Podcasts about diying

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode: Let's make this summer your most joyful and productive yet, without the burnout. In this episode, I'm sharing how to embrace a "Summer of Ease" while still keeping your retail business humming along behind the scenes. Whether you're a brick-and-mortar owner in peak tourist season or experiencing a slower Q3, this one's for you. We're trading hustle for harmony by leaning into three core pillars: (1) Fun (yes, you need it!), (2) Rest (not a reward, but part of your job), and (3) Momentum (because Q4 is coming and we need to be ready!) How to Create Ease This Summer: Schedule your calendar and your team's through September Pre-plan promotions, social content, and email marketing Reuse great content from last year (no one remembers your July 2023 meme, it's fine) Humanize your brand with softer summer content (think beach reads and mojito recipes) Hand off live sales, store tours, or event planning to your team or guest hosts Let go of the guilt and get off your phone and POS app while you're away It's time to drop the “shoulds,” my friend. Let's get to work. Until next week, cheers to joy, freedom, and profits. “Watching your POS like a hawk is not making things sell faster.” -Wendy Batten Your Next Steps Get out your calendar and do some planning! And let's connect on Instagram! What are your top tips for planning your summer of ease? I'd love to hear from you. Screenshot this episode and tag me on Instagram, or just jump into my DMs. If you're a member of the Retailer's Inner Circle, check your monthly playbooks. They're packed with done-for-you email prompts, promotional calendars, and content ideas to make this even easier. And if you aren't…join my supportive community of retailers in the Retailer's Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.   Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 82: 5 Steps to Simplify Your Content Planning Episode 143: How to Plan and Host Successful Events and Promotions in Your Retail Shop Episode 253: Mastering Social Selling About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Join Wendy's CEO Planning Session for Retailers Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

If your brand feels like a relic from your business's early days, you're not alone. As your business evolves, so should your brand...but does that mean a complete overhaul or a strategic refresh?In Part 2 of this Rebrand to Rise series, we explore the crossroads many entrepreneurs face: to rebrand entirely or to evolve their existing brand. We'll discuss the differences, the decision-making process, and how to align your brand with your current business vision.In this episode, you'll learn:The key differences between a total rebrand and a brand evolutionHow to assess which elements of your brand to keep, update, or retireWhy some designers advocate for lengthy rebranding processes, and why I take a different approachAn inside look at the rebranding process within The Co+Creation ClubWork with me in The Co+Creation Design Club. Done-WITH-you creative and design support for the scaling entrepreneur (and their team) who's ready to craft a high-demand brand, without the cost and hassle of an in-house designer!APPLY NOW: https://whitedeer.com.au/clubsaleLaunch Rebrand pack: https://www.diydesignmybiz.com/RebrandLaunchWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EWY1P52jBHcRead on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep218/Intro 0:00Why this is important 1:01Rebrand vs evolution 3:32Questions to ask 8:00Client example 13:00Steps to follow 19:25WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/clubsale// Design Studio: If you're after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

What does it really look like to grow a thriving creative business while raising a family, managing a full client roster, and staying true to yourself?In this episode, we're joined by Jen Bowen of She Made It Like That—calligrapher, engraver, and live event artist. Since starting her calligraphy business in 2020, Jen has gone from taking on her first wedding project to becoming a sought-after artist known for her genuine client relationships, polished brand, and community-first approach.Whether you're a new calligrapher wondering how to get clients or a seasoned creative balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, Jen shares real-life insights on building a calligraphy business that's both profitable and sustainable.We're diving into:How Jen used relationship marketing to book her first clients and grow her brandThe power of networking, vendor connections, and in-person events for live artistsInvesting in yourself vs. DIYing your businessHow to balance motherhood and entrepreneurship without burning outEncouragement for creative business owners at every stage of the journey 

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:   Let's talk about the “summer slowdown,” shall we?    In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, we're flipping the script on the summer slowdown and showing you how to use any quiet time as a powerful CEO reset. Whether it's organizing your back-end systems, strengthening customer relationships, or proactively planning for Q4, this season can be one of your most productive if approached with intention - and I'm showing you how. We're diving into practical and mindset-driven strategies for using this seasonal dip to build momentum, clarity, and energy. Learn how to schedule a “money date” with your financials, declutter your tech stack, and plant the seeds for a thriving holiday season. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why a slower season can be your biggest strategic advantage How to use your CEO date to make smarter inventory decisions Ways to deepen customer relationships and build brand loyalty Quick backend system fixes that can boost efficiency How to use the summer to prep for a stress-free Q4 and holiday season Why mindset matters more than momentum during seasonal dips   Your Next Steps If you found this episode helpful in any way, I would LOVE if you would share it with a fellow shop owner who might need a mindset shift! Then tag me on Instagram (@wendybatten.biz) with your summer reset plans. I'd love to hear from you!   And then …join my supportive community of retailers in the Retailer's Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.   Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 115: How to Tame All of Those Great Ideas Episode 116: What to Do if It's Slow: Summer Strategy Series Episode 216: Create a Summer of Ease for Your Retail Shop About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Join Wendy's CEO Planning Session for Retailers Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

You're getting clients. You're making sales. You've got a good thing going.But deep down... you know something's off.You're working with great clients, but not dream clients.You're making sales, but not at the level your offers deserve.You're showing up, but not feeling fully confident in your brand.That nagging feeling? That's a brand mismatch. And today, I'm diving into how to spot it, fix it, and create a personal brand that aligns with your next-level business goals.This is part one of a three-part series on personal branding for scaling service-based businesses... let's make sure your visual identity isn't the thing quietly capping your growth.In this episode, you'll learn:What brand misalignment really is (and why it's often mistaken for a marketing problem)The quiet symptoms of brand mismatch you might be missingWhat brand alignment actually looks and feels like (with real examples)How visuals impact pricing, confidence and conversionThe transformation story a client's brand glow-up5 powerful questions to self-audit your branding todayIf you're ready to be seen as the expert you already are... your brand has to match the level you're stepping into.Intro 0:00Problems with visual brands 1:21Signs of a mismatched brand 3:31Graphic example 7:55Fixing a mismatched brand 11:55Questions you should be asking 16:24Wrap up 18:00Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WS7_UOehadwRead on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep217/WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you're after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode:   Do you struggle to schedule and/or keep your CEO dates with yourself? Running your shop like a true CEO isn't just for big-box retailers: it's for independent creative retail shop owners just like you - trust me on this. If you've ever felt like your business is dragging you down; if you KNOW you aren't spending your time on the things you should be…this episode is for you.   Not sold on why CEO time is crucial? Unsure of where or why to start? Wondering what you should be doing during your CEO date? Listen in now!   Takeaways for Indie Retailers Hard seasons are normal – Obstacles come with owning a business. What matters is how you move through them. Stop playing small – Don't let busy work keep you from doing the real CEO work that moves the needle. You can't scale with hustle and heart alone – Aligned action is what brings joy, profit, and freedom. Take a pause and plan – A regular CEO date with yourself brings clarity and confidence. Want help? – I'm hosting a Quarterly CEO Planning Day on June 10th. Come plan alongside other retailers who get it! More info below. What to Focus on During CEO Time Strategic planning (not just goal setting) Reviewing what worked and what didn't Understanding your income streams and profit margins Creating intentional marketing, not last-minute campaigns So what is your next step? Join me for a productive afternoon of planning out your next 90 days in my Retailer's CEO Planning Day on June 10th! This is a new program I'm offering. We will meet together in a small group and spend an afternoon doing some intensive quarterly CEO-level planning for your business. It comes with pre-meeting vision planning prompts, 4 hours of a focused planning session with me and a small group, 2 weeks of support from me, and a retail success toolkit to help you every step of the way! Save $100 by registering by June 6th. See you there!   Need more? Join me for my first Retailer's CEO Planning Day on June 10th! This is a new program I'm offering. We will meet together in a small group and spend an afternoon doing some intensive quarterly CEO-level planning for your business. It comes with pre-meeting vision planning prompts, 4 hours of a focused planning session with me and a small group, 2 weeks of support from me, and a retail success toolkit to help you every step of the way! Save $100 by registering by June 6th. See you there!   Or…join my supportive community of retailers in the Retailer's Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.   Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 33: The CEO Date: A Non-Negotiable Habit is Key to Creative CEO Success Episode 88: Retailer Success Series: Making Pivotal (and scary) CEO Decisions with Retailer Melanie Kolb Episode 133: Retailer Success Series: Community, Culture, and CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/    For more support from Wendy   Join Wendy's CEO Planning Session for Retailers Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

In this special “coaches takeover” episode, Career Strategy Lab coaches Erin, Steph, and Becca go behind the scenes to talk candidly about what actually happens inside Career Strategy Lab. From client wins and transformations to what makes CSL different from other career programs, you'll hear their real talk on what works, who thrives, and why this job search container is unlike anything else.Whether you're skeptical of coaching, burnt out from DIYing your job search, or just curious about how CSL works, this episode gives you an inside look from the people who live and breathe it every day.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✔️ What makes CSL truly different (hint: it's not just the curriculum)✔️ The #1 thing clients think is their problem—and what it actually is✔️ What happens when people stop doom-scrolling and start taking action✔️ The unexpected power of community, mindset support, and critique feedback✔️ How CSL helps you tell a better story—not just land a job✔️ Why the coaches choose to stay (and why that matters)Timestamps:00:53 Meet the Coaches: Erin, Steph, and Becca01:25 First Impressions of Sarah Duty05:05 What Sarah Gets Right in Career Coaching09:47 Behind the Scenes of Career Strategy Lab15:14 Client Success Stories and Transformations17:32 Why We Choose to Stay with CSL24:33 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsApplied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.Welcome to the Career Strategy Podcast with Sarah Doody, a UX Designer & UX Researcher with 20 years of experience who founded the UX job search accelerator, Career Strategy Lab. She's been doing UX career coaching since 2017.Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

Ever looked at a business owner and thought, “How on earth is she doing it all?”Here's the truth... she's probably not.I'm definitely not.In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and showing you the exact team that supports me behind the scenes. From my VA and graphic designer to my repurposing manager and studio team... this is how I run a full business between nap times and late-night work sessions.Whether you're starting small, or thinking about your next hire, this episode will give you clarity, permission, and a whole lot of “ohhh... that's how she does it.”Here's what you'll learn:Why I didn't want to hire at first, and what changed my mindMy full team breakdown, including who does what and whyHow I structure roles to buy back time and brain spaceTools we use to keep communication smooth and work flowingWhat to consider when you're ready to hire (even just a few hours a month)WANT TO WORK WITH MY TEAM? A couple of them have places available:VIDEO EDITING: Erek at https://www.erekladd.com/contactCONTENT REPURPOSING: Isabel who is offering free 30 minute strategy sessions: https://tidycal.com/fairyfoxdigital/free-value-callsIntro 0:00Making the decision to hire a team 0:57Hiring at VA 2:48Content manager 7:00Video editor 8:48Graphic designer 10:20Success coach 14:54Book keeper 15:21WATCH, READ & CONNECT:Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g2FQLpeqUERead on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep216WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you're after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Trying to DIY your way through AI isn't showing grit—it's wasting precious time and opportunity. And I say this as someone who LOVES to figure things out myself! I'm seeing too many capable founders (especially women) stalling out because they're stuck in what I call "prompt purgatory"—constantly collecting AI resources but rarely implementing them.What if the shortcut isn't cheating? What if it's actually the smart CEO move that you're avoiding? While you're saving that fifth tutorial to watch "later," someone else has already launched their product or tripled their output with AI doing the heavy lifting. That's the new reality.I'll share how my own business transformation began when I took a shortcut by investing in a Pinterest course years ago—a decision that collapsed my learning curve from years into weeks and became the foundation for everything I've built since.What you'll learn:Why "shortcutting" with AI is about collapsing timelines, not cutting cornersThe hidden costs of DIYing your way through AI (time, energy, missed opportunities)How to shift from "scrappy founder" to "smart CEO" mindsetWhat AI mastery in 2025 actually unlocks (building funnels in a weekend, tripling content output)Why the entrepreneurs who thrive this year won't be the ones who "kinda know" AIResources Mentioned:AI Unlocked Summit: https://gemmabonhamcarter.com/ai-unlocked (May 27-29, 2025) Support the show

   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!

Behind the scenes, most business chaos doesn't come from a lack of skill... it comes from messy, non-existent systems. And if your client experience feels a little scattered, your clients are feeling it too.In this guest episode, I'm joined by Mariana from Pink Ocean VS... a systems strategist, community builder, and spreadsheet-loving creative to unpack how we can create client journeys that feel seamless, supportive and straight-up satisfying.Whether you're a virtual assistant, a creative service provider, or just tired of chasing your tail between bub's nap time and Zoom calls... this is your reminder that structure can be freeing, and systems can be soul-nourishing.Here's what we cover:The difference between delivering a service... and crafting an experienceThe emotional layer that sets great brands apartWhat systems every service provider actually needsThe low-tech, high-clarity magic of mapping your journeyWhy SOPs aren't just for big businessesGrab your post-its, open your Canva whiteboard, and tune in... this one's equal parts strategy and heartDOWNLOAD Free Canva Client Journey Map: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep215ABOUT MARIANA:I'm Mariana, founder of Pink Ocean Virtual Solutions, a digital operations service for service-based business owners who are ready to clean up the backend, stop duct-taping their systems together, and get back to doing what they're great at. I specialise in CRM setups (especially Moxie), digital declutters, SOP creation, and ongoing tech VA support.CONNECT WITH MARIANAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkoceanvs/Website: https://pinkoceanvs.com.au/"The Break" Newsletter: https://pinkoceanvs.myflodesk.com/podcastMoxie fortnightly newsletter: https://pinkoceanvs.myflodesk.comWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l6s55Zjk3hYRead on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep215/WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you're after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast — we bought a car (!!), Harrison is trying his hand at DIY (or at least I thought he was??), and we're diving into how becoming parents has shifted our relationship with alcohol. From who gets up with Tate after a night of drinks, to what we did when one of us wanted to cut back, to whether we ACTUALLY pump and dump — we're answering all your questions and sharing what's worked (in the past 7 days that we've cut out alcohol lol). Plus — the Nestlé scandal somehow gets worse (they allegedly lobbied against longer maternity leave???), a new Flock collab (!!), and how Disney weirdly helped us manage our time when we were kids (wth are the Netflix era kids gonna do??). Oh, and Harrison still thinks im not lactose intolerant…  LOVE YOU GUYS!  Timestamps:  00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! 00:03:12 I bought a car!  00:12:27 Work update: New Flock collab!! 00:16:16 House update: Harrison's DIYing??? (kinda) 00:25:20 How parenthood changed our relationship with alcohol 00:29:00 Q&A: How did Alex get Harrison on the same vibe regarding cutting back on alcohol? 00:33:35 Q&A: How do you think alcohol affects your relationship with each other?  00:35:35 Q&A: How do you decide who gets up with Tate at night/morning if you've both had some beverages that night? 00:38:48 Q&A: I think alcohol for every event has become so normal in our culture. What do you think are reasonable boundaries around alcohol consumption? Especially as parents 00:42:14 Q&A: How do you and Harrison maintain a social life / drinking and being parents? Did that affect any of your friendships? 00:44:49 Q&A: How do you navigate if one parent is the drinking type and the other is fairly sober? When is it fair to ask your partner that you'd like to have a few drinks instead of always being the “default” parent and how to communicate that? 00:48:20 Q&A: Im exclusively pumping and wondering how you navigated pumping and drinking. Do you pump and dump? Wait a couple hours? I haven't had a drink yet because I don't know what to do! 00:50:13 Nestle scandal continues with lobbying against longer maternity leave (ALLEGEDLY) 00:57:53 Things We DMed each other: Disney helped us with time management  01:03:00 Things We DMed each other: Sleep Song 01:05:20 LOVE YOU GUYS!  #twoparentsandapod ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: HelloFresh – Go to https://www.HelloFresh.com/TWOPARENTS10FM now to get 10 Free Meals with a Free Item For Life. One per box with active subscription. Free meals applied as discount on first box. New subscribers only. Offer varies by plan. Quince – Go to https://www.Quince.com/alex for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. SKIMS – Check out the Fits Everybody Collection at https://www.skims.com/twoparents. #skimspartner ---------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386  ---------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Two Parents & A Podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod Follow Alex: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett Follow Harrison: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House – https://www.justmediahouse.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!

If you're planning to launch (or re-launch) a course in 2025, it's time to get cracking, especially on your design. Because your audience is judging your course by its cover, and your graphics could be the reason you're not hitting your sales goals.In this episode, I'm walking you through the exact timeline and visual assets you need to nail your course branding and show up like the pro you are. This is the kind of strategic design planning that sets you up for consistent, passive income... and a course you're proud to shout about.I'll also share why most people leave design way too late (and how to avoid it), plus how we can co-create every graphic together inside The Co+Creation Design Club

 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!

This week's host, Monica Grant, is joined by Joshua Wheeler to chat The Resourceful Sailor series of DIY sailing repairs, fixes, modifications, and hacks. Joshua is a drummer-turned-sailor who's been sharing his tips & stories with the Latitude 38 audience since 2019. Hear why sailing is as engaging as music, how to DIY your boat projects, his most memorable DIY repairs & solutions, what to know before sailing the world in a small boat, and whether he keeps his drum set on his boat. Learn more about Joshua at SailingWithJosh.com, on YouTube @SailingWithJosh, and at Latitude38.com

Online courses are an amazing way to serve your audience and grow your business... until they flop. And one major reason they flop? The student experience.In this episode, discover three course design mistakes you might be making that are silently costing your sales.Whether you're launching your first course or refreshing an existing one, these design tweaks will help your students not just join your program, but LOVE and complete it. Stick around to the end for a juicy little app tip too!You'll learn:Why your course content might be unreadable and what to do insteadThe power of interactive course materials and how to create themHow to use imagery and diagrams to boost learning and retentionA tool that makes creating diagrams a breezeWhy internal branding matters as much as external

   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!

Ever poured your heart into an online course, launched it... and heard nothing but crickets?

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!

Holly Roberts hits up to nine thrift stores in a single day—and she's turned that passion into a thriving reselling biz! On the latest Get Thrifty Podcast, she shares her sourcing strategies, Instagram rebrand tips, and love for wicker, glass, and all things vintage. Tune in now and connect with her on IG: @wicker_witch_and_glassy_bitch   SHOW NOTES: Her love of wicker, ratan, and macramé runs deep! Treasure hunting for collectible mid-century glass. Her favorite arc Thrift Stores in the Denver area. 25 garage sales in one day! Reseller insights. Visit her at her booth at the Colorado Antique Gallery. How she rebranded her reselling business on Instagram. Sourcing tips, her “Supermarket Sweep” style, and setting up her “plan of attack.” Glow-ups and DIYing.

 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!

If you've ever thought PR was only for big brands with deep pockets—this episode is your permission slip to think again. This week, I'm chatting with the incredible Gloria Chou, PR coach, former US diplomat, and the queen of helping small product-based businesses get featured in major outlets without relying on expensive PR agencies. She breaks down her simple “CPR Method™” (no, not that kind of CPR!) that thousands of founders have used to land press—many on their very first pitch. If you're a product-based founder who wants to get seen, heard, and remembered—without shouting into the social media void—this conversation is for 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!

OVERVIEW: So many women believe they should be able to figure out their health and fitness journey on their own. After all, with so much free information out there, why would you need a coach, right? But here's the hard truth: if DIYing your fitness and nutrition worked, you'd already have the results you want. In this episode, I'm breaking down why going at it alone might be the very thing holding you back—and why investing in the right support could be the key to finally seeing the progress you've been chasing. Inside This Episode, I Cover:

DM automation has changed the game for my Instagram marketing... and in this episode, I'm sharing exactly how it works, how I keep it feeling heart-led, and the actual ManyChat template I use that generated 220+ leads. Yep — even while I was asleep

Doing it all yourself got you here — but will it get you where you want to go?If you're in a season of growth, income is flowing, and momentum is building… but you're feeling the stretch from constantly wearing all the hats, you're not alone. So many spiritual entrepreneurs reach a point where something has to shift – and that shift often starts with support.In this episode of the Feminine Fire Podcast, I'm sharing how to know when it's time to stop DIYing and start outsourcing, what to prioritise first, and the key mindset shifts that make hiring feel less overwhelming and more aligned.You'll hear the behind-the-scenes of my own journey – from doing everything myself in the early days, to bringing on my first team member after becoming a mum, and how that one decision created more spaciousness, income and flow.Support can look different for every spiritual entrepreneur, what matters most is that it's aligned with your vision, values and season of growth. This is about creating the right kind of support for you – so you can scale your spiritual business with more ease, clarity and freedom, and focus on what you do best.Want more?Connect with me on Instagram @bec_cuzzilloDownload ChatGPT Prompts To Create Your Body Of Work To Stand Out AND Sell Out beccuzzillo.com/aiApply to work with me inside the Spiritual Business Mistressmind beccuzzillo.com/mistressmind Find out more at beccuzzillo.com

 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!

There are SO many tools out there promising to help you grow your business... but what's actually worth paying for?In this episode, I'm sharing a full breakdown of the tools and programs I use in my 6-figure business — what I love about them, what I don't, and even some free alternatives.I know costs can add up, so this is your behind-the-scenes peek into the software I've chosen to invest in and how each one helps me grow while saving time.You'll hear about:Why I moved from Squarespace to ShowitThe all-in-one platform I use for emails, courses + checkoutsHow I repurpose podcast content into 20+ pieces weeklyMy top free tools I STILL use every day

This Episodes Questions: Brian's Questions: I'm preparing to build a set of kitchen cupboards from white oak.  The style will be Mission, with some Frank Lloyd Wright Prairies Style touches.  I have several questions.  I have a question about milling lumber.  There seems to be a trade-off: keep the boards long and you need to joint more off to get a flat face, hence the risk of falling below your desired thickness.  But cut the boards to length first and you have to allow for more cut-offs on the ends to remove planer snipe.  How should I think about this?  In general, do the three of you cut longer boards to length for parts first and then plane and joint?  Or do you joint and plane the boards whole (mine are 6' to 8') and take the perhaps larger losses to thickness but avoid multiple areas of planer snipe?   I know that much depends on the boards, but I'd be interested in your general approaches.  Darrin    Hey guys I absolutely love the podcast, amd have already learned a lot. I recently have decided to do this for more than a hobby. I have been doing small or easier projects like cutting boards and tongue and groove ceilings. I have been wanting to start building entry level tables and furniture but keep psyching myself out of it. How did you guys build up the confidence to move on to more advanced projects? And did you guys get discouraged or frustrated at the beginning? Thank you David Caraway Guy's Questions: Thank you all for such a great show!  I'm an amateur woodworker working out of a 550 square foot two-car attached garage.  We keep two cars in the garage, so all my equipment is on mobile bases. My question has to do with shop climate control.  I live in southern Indiana, with hot muggy summers and cool-to-cold winters.  The garage is insulated, including the door, and sits under a conditioned bonus room, but the garage itself is not heated or cooled.  Although it never freezes, for a few of the coldest winter weeks, it will be in upper 30s.  Mostly it's at least 45 degrees. I'm contemplating installing a 1 ton/12,000BTU mini-split for heating and cooling, DIYing installing it for less than $1000.  I'm trying to decide if it's worth it, basically for the few hottest and coldest weeks.  I can also migrate easily to my unfinished basement in the coldest weeks for glue-ups and finishing.  I wouldn't want to run the mini-split all the time, and often I am only out in the shop for short bursts, so pre-heating or pre-cooling seems wasteful.  $1000, plus the energy to run the mini-split, could buy plenty of other woodworking equipment and supplies.  If this were your shop, what would you do? Thanks, Kyle Kramer Always a pleasure listening to your podcast.  Thank you for your knowledge and insight. I am planning to rip the carpet off my Stairs treads and somehow get a relative match to my wood flooring either upstairs and downstairs.  Assuming the exact color isnt important in my question. The treads are likely just pine but I haven't pulled the carpet yet to find out.  My thought was to veneer the treads.  Then I would most likely us a transtint dye to reach the color and finish off with shellac washout and water based poly for durable finish.  Is this a good approach or destined for failure? Thanks for your time. Josh Huy's Questions: Thanks for the great podcast. I have learned a lot from all the great content you put out. I really appreciate your advice and perspective. I have a couple questions I was hoping you could answer. My second question is about compositing saw dust. My wife likes to garden and keep a compost pile. We use saw dust and wood shaving to balance the moisture of the compost pile. I occasionally use MDF and plywood  and I am wondering if all the bad stuff in those materials are bad to use in the compost. I guess I'm pretty sure they are not good. I've heard that most of those chemicals breakdown form the heat of the compost but I am skeptical of that. I use an oneida dust separator. Do you think it is worth trying to partition two dust bins, one for raw wood and one for everything else? Do you think a blast gate under the separator would accomplish that or would it mess with the air flow of the separator? Thanks. Keep up the great work. Jon Moch A lot of people talk about spraying water on wood when changing sanding grits, to raise the loose fibres and get a smoother finish. I have taken to spraying isopropyl alcohol (I think you would call it rubbing alcohol) between grits. I can spray it quite heavily and have it evaporate within a minute so I can continue sanding without having to wait. I doubt I'm the first person in the history of woodworking to think of this (I'm no rocket scientist, Huy), but I never hear of anyone else doing this. That makes me think there may be a good reason to not do this. So what do you blokes reckon? Is there a reason why I shouldn't be doing this, apart from water being free and alcohol being expensive? FYI, I usually work in recycled jarrah (an ultra hard Western Australian wood) and finish with Tung oil when using the alcohol Thanks fellas, love your work! Jim

 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!      

There are podcast episodes that leave you with a few helpful tips… and then there are episodes that leave you rethinking your whole business (in the best possible way).My conversation with money mentor, author, and iconic chill-business queen Denise Duffield-Thomas was one of those.From the importance of personal branding to letting go of unnecessary stress (yes, even ugly cross-stitch projects), Denise shared her honest, hilarious, and refreshingly practical take on what it really means to build a successful, chilled business.About Denise:She helps entrepreneurs like you charge premium prices, release the fear of money and create First Class lives. Her books Lucky Bitch, Get Rich, Lucky Bitch, and her newest Chill and Prosper https://www.denisedt.com/prosper give a fresh and funny roadmap to living a life of abundance without burnout.Her Money Bootcamp https://www.denisedt.com/offer has helped over 8,500 students from all around the world.She's a lazy introvert, a Hay House author and an unbusy mother of 3. She owns a rose farm and lives by the beach in sunny Australia.WATCH, READ & CONNECTWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EZJ94c3enLURead on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep207/WORK WITH DENISE:Website: www.denisedt.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisedt/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisedtWORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you're after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Are you tired of your website feeling like a digital ghost town? I get it. Many entrepreneurs struggle to translate their brilliance into compelling online copy. It's like being trapped inside a bottle, unable to read the label. But what if you could transform your website into a powerful magnet, attracting ideal clients and simplifying your marketing?In this episode, I had a conversation with Kris Jones, founder of Red Door Designs and a storytelling expert. She shares her insights on crafting your signature story, turning website visitors into loyal clients, and building a powerful online presence that truly reflects your unique value.☑️ Learn how to stop being the hero of your story and position yourself as the guide, connecting with your audience on a deeper level.☑️ Discover the power of story-driven messaging to cultivate trust, resonate with your ideal client, and make your website your most effective sales tool.☑️ Uncover the secrets to creating a website that not only informs but also inspires action, cutting down on sales calls and attracting clients who are already excited to work with you.It's time to stop DIYing your messaging and start creating a website that truly represents your genius. Subscribe now and learn how to craft a compelling narrative that attracts your ideal clients and transforms your online presence.More About KrisHand-selected as a mentee by StoryBrand's Donald Miller, Kris Jones has cracked the code on turning expertise into sales. After 20 years of crafting stories for giants like Nike and Adidas, she discovered something shocking: a single, well-told story can replace all your marketing and double your revenue. Today, she helps coaches and consultants scale from 30K to 300K months using her Signature Story-Selling SystemTM – proving that you don't need endless content or complicated funnels to attract premium clients. Just one story, told well.Website: https://www.reddoordesigns.comBook: https://www.reddoordesigns.com/bookInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/reddoordesignFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/reddoorportlandLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reddoordesigns⭐ Don't forget to leave a review, drop a comment and check out the resources below!#SpiralUpPodcast #LaChelleWieme #BurnouttoBreakthrough #podcastmarketing #websitedesign #storytelling #onlinebusiness #clientattraction #messagingmatters #entrepreneurship Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 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!

Feeling a little stuck in the early stages of your business and unsure where to spend those precious pennies? I want to give you a heart-to-heart. Business owner to business owner.Let's chat if you really need to invest in a good brand (aka. a logo, brand suite, good graphics...) in those early years of business. I'll cover the pros and cons of DIY branding versus hiring a designer, and why your brand clarity can make or break your success. I'll take you through real-life examples and share how getting this right (or wrong) can affect your growth. Plus, I'll let you in on why design isn't just about looking pretty – it's a strategic powerhouse!If you're ready to accelerate your business growth while saving time and harnessing the power of good design, this episode is just for you. Whether you're a newbie business owner or simply looking for ways to communicate your brilliance more effectively, please join me.Want support in creating your DIY brand and designs that will speed up your business growth? Check out DIY Design My Biz - my course made just for small business owners: https://www.diydesignmybiz.com/joinWATCH, READ & CONNECTWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/69VJEWP9oOwRead on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep203/WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you're after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

In This Episode, We Cover:Building a real, sellable asset. How to calculate business value from a buyer's perspective (and what buyers really care about)The biggest mistakes that destroy business value (and how to fix them early)The power of proactive tax, wealth, and asset protection planning—beyond siloed advice 

 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!  

Could your daily beauty routine be making you sick? Most women apply 20-25 personal care products a day—loaded with hidden toxins that disrupt hormones, overload the liver, and even increase the risk of infertility and cancer. But what if clean beauty could be more effective, cost-efficient, and safer than the products you're using now?On this episode of Keeping Abreast, I sit down with Trina Felber, founder of Primal Life Organics, a clean beauty expert, registered nurse, and best-selling author, to uncover:

Building a Small Business Website for Longterm SEO Success In this episode of Local SEO Tactics, Taylor from Intrycks walks you through the essential steps to building a website that not only looks great but is optimized for SEO success. From choosing the right domain name to selecting the best hosting provider and website platform, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes and set your business up for long-term growth. Whether you're DIYing your site or considering hiring a professional, these tips will save you time, money, and headaches down the road. What You'll Learn How to choose an SEO-friendly domain name that helps your site rank in local search. The best hosting providers for speed, security, and performance (and why it matters for SEO). Why WordPress is the top choice for small business SEO and how to future-proof your site for growth. Listen now and learn how to set your website up the right way. Have questions or want to work with us? Contact us at intrycks.com!  https://www.localseotactics.com/getting-started-with-small-business-seo-part-3-228/ FREE SEO AUDIT: https://www.localseotactics.com/free-seo-audit/ Ask us a question: https://www.localseotactics.com/questions/  

Ready to level up your brand? In this episode, Ali chats with brand designer Kristina Kleiler of Gem Creative about her best advice for branding as a DIYer. Time-stamps: Get to know Kristina (1:30)Taking the leap into entrepreneurship (3:04)Finding the hidden gems in your brand (4:53)DIYing your creative direction (7:48)Building a brand as a short-term rental (10:04)Keeping yourself inspired (14:51)Brand Strategy Framework (19:33)Leveling up your brand without hiring a professional (20:51)Celebrating the DIYer (23:38)Managing a sub-brand (27:17)Kristina's best branding advice (32:32)Mentioned in This Episode:Kristina Instagram: instagram.com/gemcreativecoKristina Website: gemcreative.coKristina's Freebie: gemcreative.co/quizBrand Strategy Framework: brandandmarket.thrivecart.com/brand-strategy-framework-courseWebsite: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

 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!

If you're struggling to attract and convert clients, your branding might be the problem. The truth is, if your key business graphics aren't clear, consistent, and strategic, you could be leaking clients without even realising it.I'm sharing the 3 essential graphic types that will make your brand instantly recognisable, increase engagement, and convert more followers into clients. Stick around until the end, because I'll reveal the most overlooked graphic that could be costing you sales! WATCH, READ & CONNECTWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pPf3Gt6fcdURead on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep205/ WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you're after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

 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!

Ever felt like your life is a series of unchangeable patterns? Or believed that who you are is set in stone? Thankfully... this may not be as true as we get stuck thinking. In this episode, I chat with the incredible Erika Cramer, a Mindset Coach, to chat about what it really takes to become magnetic and create the reality you dream of, without getting stuck in your own way.You don't want to miss this one, especially if you think you're not "confident enough" or "magnetic enough." Erika shares her journey of unraveling beliefs that no longer served her and stepping into a future self that's bold and unshakably magnetic. take this as your a permission slip to start designing your own life!We explore how you can cultivate confidence and magnetism, shifting away from chasing approval and towards attracting opportunities. And my favourite bit (to my surprise): creating your alter-she-go and stepping into that powerful version of yourself now, not later.We ask the big questions: What energy are you bringing into a room? Are you attracting or repelling what you desire?This is just a SMALL peek into Erika's new book, "Becoming Magnetic," which is brimming with practical steps to become the powerful version of yourself you've always dreamed of. Plus, if you're itching for more support, she talks about her transformative program, Next Level Your Life. About Erika Erika Cramer, known as The Queen of Confidence, is a globally recognised confidence and mindset coach, TEDx speaker and bestselling author. From overcoming a life marked by trauma, foster care and early widowhood, Erika has dedicated her career to empowering women worldwide to step into their confidence and take ownership of their lives. As the award-winning host of The Confidence Chronicles podcast, which has amassed millions of downloads, Erika continues to inspire and guide women to break through limitations and embrace their full potential. Her no-nonsense, compassionate coaching approach equips women with the tools and mindset to stand tall in their authenticity, become magnetic in all areas of life, and lead with confidence. In addition to her coaching, Erika is pursuing a degree in psychotherapy, expanding her expertise to better serve her global audience of confident women ready to make their mark. PURCHASE BECOMING MAGNETIC BOOK:Live in AUD now! Drops May 14th 2025 USA pre-order now.https://thequeenofconfidence.com/becomingmagneticbook/ WORK WITH ERIKA:Join her live coaching program “Next Level Your Life” and receive a special launch offer https://thequeenofconfidence.com/levelupyourlife/The Confidence Chronicles Podcast: https://thequeenofconfidence.com/podcasts/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequeenofconfidence WATCH, READ & CONNECTWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rf9PzE5aSCYRead on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep204/ WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you're after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Erica Painter, the visionary behind My Virtual Bookkeeper, transforms chaotic financial records into insightful, profit-driven reports for cleaning businesses. In this episode, Erica enlightens us with her journey and passion for effective bookkeeping, emphasizing the significance of engaging professionals with a teacher's heart. She shares her expertise on managing rapid business growth, likening it to balancing platters as a waitress, and the importance of asking the right questions when working with accountants to establish clear financial goals.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of navigating multiple income streams using platforms like QuickBooks, Square, and Jobber. Erica highlights the intricacies of integrating these tools and offers practical advice on simplifying financial operations to avoid duplicate entries. Discussions extend to the importance of key performance indicators such as gross profit margin, cash flow, and customer retention rate, and how new interactive reporting features and AI integration can enhance the tracking of these crucial metrics.Exploring the transition from sole proprietorship to LLC, Erica discusses the need for legal protection and the psychological shift required when becoming an employer. She also shares insights on maintaining financial organization, including the Profit First method, and the value of separating business accounts for different purposes. The episode is rich with anecdotes and strategies for building a lasting legacy in the cleaning industry, while underscoring the mindset needed to justify pricing in a service-based environment. Join us for a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights tailored for those in the cleaning business landscape.Here is her contact information:  FREE RESOURCES: Making less than 6 figures & DIYing your bookkeeping? Grab my free guide: myvbk.com/cblfreeguideMaking 6+ figures & want to save on taxes? Book a free call: myvbk.com/cblfreecall Let's connect! Friend me: facebook.com/erica.paynter Follow my biz page: facebook.com/myvirtualbookkeeperSend us a text It can be crowed when trying to figure out who you are going to learn from Erica Paynter is the brains behind My Virtual Bookkeeper, a bookkeeping firm for cleaning companies, and the creator of Clean Co. Cash Flow Academy and the Clean Co. Collective. She's on a mission to help cleaning business owners make sense of their numbers without boring them to tears! Erica's all about turning messy books into profit-packed powerhouses. support@myvbk.com Up your cleaning game, join over 6000 Cleaning Business Owners most of whom are located here in the United States. Questions? Feel free to reach out!Shannon Miller: cleaningbusinesslife@gmail.com Join my FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583362158497744YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIjMz_-9YyiFvNVIgb61iYgTo order All-Natural Cleaning Products: www.purevergreen.comSee Shannon's latest courses: www.KleanFreaksUnversity.com

Seth Spears, co-founder of the popular wellness blog and podcast Wellness Mama is here to talk about his other venture: Wellnesse. Wellnesse has several clean body and beauty products that were created after the success of WellnessMama's DIY approach to health, clean beauty products because while DIYing it is aspirational, it is also time consuming. We also talk in depth about oral health and on Wellnesse's toothpastes which come in several great flavors and what you want (like micro-hydroxyapatite) and avoids what you don't want (glycerine, sulfates, etc.).  Stuff I Know You Will Love Finally, a better toothpaste! Wellness Whitening toothpaste utilizes micro-hydroxyapatite to actually heal small cracks and remineralize your teeth without ingredients you don't want like fluoride, glycerin, sodium lauryl sulfate or unwanted sweeteners. And it comes in great flavors! My kids of course like strawberry and I love cinnamint! Visit www.wellness.com/bettereveryday to check it out and save!  You want to feed your pup as well as you feed your family but you also need it to be easy! Enter: Ollie! Fresh, clear, delivered right to your door, available in 5 flavors! A perfectly portioned, whole fresh food diet has been proven to extend your pup's life by 2 and a half years! Who doesn't want more time with their best friend? Made with absolutely no harmful fillers or no preservatives, save 60% on your starter box when you subscribe at Ollie.com/bettereveryday. Be sure you connect with me in my FREE PRIVATE Facebook group: Hormones & Happiness with Dr Brooke where other amazing, like minded women like YOU are already hanging out! Join us! Follow Dr Brooke on Instagram and get signed up for my awesome emails here. Seriously,  I write really great emails, or so 1000s of women tell me and I'd like to send you one too. To work with Dr Brooke click here and if you loved this episode please leave a review!    

 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!