With host retail coach     In This Episode:    We are all passionate, creative, and imperfect business owners who want to do it all. But as our businesses grow, it’s harder to keep all of our plates spinning. As our businesses evolve, we cannot simply keep adding to our already full plates, so it’s important to acknowledge that and adjust where necessary.    My mission has always been (and continues to be) to help as many retailers grow their businesses as possible. With that comes change.    In Episode 206 of the podcast, we’re going inside the and inside my brain: I’m sharing some of the changes I’ve been making in the Inner Circle (including the monthly planning document your retail business NEEDS called The Playbook) and how I hope these changes make your beautiful retail business better.   The Retailer’s Inner Circle is always open for new members. Inside, you’ll find countless masterclasses covering topics from money to marketing to business operations; a tight knit community of retailers active in our Facebook group, monthly coaching roundtable meetings, editable Canva graphics, and so much more. The Playbook is your easy button for all of your planning, marketing, and monthly operations. I want to make retail easy for you so you can feel confident in your role as CEO as your business grows.   I’ll also share some of the things I’m seeing my retailers doing that are bringing success including: Connecting with community Humanizing their brands Varying their marketing Planning And more…   Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle.  Here’s everything you need to know about the . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including . Not ready for a monthly commitment yet? Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course. We start on April 24th! More information . Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : Unscalable Conversations: A Free, Simple & Powerful Marketing Tool to Use : Retailer’s Visibility Series : Behind the Counter: Meet Inner Circle Member Jeanne Terrill   About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy

With host retail coach     In This Episode:  If you are looking for a way to distinguish your retail shop from your competition and add a revenue stream, this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast is for you. In Episode 205, I’m sharing how adding workshops and classes to your calendar can be a game changer that levels up your retail shop. If you’ve already mentally rejected the idea of workshops, I’m challenging you to listen to this episode. It will surely change your perspective!   Many retailers are hesitant about teaching workshops, but the reality is that not hosting classes is a huge missed opportunity for your retail shop’s visibility.  And honestly, you don’t even have to be the one who teaches the workshop!    Throughout this episode: I’ll share some ideas on how to decide what types of workshops/classes you might want to consider hosting (you’ll want them to mesh with your brand/product offerings) Who in the community you could contact for class collaborations When it makes sense for the workshop to take place outside of your retail shop entirely! (Have I gotten your attention yet!?)   I’ll also share: Tips for making your workshops/classes successful  How to get bums in seats A hot take: your current customer base might not be the people you are interested in bringing in for workshops, it might be an opportunity to expand.    Hopefully, I’ve convinced you to consider classes of some sort. It’s time to get out of your own way and figure out how you want to gather people in your retail shop through hosting and/or teaching workshops! Let’s dig in!   Get your list of workshop tips ! Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my ! You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including . Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand .   Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course. We start on April 24th! More information . Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : How to Plan & Host Successful Events and Promotions in Your Retail Shop : How to Market Promotional Events in Your Retail Shop : Retail Marketing for Gen Z to Boomers   About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy

With host retail coach     In This Episode:  I’m taking you behind the counter of Junque Rescuers in Lake Jackson, Texas to chat with shop owner and Inner Circle member Jeanne Terrill in this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. Buckle up because Jeanne is taking us on a ride and sharing her journey from accidental entrepreneur to thriving shop owner!   In the episode, she shares how her shop has evolved since opening as an antique/vintage shop in 2017. We talk about many of her challenges including moving locations, why incredible success caused her to change her product mix, and learning to put her CEO hat on and the changes that come along with that. Jeanne also shares examples of specific actions she has taken and changes she has made as a result of what she has learned from the Inner Circle masterclasses and our tight-knit community.    I loved this conversation with Jeanne and I hope you do too! It’s always awesome to catch up with my Inner Circle retailers and share their successes with our podcast listeners. Did anything strike a chord for you? Anything you’ll be reflecting on or changes you are going to make based on the conversation you just listened to?    Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my ! You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including . Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand .   Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course. We start April 24! More information . Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : Unscalable Conversations - A Free, Simple, and Powerful Marketing Tool : Adding Ecommerce to Your Brick and Mortar with Special Guest Susan Bradley : Retail Marketing for Gen Z to Boomers   About Jeanne Terrill and Junque Rescuers Junque Rescuers LLC is a well-established brick-and-mortar lifestyle boutique located in downtown Lake Jackson, Texas. With eight years of experience, the business has evolved from its roots as a vintage and vintage-inspired home decor store to become a versatile lifestyle brand. You can follow along here: | |     About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy

With host retail coach     In This Episode:  Looking for a quick and easy retail promotion to sell off older inventory, seasonal items, or even just a new fun way to move merchandise? I’ve got you!   In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, we are discussing mystery bags/bundles. I’ll share how they can work for you, how to determine a price point for your audience, and what you should be putting in the bags. It’s important to remember that not all mystery bag buyers aren't discount shoppers. If done right, your ideal customer base will love these!    We’ll also talk about why you need to keep your brand in mind while putting these bags together. I’ll touch on how to market your mystery bags and how mystery bag stuffers can be a great marketing tool.   So what’s stopping you? I’d love to hear if you’ve tried selling mystery bags in your retail shop and how it went! If it wasn’t what you expected, I hope this episode gave you some insight and the courage to try again. Let’s go! Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my ! You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including . Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand .   Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course. We start in April! More information . Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : An Intro to Subscription Boxes with Sarah Williams : 10 Simple Ways to Level Up Your Shop : 6 Proven Ways to Improve Your Shop’s Merchandising    About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy     Free re

With host retail coach     In This Episode:    Don’t skip this because you’re not a “touristy” shop.    Many of you will want to skip this episode because you may think souvenirs would not fit in with your shop’s brand but I’m challenging that perspective in Episode 202 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. Your retail shop may not be in a traditional “tourist town,” or maybe it is and you just leave that to the regular tourist shops, but not carrying locally branded merchandise could be a HUGE missed opportunity.    In this episode, I’ll share some “souvenir” ideas that you may want to incorporate into your product line. Local merchandise and souvenirs don’t have to be mass produced (even though there is also a market for that too!) Even if you aren’t in a tourist town, many of your customers are likely proud of their hometown or have friends and family whom they buy for who have moved away and are missing home.    Consider what local businesses you can collaborate with to add some locally branded merchandise to your product line.    I’m hoping this episode helped change your perspective on adding souvenirs. Let us know if you decide to bring some products in and tag me in IG with your photos.    Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my ! You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including . Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand .   Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course. We start in April! More information . Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : How to Add Additional Revenue Streams to Your Retail Business : 6 Proven Ways to Improve Your Shop’s Merchandising  : Find the Right Customer for Your Shop About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy     Free re

With host retail coach     In This Episode:  Hot topic. Is cell phone use an issue with your employees? Let’s nip that in the bud today.  What is your retail shop’s policy around employee cell phone use? In Episode 201 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing my advice on this issue. And trust me - it is a huge issue for some!    As retail shop owners, you are in the business of hospitality. The very last thing you want your customers to feel is that they are a bother to your employees. Let me be clear: when customers enter your shop and your employees’ heads are buried in their cell phones (whether they are doing work or not), what are the optics around that?   I’ll share my (perhaps controversial) thoughts on cell phone use: when and where it is appropriate, what to do if employees push back, and how your employees’ cell phone use and other behavior may be eroding your brand.    If you don’t have a policy in place it’s time to get one. What changes should you make to your shop’s policy around cell phones? What kind of thoughts came up? Agree or disagree with me on this one? Jump in my DM’s on IG and let me know.    Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my ! You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including . Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand .   Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course. We start in April! More information . Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : How to Wow & Delight Your Customers and Keep Them Coming Back : How to Create a Customer Journey Map : How to have Difficult Conversations with Good Staff About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy     Free re

With host retail coach     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 ! You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including . Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand .   Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course. We start in April! More information . Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : Stop Hiding and Be Known: Part 2 of the Retailer’s Visibility Series : 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 where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy     Free re

With host retail coach     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 ! You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including . Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand .   Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course. We start in April! More information . Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : Before You Pay For Ads, Do These 3 Things : How to Make Real Progress in Your Business with Guest Expert Richard Ralston : Local SEO Simplified with Matt Diamante of HeyTony : 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 where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy     Free re

With host retail coach     In This Episode:  Are you hiding from your customers? Have you ever heard someone refer to a business as a “best-kept secret?” While this is typically a compliment, we don’t want that to be us! It’s time to stop hiding and make sure everyone in your community (and beyond!) knows who you are and what you are doing.   Episode 198 is the first in a series of three podcasts dedicated to getting your shop found. We start with your Attract Strategy: the ways you are attracting new customers to your shop. We’ll cover lots of important topics in this episode including what you should be doing on social media and why your front-facing assets need to tell a compelling story about you and your shop.    Inside the episode, I’m giving you three EASY action items to complete so you know you are doing everything you can to make sure your Attract Strategy is working for you and your retail business.    On the next episode of the podcast, we will continue the series specifically covering how your retail shop can be found. Don’t miss it!   Need more? Your free gift is !  Grab your copy of my best Attract Strategy tools today!   Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my ! You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including . Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand .   Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course. We start in April! More information . Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : Before You Pay For Ads, Do These 3 Things : 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 where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy     Free re

With host retail coach     In This Episode:  The monthly debrief is a simple process that can be an important factor to the growth and sustainability of your retail business. And it’s easy peasy.    If you’ve ever found yourself repeating mistakes or wondering why a promotion or event you tried in your retail shop didn’t work, this episode is for you. Stop reinventing the wheel and trying to “remember.” (We won’t!) 🙂   The term “debrief” may scare some people off, but I promise doing this simple exercise every month will help you tremendously in your business. This episode is full of prompts and questions you should be answering at the end of every month during your operational debrief CEO time. We’ll cover all the bases from your KPIs to what the weather was like during your big event to making sure your “big rocks” are scheduled for the next month.   As a member of my Retailer’s Inner Circle, you have access to the full checklist/list of debrief questions. Ready to join us?  .   Don’t miss Coaching Week inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle in February!   I’m providing a full week of live coaching in the February 19-23, 2014 all you have to do is be a member! I will go live in our Facebook group going through the foundational principles of my signature course, Retail Made Simple, which as a member you will have full access to. Retail Made Simple has helped hundreds of retailers simplify their business from understanding financials to gaining confidence to manage your team. There is no better time than now to join me and other like-minded retailers. Let’s go! Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : The CEO Date: This Non-Negotiable Habit is Key to Creative CEO Success : Retail Success Series: Community, Culture, and CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh : What Numbers Successful Retail Shop Owners are Measuring About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been  privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy

With host retail coach     In This Episode:  I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase “work smarter, not harder”- possibly even from me during this podcast! How have you applied that in your retail business? Are you wondering how you can expand your business in new ways without reinventing the wheel? In this episode, I’m sharing ways you can build your retail business by optimizing revenue streams that work for you and your brand.    In addition,  this episode is FULL of specific examples of new revenue streams that fit into each area from subscriptions and memberships to ways to earn “other” income.   How will you know if a new revenue stream is a good fit for your retail business? We’ll work through that too! I’ll share some questions you’ll want to ask yourself before diving headfirst into something new.   It’s not about adding more to your plate, it’s about optimizing your business model.     If you are ready to grow your business using some of the tools you already have in place, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in!   Don’t miss Coaching Week inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle in February!   I’m providing a full week of live coaching in the February 19-23 - all you have to do is be a member! I will go live in our Facebook group going through the foundational principles of my signature course, Retail Made Simple, which as a member you will have full access to. Retail Made Simple has helped hundreds of retailers simplify their business from understanding financials to gaining confidence to manage your team. There is no better time than now to join me and other like-minded retailers. Let’s go! Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : Retailer Success Series: Susanne Dropped a Huge Revenue Stream and Made More Profit : How to Add Additional Revenue Streams to Your Retail Business : Find Revenue Streams That Light You Up: Retail Success Series with Virginia Warner About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been  privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy

With host retail coach     In This Episode:  Have you ever heard the saying “What gets measured gets managed”? But what should we look at (other than total sales?) Exactly WHAT should we measure? How should that apply to your unique business? In Episode 195 of the Creative Shop Talk podcast, we are talking about Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). I am sharing which ones you should be measuring as an independent retail shop owner, why they are important, and the document I’ve created that makes it easy for you to track them. We’ll talk specifically about a few of the financial and marketing KPIs you may want to be tracking regularly.   Don’t let metrics and math scare you away. It’s how you learn to scale your time and lessen your overwhelm - oh and increase your sales.    I know so many retailers and shop owners shy away when we start talking numbers, but this episode will make this concept so easy to understand. Once you have a handle on your KPIs, I promise you’ll feel empowered to put your CEO hat on and make business decisions confidently.    So grab a pen and some paper and let’s get down to business!   Don’t miss Coaching Week inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle in February!   I’m providing a full week of live coaching in the February 19-23 - all you have to do is be a member! I will go live in our Facebook group going through the foundational principles of my signature course, Retail Made Simple, which as a member you will have full access to. Retail Made Simple has helped hundreds of retailers simplify their business from understanding financials to gaining confidence to manage your team. There is no better time than now to join me and other like-minded retailers. Let’s go! Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : The CEO Date: This Non-Negotiable Habit is Key to Creative CEO Success : Fine Tuning Your Retail Business Operations with Business Strategist Gwen Bortner : Make 2024 Your Best Year Ever in Your Retail Business   This week’s podcast is sponsored by our friends at Stitchcraft Marketing   Looking for some help with social media and content creation? My friend Leanne can help!  Her business, , is a niche marketing agency specializing in social media and content creation for wholesale and retail businesses in the soft craft industries. After you’ve listened to our chat on of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, reach out and see what she and her team can offer that can help you grow your business in 2024. You won’t regret it! About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been  privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy

With host retail coach Wendy Batten     In This Episode:  Ever feel stuck? Or maybe feeling uninspired in your retail business? Sometimes we need a mindset shift. In this episode, I’m sharing some tips and prompts (with the occasional motivational quote thrown in for good luck!) to help you “flip the script” so negative thoughts don’t sabotage your business. If you are working on building your leadership muscle, this episode is for you!   From my thoughts on B+ work to the permission to let things go, the prompts I share throughout this episode will help you move from negative thinking around your business to constructive planning for 2024.   This is an episode you’ll need a notebook and pen for.    Don’t miss Coaching Week inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle in February!   I’m providing a full week of live coaching in the February 19-23 - all you have to do is be a member! I will go live in our Facebook group going through the foundational principles of my signature course, Retail Made Simple, which as a member you will have full access to. Retail Made Simple has helped hundreds of retailers simplify their business from understanding financials to gaining confidence to manage your team. There is no better time than now to join me and other like-minded retailers. Let’s go!   Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : How to Reframe Your Mindset Around Competition : Recipe for Success: 4 Leadership Lessons We Can Learn From Erin French of The Lost Kitchen : Make 2024 Your Best Year Ever in Your Retail Shop   This week’s podcast is sponsored by our friends at Stitchcraft Marketing   Looking for some help with social media and content creation? My friend Leanne can help!  Her business, , is a niche marketing agency specializing in social media and content creation for wholesale and retail businesses in the soft craft industries. After you’ve listened to our chat on of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, reach out and see what she and her team can offer that can help you grow your business in 2024. About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been  privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy

With host retail coach Wendy Batten     In This Episode:  First impressions count! When new customers come into your retail shop, what is the first thing they notice? It’s likely they first notice NOT the prices of your pieces, but rather the beautiful displays, your awesome branding, and the way your shop makes them FEEL.    We want our shops to be memorable. In this episode of the podcast, I’m chatting about the importance of first impressions and specific ways you can make your customers’ experiences in your shop memorable. This will keep them coming back again and again and talking about you to their friends. Let’s dive in!   Three things I’ll touch on (some may surprise you!): 1. The 5 senses in your shop 2. Training your staff 3. Having the right inventory to reflect your brand   This week’s podcast is sponsored by our friends at Stitchcraft Marketing   Looking for some help with social media and content creation? My friend Leanne can help!  Her business, , is a niche marketing agency specializing in social media and content creation for wholesale and retail businesses in the soft craft industries. After you’ve listened to our chat on of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, reach out and see what she and her team can offer that can help you grow your business in 2024.   How is your 2024 planning going? Are you prepared for your best retail year ever?  If you think you might need some help, join us in the !  We are a casual, positive group of likeminded retailers who are constantly trying new things and supporting each other along the way. Also, if you join now, you’ll get a free 30-minute one-on-one coaching session with me!  This bonus doesn’t last long, so if you were on the fence before, now is the time to join. !   Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : Before You Pay for Ads: Do These Three Things : Are You Running the Store of Your Dreams? : How to Create a Customer Journey Map About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been  privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy

With host retail coach Wendy Batten     In This Episode:  As an unwavering advocate for independent retail shops, I often get asked “What are retailers doing that drives you crazy?” In this episode, I am going to share a few.  These are the five things that drive me crazy in retail shops.  Hopefully you aren’t caught in any of these traps! If you are, it’s time to give some thought to them and fix them.  Let’s dive in!   The Five Things I’ll Chat About: 1. What happens when you brand your product lines not yourself  2. Retailers not doing everything they can to get sales 3. Treating your business like a hobby 4. Messy/dirty shops 5. Your attitude matters   This week’s podcast is sponsored by our friends at Stitchcraft Marketing   Looking for some help with social media and content creation? My friend Leanne can help!  Her business, , is a niche marketing agency specializing in social media and content creation for wholesale and retail businesses in the soft craft industries. After you’ve listened to our chat on of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, reach out and see what she and her team can offer that can help you grow your business in 2024.   How is your 2024 planning going? Are you prepared for your best retail year ever?  If you think you might need some help, join us in the !  We are a casual, positive group of likeminded retailers who are constantly trying new things and supporting each other along the way. Also, if you join now, you’ll get a free 30-minute one-on-one coaching session with me!  This bonus doesn’t last long, so if you were on the fence before, now is the time to join. !   Related podcasts we think you’ll like:    : Five Areas to Focus on in Your Retail Business : How to Create a Customer Journey Map : Retailer Success Series: How Jill Went from Hobbyist to Creative CEO Customer Map About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been  privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy

With host retail coach Wendy Batten     Don’t set yourself up for failure!   In This Episode:    “Baby steps!” It’s what everyone tells us when we are trying to achieve a big goal. Maybe aren’t getting there as fast as we’d like, or maybe when we are trying to make progress more quickly than is realistic.   Episode 191 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast is about just that: growing and managing our retail businesses through small (baby) steps.  I’m here to remind you that 180 degree changes don’t happen overnight.   “Success is the product of daily habits - not once-in-a-lifetime transformations.” -James Clear, Author of Atomic Habits   What’s one small habit or step you can change or take right now to start making progress in your business?    This week’s podcast is sponsored by our friends at Stitchcraft Marketing   Looking for some help with social media and content creation? My friend Leanne can help!  Her business, , is a niche marketing agency specializing in social media and content creation for wholesale and retail businesses in the soft craft industries. After you’ve listened to our chat on of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, reach out and see what she and her team can offer that can help you grow your business in 2024.   Related podcasts we think you’ll like:    : Simplifying Social Media with Guest Expert Leanne Pressly : Are You Running the Store of Your Dreams? : How Planning Kept Emily Kerley Thriving About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been  privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy

With host retail coach Wendy Batten     Welcome to Season 5 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast!   Topics Covered in This Episode:  As we roll into 2024, the way we market our businesses, our customers’ expectations, and so many other things are going to change.  Not in a HUGE way, but in Episode 190 I’m going to lay out and then dig deep into the 5 areas I believe you should be focusing on in your retail business so you can see big success in 2024.   The 5 Areas I Will Explain in Detail 1. Your Shop’s Financial Well Being 2. Your Sales & Marketing Strategy & Assets (and I don’t just mean social media!) 3. Service and Hospitality 4. Being a Leader to Your Team 5. Your CEO Mindset (and Skillset)   If you are looking for support as we move into 2024, my is always open. One of my members just told me the other day that she now feels “large and in charge” versus how she felt prior to joining - what a compliment! My members are doing the work and have access to countless masterclasses and trainings to support them - not to mention an incredible group of likeminded retailers and me as your coach.   “My mission is to help more retailers enjoy more joy, freedom, and profitability in their shops this year.” -Wendy Batten Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : Simple Sales Strategy Series : Making Bookkeeping Simple with Guest Expert Kelly Christian : Plan Your Best Year Ever   About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been  privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy

With host retail coach Wendy Batten     The Creative Shop Talk Podcast reached 176,000 downloads! As we wrap up Season 4 of the podcast, I wanted to thank every single person who has listened, downloaded, left a review, shared the podcast, all of it.  I started this podcast in March of 2020 just hoping to reach and help more retailers and it is working! Podcasting isn’t an easy or inexpensive venture, but with the help of my small but mighty team, I am proud to say we are wrapping up Season 4 excited to start recording Season 5. We appreciate every single listen, share and comment.  Thank you!   Topics Covered in This Episode:  As I’m sure you know, the brain of a retailer never stops. As we wrap up Season 4 and enjoy our holidays, I wanted to give you a few things to noodle on. Here are three questions to think over as you snuggle by the fire that will help move the needle for your retail business in 2024.   Listen in this week and find out the 3 things you can work on, in your PJ’s with your feet up.    You’ll want to take your answers to the three questions and dive into the - our Annual Planning Workshop - you’ll be well on your way to seeing the results you are looking for in your retail business in 2024. Retailers who purchase the workshop (or who are in my Retailer’s Inner Circle) are invited to join me live on January 17th for a Q+A!   So get your goals all on one page and see a better 2024, and jump in before the end of the year and save $200. There is one week left to get EARLY BIRD PRICING (in effect until Dec 31st, 2023!) SAVE $200! YES SAVE $200!   I am confident that you can find epic success in your retail business - no matter what success looks like for you - by taking the time to adequately plan. I’d love to help and support you through your 2024 planning. Join us in for access to the workshop and a community of like minded retailers or purchase the on-demand - discounted if you purchase before the end of the year!  Happy Planning!   Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : Avoid Burnout with Guest Expert Dr. Ashley Margeson : Wins, Insights, Lessons & Struggles : Annual Planning That Fills Your Life Buckets : Plan Your Best Year Ever   About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy

With host retail coach Wendy Batten     Show Notes:  Don’t miss joining the - our Annual Planning Workshop. Get your goals all on one page and see a better 2024, and jump in before the end of the year and save $200!  EARLY BIRD PRICING in effect until Dec 31st, 2023! SAVE $200! YES SAVE $200!   I am confident that you can find epic success in your retail business - no matter what success looks like for you - by taking the time to adequately plan. I’d love to help and support you through your 2024 planning. Join us in for access to the workshop and a community of like minded retailers or purchase the on-demand - discounted if you purchase before the end of the year!  Happy Planning!   You know I’m all about setting you up for success in 2024 and that includes making your life of running a retail business easier. On Episode 188 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing 10 of the top business tools my team and my retailers are using and loving in 10-ish minutes. Throughout the episode, I’ll also share HOW and WHY these tools can help you in your retail business.   The 10 Tools we shared and links :  1. : grow up your business 2. for email marketing services 3. : the planner for the non-traditional 9-5 worker/entrepreneur 4. : content creation 5. 6. & ThriveLearn: course creation & check out all at one price 7. : use for social posts, newsletter, ideas 8. AI Tools 9. for audiobooks 10.   Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : Make 2024 Your Best Year Ever in Your Retail Shop : Plan Your Best Retail Year Ever Parts 1-4 About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy

With host retail coach Wendy Batten     Show Notes:  Don’t miss joining the - our Annual Planning Workshop. Get your goals all on one page and see a better 2024, and jump in before the end of the year and save $200!  A new year is almost upon us, my friends, so that means it’s time to plan and set new goals in your retail business. So what does success look like to you? Are your goals just revenue driven? On Episode 187 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m challenging you to plan for an EPIC 2024 by making sure you first plan what you want FROM your business first then set shop goals to achieve just that.  Topics We’ll Cover in This Episode: Getting out of the routine of running your business the way you always have Prioritizing what you want from your business first and plan your business around that Your role in the shop’s Front of House vs. Back of House Two incredible resources I’ve created for you    I’m excited to share with you two resources to help make 2024 your best retail year ever:  1. 2. Grab this workshop: : a 60 minute on-demand workshop (available free to all of my members) and to non-members for purchase through my website.    EARLY BIRD PRICING in effect until Dec 31st, 2023! SAVE $200 YES SAVE $200!   I am confident that you can find epic success in your retail business - no matter what success looks like for you - by taking the time to adequately plan. I’d love to help and support you through your 2024 planning. Join us in for access to the workshop and a community of like minded retailers or purchase the on-demand - discounted if you purchase before the end of the year!  Happy Planning!   “Planning is bringing the future into the present so you can do something about it now.” - Alan Lakin Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  : Plan Your Best Retail Year Ever Parts 1-4 About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.  Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , 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, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.  I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at     For more support from Wendy