you love to plan or dread it. Grab it today, or join the Retailer's Inner Circle and it's included in your membership - along with a “pantry” full of other masterclasses and resources for you to grab when you need them.    The 6 Areas You Should Focus on This Year Building a stable foundation: There are three pieces to business stability: (1) business viability/profitability (2) your customers and their changing needs (3) you and your team Embracing retail excellence: Mediocrity is not going to cut it in 2025. “Excellence” doesn't mean luxury, it means paying attention to details in all aspects of your business. “If coming to my shop today wasn't the best thing our customer did, then we haven't done our job.” -Cindy Boissonneault, Poco Inspired Earning your customers' loyalty: Your customers want to be seen and understood. What strategies do you have in place to create customers for life? Be a superhero in your community: How can you be a town cheerleader, connector, and community advocate? Exude confident leadership: Believe in what you are creating. What are you spending your CEO time on? Visibility is key: Position your brand to be seen as the “go-to.” Can your customers shop online? Are there revenue streams you can add? Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 221: How to Raise the Bar on Excellence in Retail with Guest Expert Jeffrey Shaw Episode 237: Retailer Success Series: Cindy's Journey to Building a Thriving Bead Store Episodes 198-200: Stop Hiding and Be Known: Retailer's Visibility Series Parts 1-3 About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

  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:  As an independent retailer, the end of the year is a perfect time to pause, reflect, and plan for the future. In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I'm sharing five powerful questions that can help you evaluate your past year, identify growth opportunities, and set intentional goals for 2025. Whether you're looking to streamline your operations, grow your customer base, or simply realign your business with your values, these insights are tailored to help small business owners thrive.   If you are dreading making a plan for your retail shop in 2025, I have something for you: Design Your Best Retail Year Ever is available for purchase as a stand-alone workshop (or free for you if you are a member of The Retailer's inner Circle program)!    This workshop has been named a favorite by so many of my clients. It's truly an invaluable resource that every retail shop owner can use - whether you love to plan or dread it. Grab it today, or join the Retailer's Inner Circle and it's included in your membership - along with a “pantry” full of other masterclasses and resources for you to grab when you need them.    Episode Highlights: 1. Reflect on Success: Use five reflective questions to assess your year and identify areas of improvement. What do I wish I had done better? What am I most proud of? What am I worried about? What do I want to be proud of next year? Do my goals align with my vision? 2. Plan with Purpose: Embrace the Design Your Best Year Ever workshop to map out a clear and intentional plan for 2025. 3. Community Matters: Join a supportive retailer network to share insights, get inspired, and stay accountable. 4. Mindset Shift: Replace worry with clarity by addressing concerns directly and creating actionable steps. "Success is yours, but you have to design it." -Wendy Batten   Related podcasts we think you'll like:    Episode 194: Feeling Stuck? 20 Prompts to Help Flip Your Mindset Episode 197: A Monthly Debrief: A Simple Activity All Retail Shop Owners Should Be Doing Episode 208: Stack Your Team with Guest Expert Shelli Warren About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you

 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/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:  What would happen if you built a business centered entirely around what you love and what you believe your community is currently missing? We're about to find out!  In this truly inspiring episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I'm sitting down with Lisa Wrixon, the visionary and CEO behind thestylewell and Lewellyn, two boutique shops in North Vancouver. From her roots in art history to leading retail operations for major brands, Lisa's journey is a masterclass in turning passion into purpose. Discover how she built a thriving business centered on beautiful design, community engagement, and a curated customer experience—all while staying true to her values and vision. If you're an independent retailer looking for actionable insights and motivation, this episode is for you! Episode Highlights: We dig into Lisa's Background: From studying art history to managing merchandising and retail operations for top brands like The Body Shop and Indaba Trading. thestylewell Origin Story: A dream sparked by a love for beautiful, curated spaces, culminating in a thriving home decor business in North Vancouver. Running Two Shops: Lisa owns thestylewell, focusing on home decor, and Lewellyn, a sister shop for fashion and accessories. Building Community: The importance of hosting workshops, events, and pop-ups to engage with the local design and retail community. Curating Success: Balancing simplicity, aesthetics, and strong operational practices to create a loyal customer base. Biggest Lessons: The value of staying true to your brand while taking calculated risks to grow. Takeaways for Retailers: Invest in your community and prioritize relationships over transactions. Curate your offerings with a strong focus on aesthetics and what resonates with your ideal customers. Don't overcomplicate operations—simplicity and clarity can fuel success. Collaborate and share knowledge generously to foster growth in your industry. Lisa is an active member of the Retailer's Inner Circle program. Join smart retailers like Lisa inside this program this year.  "I opened a shop for me because I couldn't find what I wanted. Now, I create the need for others." -Lisa Wrixon   Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 237: Retailer Success Series: Cindy's Journey to Building a Thriving Bead Store Episode 217: Best of Retailer Success Series: Simplifying Your Retail Business with Louise McManus Episode 179: Retailer Success Series: Jess Gebauer, on Using Unique Marketing and Sales Strategies   About Lisa and thestylewell thestylewell is curated and owned by Lisa Wrixon, an innovative and dynamic creative professional who relishes in inspiring, delighting and engaging customers. As a lover of all things beautiful, Lisa has years of experience as a residential Interior Designer, wholesale home décor brand strategist and Manager of Retail Operations for leading Canadian Retailers. But it is her love of all things pretty, that are created with care, and her vision of creating meaningful moments in people's homes that has driven her to open thestylewell. thestylewell aims to provide beautiful decorative pieces, hand selected by Lisa with the intent to enhance a living space, be admired and desired, shared or possessed for oneself. Follow along with Lisa, thestylewell and Lewellyn :  thestylewell Website | Lewellyn Website | thestylewell Instagram | Lewellyn Instagram About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

 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/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-intro/   In This Episode:  Make 2025 the best year ever in your retail business! In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I'm sharing how to do exactly that. I'll share actionable steps for setting goals, vision-storming, and creating a strategic marketing plan. Whether you're a planner or not, this episode is packed with easy tips to ensure you are ready to hit the ground running in 2025. If you like this episode but need a little more, you can grab my on-demand Design Your Best Retail Year Ever on my website. Let's dive in! Key Takeaways: Looking Back to Plan Ahead: Reflect on your business's performance over the past year to identify what worked and what didn't. Vision Storming: Craft a clear vision of what you want your business to achieve in 2025, focusing on growth, freedom, and profitability. Set Realistic Goals: Develop SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) goals to align your vision with actionable steps. Create a Marketing Strategy: Design a marketing plan that matches your revenue goals and targets new customer visibility and engagement. Prioritize Your Team & Systems: Evaluate the support you need and implement systems that will help you reach your goals smoothly. Write out your 1-5 BIG Vision goals: for the year on one page and keep it close.  "A better year starts now. If you want to go from good to great, or fine to better, this is how we do it." -Wendy Batten Your Next Steps: Here's what I want you to do this week. Commit to creating a plan, then grab the Design Your Best Retail Year Ever workshop, and schedule time to work through your business goals. And of course, you're always welcome to join us in the Retailer's Inner Circle where we dig into this stuff even more! All of my courses are available at no additional cost to all members of the Inner Circle. Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 82: Five Steps to Simplify Your Content Planning Episode 136: Coffee Chat Breaks with Wendy: Annual Planning That Fills Your Life Buckets Episode 234: Simple Shifts to Boost Your Bottom Line This Holiday Season About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

 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: Profit vs. Revenue: We've got to stop chasing that top-line revenue number like it's the only thing that matters. What we really want is profit—what's left after you pay for everything that makes your business run. “Revenue is vanity. Profit is sanity.” -unknown Easy Pricing Tweaks: One quick win for you—try raising your prices by 3-5%. Don't panic! Small increases can make a huge difference in your margins without customers feeling like prices went up. Trim Your Operating Expenses: Take a good look at where your money is going. Is there something you can negotiate, cut, or adjust? Things like shipping costs, credit card fees, and even your phone plan can often be negotiated down with a little effort. (But be sure not to cut expenses that are making you money or that you are gaining value from!) Think Percentages, Not Dollars: When you focus on making small percentage changes, like reducing expenses by just 1%, you'll start seeing big results over time. It's all about those small wins adding up! Your Next Steps: Here's what I want you to do this week: Take a walk around your shop and really look at your pricing. Is there an opportunity to nudge things up just a bit? Next, review your expenses line by line and see where you can make a tiny cut that won't affect your business but will boost your bottom line. If you're ready to dive deeper into increasing your profits, I've got a Best Year Ever workshop and a three-part Holiday Profits Challenge waiting for you at wendybatten.com. Let's get you making those simple changes that will bring in more profits without the stress. And of course, you're always welcome to join us in the Retailer's Inner Circle where we dig into this stuff even more! Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 89: Money Talk & Mindset with Profits First Coach April Stroink Episode 184: Holiday Sales Tips from Seasoned Shop Owners Episode 191: Retail Growth Through Small Steps Episode 205: Workshops & Classes: Added Income for Your Retail Shop About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG  

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:  Are you thinking of selling or expanding your retail business? Think that's not for you? Never say never! Either way, it's important to prepare for the unexpected - and that's exactly what we'll be discussing in this episode. We need to be building brands that are sellable. As a retail coach, I've helped countless retailers through these phases. I've identified four critical areas you need to review to ensure your business is in top shape for opportunities as they arise. Key Takeaways: The 4 Key Areas for Growth-Ready Retail Businesses: Solid Systems Document operational processes (think recipe cards for everything!) Create living documents for your team to reference Ensure systems can be scaled to a new location Financial Health Keep organized, clean books—no messy finances Use tools like QuickBooks or Xero Make sure your business is profitable and cash flow is clear Brand Strength & Reputation Consistently deliver on your brand promise Monitor your reputation in the community and online Conduct regular brand audits Email List Grow and nurture your email list—it's an asset you own Don't rely solely on social media for customer connections Are your wheels turning? What's on your to-do list after listening to this episode? Where can you improve your sell-ability? Let's continue the conversation in my DMs on Instagram (@wendybatten.biz) or join my email list! Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 89: Money Talk & Mindset with Profits First Coach April Stroink Episode 118: How To Create Loyalty and Amazing Customer Experiences with Guest Expert & Author Shep Hyken Episode 183: Fine Tuning Your Retail Business Operations with Business Strategist Gwen Bortner About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

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/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/     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/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/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!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:  Do you feel like you are always looking for new customers? Did you know that it is less expensive to keep your customers coming back than it is to market to new ones? In this episode of The Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I'm sitting down with Katrina Scarlett of Scarlett & Co. to chat about how independent retailers can elevate their in-store experience through a hospitality-driven approach and focus on customer retention. Katrina is a customer experience expert whose company specializes in helping clients improve retention, satisfaction, and monetization efforts to make a bigger impact. While she works now mostly with authors and coaches, her experience and approach are perfect for retail. I am so inspired by her work and am excited to share this conversation with you. Let's dive in! Here are some of the highlights and major touchpoints of our chat: Customer Retention as a Key Strategy: Katrina emphasized that customer retention goes beyond repeat visits—it's about creating loyalty and fostering a referral network. Loyal customers not only return but also spread the word, helping retailers grow their business organically. The Five Pillars of Customer Experience: Katrina's framework focuses on five essential areas that retailers should prioritize and with this framework, can set up actual operational guidelines for their staff and business.  Culture: A customer-centric culture should start from the top and flow throughout the entire team. Service: Retailers should focus on delivering more than just basic customer service—serving with intention and heart is essential. Offers: Product mixes should cater to customers' needs and desires, not just the store owner's preferences. Operations: Streamlining processes and systems makes shopping easier and frictionless for customers. Journey: The customer journey includes every interaction and touch point, from first impressions online to in-store purchases and beyond. Adopting a Hospitality Mindset: Adopting a hospitality-first approach in retail is key. Treating customers like valued guests can make a significant impact on their experience and loyalty. Importance of Operations: Efficient operations, such as easy returns and smooth checkout processes, are vital for improving the overall customer experience. Katrina highlights that operational decisions should always consider both the business and the customer's experience. Customer-Centric Focus: The success of a retail store is built on the satisfaction of its customers. Period.  “Return to your heart of service.” -Katrina Scarlett Listen to the full episode to hear more ideas, the why and how to's. You will gain actionable insights into how to improve your retail shop's customer experience, build stronger loyalty, and create a hospitality-driven retail culture! About Katrina and Scarlett & Co. Katrina Scarlett is the founder and driving force behind Scarlett & Co., a company that specializes in helping authors and coaches improve their client retention, satisfaction and monetization efforts so they can increase their profits and expand their impact.    You can follow along with Katrina and Scarlett & Co. here: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn   17 Easy Ways to Improve Client Satisfaction & Retention Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer's Inner Circle.  Here's everything you need to know about the Retailer's Inner Circle. You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you'll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. And Q4 is coming! We've got your back. You don't have to do retail alone! Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 93: How to Wow and Delight Your Customers and Keep Them Coming Back Episode 118: How to Create Loyalty and Amazing Customer Experiences with Author Shep Hyken Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map Episode 215: Coffee Break Chat: Customer Service vs. Customer Experience   About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:  Something I encourage my retailers to ask themselves regularly: Does the vision I have for my retail shop match its reality? Running a successful retail shop involves more than just great products and a love for your store. The true test is whether your shop's current reality aligns with the vision you originally had and the vision you desire to have.  Are there areas of your business that feel messy or hard or annoying to you? This happens to all of us, but it must be corrected. As with any thriving ecosystem, there has to be balance and alignment - and that's where my Retailer's Ecosystem framework comes in. Here's a quick guide to help you assess and realign your business: Evaluate Your Vision: Does your shop's daily operations reflect the atmosphere, customer experience, flow of your daily business life, staff interactions and income you initially envisioned? If not, it's time to reassess and adjust. Retail Ecosystem Check: Success in retail (and for your own personal payroll as a retail shop owner) hinges on a balanced ecosystem. We suggest you evaluate and assess these four critical areas: CEO/Visionary Role: As the leader, you must maintain a healthy mindset, clear future planning, and strong personal habits. Your energy and vision set the tone for the store. How often do you invest in your own personal development as your business evolves? Marketing Strategy: Go beyond social media. Develop a comprehensive strategy that includes customer experience, visibility, and brand consistency. Measure your efforts with clear strategy and metrics for things like conversion rates as you work to turn browsers to buyers, and in store sales and order value increase strategies etc. Do you have a full marketing strategy in place? It can be simple, but it needs to cover all areas. Attract, engage, serve, and wow and delight your customers.  Operations & Systems: Streamline your shop's operations with clear systems and shop standards. Implementing standardized procedures for everything from customer service to daily cleaning can transform chaos into order. Financial Alignment: Don't shy away from your numbers. Understand your finances, including pricing, inventory management, and profitability metrics. Confidence in this area empowers better decision-making. Continuous Improvement: Retail success isn't static. Regularly revisit and refine these areas to ensure your business evolves in line with your vision. Listen in on the full episode for more information! If you need more support, I hope you'll join me and like-minded retailers in the Retailers Inner Circle, where ongoing training and resources are available to help you keep your retail ecosystem thriving. We have masterclasses covering every level of the retailer's ecosystem to help you level up your retail shop and grow a successful business. Your next step: Reflect on the four areas above and identify where your business might need a little more attention. Making small adjustments can lead to big improvements in profitability, joy, and overall business success. And if you are ready to level up… join the Retailer's Inner Circle.    Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer's Inner Circle.  Here's everything you need to know about the Retailer's Inner Circle. You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you'll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. And Q4 is coming! We've got your back. You don't have to do retail alone! Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 94: The Retailer's Ecosystem: Where to Spend Your Time and Focus Within Your Business Episode 130: The Karate Kid Stages Will Help Your Retail Business Episodes 163-166: Simple Sales Strategy Series About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

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/   Looking for a retail survival guide for the Holidays? I've got you! My Holiday Success Bootcamp is truly all you need to rock the 4th quarter in your retail business. And the best news is you can purchase it as a stand-alone masterclass this year! Don't wing it this holiday season! Grab it here!   The Holiday Success Bootcamp got a glow-up in 2024! In addition to the 5 masterclass sessions, the program also includes: A list of curated ideas (that we know work!) for promotional events for every holiday/celebration from October through January 6 editable email templates every retailer should send between Black Friday and New Year's Day Holiday gift certificate templates Social media prompts and editable Q4 Canva graphics that make scheduling posts for the holidays EASY …and so much more!   In This Episode:  Sometimes, as retail shop owners, we get so busy working on our businesses and staying in our lanes that we make the mistake of thinking everyone knows what's going on inside of our shops. YOU know what you do in your shop. YOU know what you sell. But does your community know what your shop is all about?    This episode is all about putting an end to the assumption that people in your community know what you do and what you sell in your retail business. I'm here to tell you that you have to be talking about your shop and your business so much that even YOU are almost sick of hearing it!   How do you know if you are talking enough about your biz? Here's some homework: Identify your best-selling categories (jeans, jewelry, candles, etc.) Go through all of your social media & selling platforms (email, FB, etc) and figure out how often you are actually sharing these categories. Also, identify HOW you are sharing the categories: is it just through live video or just static photos? You need to mix it up! Make sure you are highlighting your best sellers inside of your store through visually appealing displays and great signage. Tell the stories of your products.   This short episode can have a huge impact on your business if you take 20 minutes out of your next CEO date to do a quick audit of how and how often you are sharing your best-selling categories. I want to hear how this episode helped you! DM me on Instagram and let's chat!   Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer's Inner Circle.  Here's everything you need to know about the Retailer's Inner Circle. You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you'll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. And Q4 is coming! We've got your back. You don't have to do retail alone! Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 103: Increase Sales with Your Silent Salesperson: Signage Episodes 198-200: Stop Hiding and Be Known: Retailer's Visibility Series Episode 221: How to Raise the Bar on Excellence in Retail with Guest Expert Jeffrey Shaw Episode 222: 6 Things to Do This Month To Prepare Your Shop for the Holidays About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

 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/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/   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/   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/   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/   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/   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/   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:    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:    Let's have a coffee chat around being a big deal in your community, shall we?   Recently, I had a conversation with a client where she relayed to me that being a “big deal” in her community felt awkward for her because she didn't want to show off or flaunt herself. I want to be the first to tell you that being a big deal isn't about you personally, but rather, it's about making sure your brand is known in your community. It's about knowing what makes your brand special and making sure your community knows. It's about having confidence in what you are doing in your retail store and sharing it with your community.   “Confidence comes from doing.”   If you need a little pep talk around gathering the confidence to get your name out there in the community, this coffee chat is for you! Grab yourself a cup and let's dive in. Be sure to check out the related podcast list this week for a deep dive on visibility.    Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer's Inner Circle.  Here's everything you need to know about the Retailer's Inner Circle. You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you'll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episodes 198-200: Stop Hiding and Be Known: The Retailer's Visibility Series   About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

   With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:    If your retail shop is in an area where summertime means things slow down a little bit, it's not time to settle into vacation mode just yet!  As we move into summer, there are a few things that we can be doing around our retail shops to set us up for success when things get busier this Fall. In this episode, I'm going to share 5 areas retail shop owners could focus on this summer so you won't be winging it when Q4 arrives. The 5 areas I'll be discussing in this episode are: Any maintenance and physical changes to your shop Updating processes & systems Reorganizing and making changes/additions to your team Your marketing plan Review and know your numbers   You can ease off the gas and take a little break this summer, even as you focus on these areas. There is time for both… for now! So let's get to planning in Q3 so we can set ourselves up for a phenomenal Q4 in 2024. Let's dive in!   Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer's Inner Circle.  Here's everything you need to know about the Retailer's Inner Circle. You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you'll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 112: How to Do a Mid-Year Review and Check-up Episode 162: What to Focus on in Q3 Episode 166: Simple Sales Strategy Series Episode 195: What Numbers Successful Retail Shop Owners are Measuring About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:  When you are feeling stuck in your retail business or in life, what tricks do you use to change your mindset? How do you push through the blocks that feel as though they are keeping you stuck?  In this episode, I'm joined by mixed media artist, creative coach, and former client Jane Bellante to chat about all things mindset. Jane's business has transformed over the years from a retail shop to creative coaching. Today she hosts The ArtFusion Podcast and helps retailers and creatives let go of negative thought patterns to create art and personal brands. If you need some inspiration around flipping your mindset and overcoming business blocks, this episode is for you! “As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.” -Rumi Just a few of the points we chat about: The magic of stillness Trusting yourself and listening to your intuition Tying habits to positive affirmations How changing your thought patterns can also change your neuropathways  Being brave enough to let go of the things that are no longer serving you and your business The connection between you, your customers, and your branding (This conversation may surprise you!) Jane also gives us great advice on seeking progress over perfection, or as I like to say, “done is better than perfect!” What's holding you back? How can I help? Reach out and let's chat! About our Guest, Jane Bellante Jane Bellante is an expert at helping people let go of negative thought patterns to create the art and personal brands they have always wanted with joy, confidence and ease. She has been a mixed media artist for 30 years, is an International Best Selling Author, a 3 time published artist and has a Masters Degree in Adult Education. She is host of the ArtFusion Podcast, founder of the 5 Day Letting Go Workshop, the Creating Confidently (ArtFusion) course, IGNITE mastermind leader, and is a married mother of 2 kids and 2 pets. Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer's Inner Circle.  Here's everything you need to know about the Retailer's Inner Circle. You'll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you'll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. Related podcasts we think you'll like:    Episode 185: Avoid Burnout with Guest Expert Dr. Ashley Margeson Episode 194: Feeling Stuck? 20 Prompts to Help You Flip Your Mindset Episode 133: Retail Success Series: Community, Culture, & CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh   About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community   Free resources for shop owners    Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!