Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
Wendy Batten, Creative Retail Mentor
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Top 10 Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
155. Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Rest: The Key to Sustainable Retail Growth
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
05/01/23 • 31 min
Notes:
Today’s episode is all about the importance of prioritizing our energy, space, and mindset to achieve sustainable retail growth. It’s a “sister show” and a continuation from episode 154 with my guest, retailer Christie Carter-Tokairin. (Go have a listen here).
Let’s set the boundaries we need to keep life in our lifestyle businesses.
Key points I dig into in this episode:
- Rest is essential - it’s NOT a reward.
- Excellent leadership requires boundaries and systems to protect ourselves from burnout.
- Setting “yellow lines” or boundaries is vital for protecting ourselves and our business.
- The golden egg analogy reminds us that taking care of ourselves is crucial for the success of our business.
If you struggle with boundary setting, start with these habits:
- Communicate effectively with your staff and family about the boundaries you are setting.
- Establish and stick to a schedule. Set your working hours and ensure your family and staff know these hours.
- Delegate tasks to your staff and don’t micromanage them.
- Unplug from your work.
- Schedule days off and vacations - rest is not a reward, it is essential!
- Utilize systems/tools that can help: binders at the counter to communicate with staff, auto responders on email, clear voicemail messages etc.
Thank you for listening to Creative Shop Talk. Remember to prioritize your energy, space, and mindset, and set boundaries to achieve sustainable business growth. Join me next time for more insights into the world of creative entrepreneurship.
“You are the golden egg. You are the biggest asset [of your business]. If you don't take care of yourself, your business will fall apart.” - Wendy Batten
This week’s episode is sponsored by: H+H Americas
Join me at the h+h americas trade show if you are in the creative or craft business. Here are the details:
h+h americas trade show
Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont
Chicago, IL
Dates: June 21-23, 2023 (Masterclasses start on June 20)
https://www.hh-americas.com/, tickets here:
Tickets on sale: March 15, 2023, use promo code CST23 to get free access to the exhibit floor
Other episodes you may enjoy...
Episode 154: Retail Success Series: Christie Carter-Tokairin 10 Years In
Episode 122: Retail Success Series: CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis from Louisville Mercantile
Episode 33: The CEO Date: A Non-Negotiable Habit is Key to Creative CEO Success
Episode 70: Encore Series: You’re Not Just a Shopkeeper, You’re a Creative CEO
About your host, Wendy Batten
In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.
Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer’s Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.
I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.
When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/
For more support from Wendy
Retailer’s Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community
147. How to Reframe Your Mindset on Competition
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
03/06/23 • 29 min
Show Notes
They say success is 80% mindset, but what happens when factors outside of your control (in this episode we will talk specifically about competition) leave you feeling defeated? How can you get your mindset back to good? In this episode, I’m going to talk you through how performing a SWOT Test on your brand and business can help you reframe your mindset and leverage competition to improve your business.
SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Doing this exercise will really help you brainstorm a bigger picture and overview of what is really going on in your business and where to focus your efforts.
Competition isn’t a Bad Thing
- Forces you to stay fresh in your business
- Brings more visibility to your shop and can actually funnel customers right to you
- Gives you a chance to focus on what you do well and what makes you and your brand unique (your strengths) and improve upon the things you don’t do so well (your weaknesses)
Getting Your Mindset Right
1. Ask yourself these questions when performing a SWOT Test on your business.
- Strengths - What is your unique selling point? What do you do better than anyone else? What do your customers love about your shop that is unique to you? What does your community say you are the “go-to” for? Focus specifically on the strengths of your brand.
- Weaknesses - What are some things you struggle with? Where are the gaps in your skillset? What things might hinder your success? Where can you spend time ensuring your brand is strong and well-known? Are there aspects of your business where you are just “winging it?”
- Opportunities - What external factors can help your business grow? What changes would your customers like to see? What additional revenue streams can be added? What emerging technology can you leverage?
- Threats - What external factors can harm our business? Are there economic or social issues that can harm your business? What other risks/challenges do you face? When you assess threats, be sure to evaluate the truth in the things you are telling yourself.
2. Perform the SWOT Test on your competitor’s business.
Doing this will help you focus on reality versus the reality you’ve created in your mind. Don’t dwell on this step - it is meant just to give you a clear picture of what is actually happening.
3. Make changes to your business based on the results of the test you performed on YOUR business.
Push the gas on your strengths. Find a way to level up your weaknesses. Remember that by focusing on your weaknesses they become strengths. What opportunities did you identify that you can seize? How can you leverage your marketing plan, your community, and branding so that your competition feels like less of a threat? Focus specifically on the things YOU have control over.
If you are looking for additional support and someone to bounce ideas off of, my Retailers’ Inner Circle is a great resource. Not only will you have access to me and the bright minds of over 100 fellow creative retailers, but you will also have access to my signature course, Retail Made Simple, and countless masterclasses that will help you level up every aspect of your retail business.
Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/147-2/
144. How to Create a Customer Journey Map
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
02/13/23 • 20 min
Show Notes
You’ve spent so much time curating an amazing brand, so now what? It’s important that your customers are having the beautiful experience in your dream shop that you intend for them, so creating a customer journey map can ensure that you are doing all you can to achieve that goal.
Key Touchpoints to Focus On in Your Customer’s Journey Map
- Customer’s “awareness” of your shop: All of the things you did to ATTRACT customers: your website, Google My Business, social media, your front window - can customers find info easily on how to contact you?
- Customer’s first impression of your shop: Is the parking lot clean? Is it easy to park? How is the lighting in your shop? Are the mats clean? Did anyone greet the customer?
- Customer’s experience while shopping: Is your store properly merchandised? Is it clean? Are your staff members pleasant and helpful? Do you play music?
- Customer’s check out experience: Is your cash wrap neat? Are you offering conversation to your customer? Is the receipt process smooth? How are you and your team handling any missteps?
- Customer’s experience after they’ve left: Do you have things in place for them to refer you, to easily contact you with questions, to leave a review?
- Customer’s experience when they return: Is your staff good at recognizing repeat customers? Do you welcome them back?
As you walk through every touchpoint, the most important question to ask yourself is “What is my customer thinking and FEELING while they are experiencing every aspect of my brand and my shop?”
The customer’s journey map is ever-changing so be sure to go through this process regularly. This will help solidify your brand and improve your customer’s experience and in turn what they are saying about your business.
Don’t forget, please leave a review or star rating!
Resources Mentioned:
Related podcasts we think you’ll like:
Episode 141 - Are you Running the Store of Your Dreams?
Episode 139 - 6 Things to Focus on in 2023
Episode 97 - 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Website
Episode 126 - 10 Simple Ways to Level Up Your Shop
For more support from Wendy
Retailer’s Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community
Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners
Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG
More ways to connect with Wendy
Retail Made Simple - Wendy’s on demand course for shop owners wanting more from their business
Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/144/
130. The Karate Kid Stages Will Help Your Retail Business
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
10/24/22 • 18 min
Show Notes
My Dad is considered a retail guru. He was a leasing and mall manager for many years and used to speak at educational events in North America. One of his standard speeches was about The Karate Kid. I know right? What?
As I asked for more details about how The Karate Kid applied to business, I got a GREAT answer that I think you’ll love!
First, we all start out as enthusiastic beginners like Daniel. We have all the heart, hustle, and passion for every aspect of our business.
Second, we become disillusioned. We start to realize that some tasks are not as fun as others. Just like Daniel, as he works through all of the boring basics. But he’s invested in a coach, Mr. Miyagi.
Then... it's practice, practice, practice. Over and over - refine and optimize.Wax on, wax off. Over and over.
And lastly, at the end of the movie, Daniel is equipped with the essential fundamentals. So much so that he’s able to overcome obstacles. Because they come easy, because he’s practiced. Just like retailers! When we have the basics set in place and we practice them every day, we’ve built up a great skill set to lead us to success. Refinement takes time and practice.
So, my friends - “Wax on, wax off. Wax on, wax off.” - Mr. Miyagi
Looking for more help? Invest in my Retail Made Simple four-module course. If you purchase before the end of the year, you will receive an annual planning bonus - don’t miss it!
Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/130/
80. Managing Your Energy and Expectations - Don't Hit a Wall
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
10/18/21 • 28 min
The holidays are coming. For some of you, this season is treating you well and it's amazing. But for others, the feeling of tiredness has really set in. Today I am sharing a few strategies that will help you if you feel like you’re about to hit a wall and the mental anxiety of it all is starting to set in.
A healthy business needs a healthy CEO and can't operate their business if they aren't in love with it. (Re-listen to Episode 45 for some inspiration on falling back in love with your business).
To ease the pressure of the holiday season and Q4 and to see the success you want, you first have to show up as your best self for your family, your team, and your customers.
In this episode, we'll go over:
- Reset your mindset (bless and release all the negative thoughts)
- Reignite your passion (write down the positives, declare your goals, and surround yourself with those who encourage you)
- Revisit or create your Thrive List (non-negotiable things you need to make you feel good - self-care )
- Rest and reclaim - so you can show up 100%
What does all of this have to do with running your retail business? Everything. If you’re feeling down, burnt out, and not fueled by the things that make you thrive, you’re not showing up and you’re going to hit that burnout wall. I want to encourage you to rest and reset. You don’t want to go into any quarter, let alone the 4th quarter and this busy season, with a low-energy battery.
Ask yourself: "What would make this light and easy?"
Full show notes at https://wendybatten.com/episode-80/
177. Local SEO Simplified with Matt Diamante from HeyTony
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
10/02/23 • 37 min
With host retail coach Wendy Batten
Show Notes:
Let’s talk about LOCAL SEO for retail. Today on the podcast I’m talking with Matt Diamante, owner of a Canadian digital marketing agency called HeyTony, about all things LOCAL SEO. If you aren’t sure where to start with SEO, this podcast episode is absolutely it. Matt and I talk through the basics and the small steps you can take today to get your retail business and website optimized on Google.
“[People use Google] with intent: they are looking to buy, they are looking for more information, maybe they are looking to do research to buy later. And if you are not showing up higher on Google, you aren’t going to make that sale.” -Matt Diamante
Simple Tips to improve local SEO on your website and Google Business:
1. The footer on every page of your website should have your business name and logo, your address, and a contact phone number.
2. Delete duplicate content from page to page on your website (this doesn’t apply to the footer). If more than one page on your website explains the same thing, rewrite it.
3. The more reviews you have on your Google Business, the better you will rank. Ask your customers to leave reviews on Google.
4. Ensure everything is updated on your Google Business page: your business name, address, phone, description, services, photos, etc. Make sure you list ALL of your services.
5. Remember that social media isn’t necessarily used by people who have an intent to purchase (except TikTok sometimes). Use social media for instant feedback from your customers (likes, comments, etc.) SEO, on the other hand, gives us delayed gratification. It can take time to see that it’s working; however, locally, it can work fast if you put in the work.
6. Use Google Search Console. Google Search Console is a free service offered by Google that helps you monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot your site's presence in Google Search results. It helps you learn and use your data.
7. Blog as often as possible as long as you are putting out good pieces of content - at the very least, one time a month for retail shop owners. Answer the questions your customers have inserting your keywords, it doesn’t always have to be selling.
About Matt and HeyTony:
Hi! I'm Matt! I run a digital marketing agency called HeyTony. I've helped my clients get over 55M+ website visitors through my organic digital marketing efforts. Oh, and I love talking SEO. Don't get me started, cause I won't stop!
Check out my free course, Understanding SEO.
Follow along with me on Instagram @heytony.agency and on the HeyTony Website.
Related podcasts we think you’ll like:
Episode 95: Tips to Tame the Admin and Stay Ahead of Business Trouble
Episode 97: 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Website
Episode 160: Simplifying Social Media with Guest Expert Leanne Pressly
About your host, Wendy Batten
In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.
Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. my signature private coaching community, The Retailer’s Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.
I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.
When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/...
235. How to Design Your Best Retail Year Ever
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
11/11/24 • 25 min
With host retail coach Wendy Batten
https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/
In This Episode:
Make 2025 the best year ever in your retail business! In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing how to do exactly that. I’ll share actionable steps for setting goals, vision-storming, and creating a strategic marketing plan. Whether you're a planner or not, this episode is packed with easy tips to ensure you are ready to hit the ground running in 2025. If you like this episode but need a little more, you can grab my on-demand Design Your Best Retail Year Ever on my website. Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways:- Looking Back to Plan Ahead: Reflect on your business’s performance over the past year to identify what worked and what didn’t.
- Vision Storming: Craft a clear vision of what you want your business to achieve in 2025, focusing on growth, freedom, and profitability.
- Set Realistic Goals: Develop SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) goals to align your vision with actionable steps.
- Create a Marketing Strategy: Design a marketing plan that matches your revenue goals and targets new customer visibility and engagement.
- Prioritize Your Team & Systems: Evaluate the support you need and implement systems that will help you reach your goals smoothly.
- Write out your 1-5 BIG Vision goals: for the year on one page and keep it close.
"A better year starts now. If you want to go from good to great, or fine to better, this is how we do it." -Wendy Batten
Your Next Steps:Here’s what I want you to do this week. Commit to creating a plan, then grab the Design Your Best Retail Year Ever workshop, and schedule time to work through your business goals. And of course, you’re always welcome to join us in the Retailer's Inner Circle where we dig into this stuff even more! All of my courses are available at no additional cost to all members of the Inner Circle.
Related podcasts we think you’ll like:
Episode 82: Five Steps to Simplify Your Content Planning
Episode 136: Coffee Chat Breaks with Wendy: Annual Planning That Fills Your Life Buckets
Episode 234: Simple Shifts to Boost Your Bottom Line This Holiday Season
About your host, Wendy Batten
In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.
Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer’s Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.
I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.
When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/
For more support from Wendy
Retailer’s Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community
Free resources for shop owners
Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG
All of Wendy’s programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.
209. Retail Observations from a Seven-State Road Trip
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
05/13/24 • 31 min
With host retail coach Wendy Batten
https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/
In This Episode:
I just returned from a seven-state two-week road trip from Nova Scotia, Canada to North Carolina, USA! The trip’s destination was Mount Holly, North Carolina to meet with my mastermind group at member Jeff Lee’s shop, The Vintage Nest. John and I weaved down the East Coast, taking time to stop in and visit with Inner Circle members and peruse independent retail shops along the way.
In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing my observations that will help you level up your retail business and be known in your community, including:
- Why it’s important to get out in your community and observe what shoppers are doing/buying
- Updating your retail shop’s profile on Google (like, right this minute)
- Why shop standards matter: employee behavior, greetings, pricing your items, etc.
- What should be on the outside of your shop
- Being known in your community by other independent business owners
I encourage you to step outside and get a bird’s eye view of your retail shop to make sure you aren’t missing the mark on any of these simple yet incredibly impactful tips.
Are you missing the mark on any of them? Anything you recently changed that has had an impactful effect on your business? Jump into my DMs on instagram and let’s chat!
Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Retailer’s Inner Circle. You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop.
Related podcasts we think you’ll like:
Episode 113: Retail Success Series: Growth Mindset with Jeff Lee from The Vintage Nest
Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map
Episode 201: Cell Phone Usage: What’s Your Store Policy?
About your host, Wendy Batten
In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.
Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer’s Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.
I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.
When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/
For more support from Wendy
Retailer’s Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community
Free resources for shop owners
Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG
All of Wendy’s programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.
241. Year-End Reflections: Mindset, Marketing, and Lessons for Success in 2025
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
12/30/24 • 42 min
With host retail coach Wendy Batten
https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/
In This Episode:
This year has flown by, and as we bid farewell to 2024, it's time to reflect on the lessons, wins, and challenges that shaped our journeys. In this episode, I’m sharing powerful takeaways from coaching clients, my own experiences, and inspirational quotes/insights that can inspire independent retailers to make 2025 their best year yet.
Get ready for mindset shifts, marketing tips, and practical strategies to simplify, amplify, and thrive!
If you are dreading making a plan for your retail shop in 2025, I have something for you: Design Your Best Retail Year Ever is available for purchase as a stand-alone workshop (or free for you if you are a member of The Retailer’s Inner Circle program)!
This workshop has been named a favorite by so many of my clients. It’s truly an invaluable resource that every retail shop owner can use - whether you love to plan or dread it. Grab it today, or join the Retailer’s Inner Circle and it’s included in your membership - along with a “pantry” full of other masterclasses and resources for you to grab when you need them.
Some Takeaways:
- The Power of “How Can I” Energy: Shift from “I can’t” to “How can I” and see the shifts.
- Simplify and Amplify: Why B+ work and “Done is better than perfect” can help you focus on what truly matters. Give yourself permission to let it be easy - whatever “it” is!
“A confused mind never buys.”
- Mindset Makeover: Embrace the courage to course-correct, drop words like “busy,” “just,” and “yeah, but...” from your vocabulary and get out of your own head.
- Build a Trusted Brand and Use the Power of Invitation: Move beyond selling and yelling. Learn how to create a customer experience they’ll adore. Bring them into your business.
- Financial Wisdom: “It’s not the money you make; it’s the money you keep.” Get intentional about your cash flow and profitability.
“You can’t be upset about the results you didn’t get from the work you didn’t do.”
- “Fix Problems Now”: Don’t let problems get bigger or manifest into something worse than when it started.
- Consistency Compounds: Stay visible by updating your SEO keywords, your Google profile and your socials. Be sure to stay relevant if you want to succeed in 2025.
Related podcasts we think you’ll like:
Episode 186: Choose Joy! Reframe Your Mindset and End Your Retail Year Happy
Episode 194: Feeling Stuck? 20 Prompts to Help Flip Your Mindset
Episode 221: How to Raise the Bar on Excellence in Retail with Guest Expert Jeffrey Shaw
About your host, Wendy Batten
In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.
Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer’s Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.
I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.
When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/
For more support from Wendy
Retailer’s Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community
...116. What To Do If It’s Slow: Summer Strategy Series
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
07/18/22 • 20 min
There’s always going to be seasons of quiet. Many times that happens in summer. Times when things are a little slow at the shop, not as busy... but don’t panic. This is normal.
So, for this episode, I have five strategies to help you optimize those slow seasons. Strategies that will help you move forward during a not-so-busy season.
- Embrace a little downtime - Be OK with your shop not being crazy busy. Allow the slow times to happen and embrace the fact that rest is essential.
- Refresh your space - This is not so much about the merchandising, but regular shop maintenance. Need touch-up paint? Need to organize? Dust? Try and focus on the little things you never have time for during the busy season, and don’t be afraid to get your team involved.
- Plan your events - Have a team meeting and start planning for Q3 and Q4. Fill up your idea parking lot. No idea is a bad idea here!
- Update your operations - Your contracts, policies & procedures, manuals, opening and closing checklists, operations etc.
- Learn something new - What do you wish you were better at? We all have something. Use this time to fill your skills gaps - our numbers, marketing strategy, POS systems, social media, your website, take a course. Whatever it may be, it’s time to level up!
Maybe you just need to rest.
That’s ok too.
We want to show up at our very best when it gets busy again. Utilize your downtime to better prepare for what’s coming in Q3 and Q4. Be on the lookout for our Holiday Boot Camp in August!
NAME it. CLAIM it. Then you can TAME it.
Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/116/
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FAQ
How many episodes does Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten have?
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten currently has 186 episodes available.
What topics does Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten cover?
The podcast is about Retail, Success, Marketing, Management, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Creative, Growth, Diy, Podcasts, Talk, Entrepreneurs, Studio, Business and Industry.
What is the most popular episode on Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten?
The episode title '168 Merchandising to Sell: Intuitive Merchandising' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten?
The average episode length on Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten is 31 minutes.
How often are episodes of Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten released?
Episodes of Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten?
The first episode of Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten was released on Aug 23, 2021.
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