Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten

Wendy Batten, Creative Retail Mentor

How do I attract more customers to my store? How do I get more sales? How do I book out my shop’s events and workshops? How do I do retail marketing and social media for my store? These are the questions that creative retail business owners ask Wendy Batten, creative retail coach and mentor. Wendy works with creative shop owners all over the world and with industry leaders. Her speciality is working with creative retailers to get control over their brick and mortars to avoid burnout and overwhelm while achieving more success and profits. In Creative Shop Talk, Wendy digs into the problems and solutions that “accidental shopkeepers” and hobbyists turned retail business owners face. Wendy dives deep in mindset and best practices for retailers with masterclass trainings, business strategies, expert guests and industry insiders, and more. Each episode is designed to help busy and passionate creative shop owners take action, work through their overwhelm and get focused on strategic business areas. Thinking about opening your own creative retail shop? Ready to stop playing shopkeeper and “winging” the business stuff? Looking for more foot traffic? Want to turn your brick and mortar into a viable business? Want predictable profits? Want to take the next step to run your store and not let it run you? Turn to Wendy Batten to take the proven steps to achieving your dream store, living your creative life and helping your amazing customers.

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Top 10 Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten Episodes

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213. Five Areas Retailers Should Focus on in Q3

Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten

06/10/24 • 23 min

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode:

If your retail shop is in an area where summertime means things slow down a little bit, it’s not time to settle into vacation mode just yet! As we move into summer, there are a few things that we can be doing around our retail shops to set us up for success when things get busier this Fall. In this episode, I’m going to share 5 areas retail shop owners could focus on this summer so you won’t be winging it when Q4 arrives.

The 5 areas I’ll be discussing in this episode are:

Any maintenance and physical changes to your shop
Updating processes & systems
Reorganizing and making changes/additions to your team
Your marketing plan
Review and know your numbers

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

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

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

Episode 162: What to Focus on in Q3

Episode 166: Simple Sales Strategy Series

Episode 195: What Numbers Successful Retail Shop Owners are Measuring

About your host, Wendy Batten

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

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

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

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

For more support from Wendy

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

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

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

Subscribe & Review on iTunes

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

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187. Make 2024 Your Best Year Ever in Your Retail Shop

Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten

12/11/23 • 22 min

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/187/

Show Notes:

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

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

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

Topics We’ll Cover in This Episode:

Getting out of the routine of running your business the way you always have
Prioritizing what you want from your business first and plan your business around that
Your role in the shop’s Front of House vs. Back of House
Two incredible resources I’ve created for you

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

1. Planning Your Best Year 4 Part Podcast Series

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

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

SAVE $200 YES SAVE $200!

Join here

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

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

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

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.

For more support from Wendy

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

Wendysources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

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

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/

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

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:

Retailer’s Inner Circle

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/

141. Are You Running the Store of Your Dreams?

Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten

01/23/23 • 18 min

Show Notes

Are you running the store that you dreamed of?We all had a dream when we were that what our shop would be and look like, right? We were meticulous and we carefully curated our shop to create that dream.

But things change and evolve over time. I often see two things happen:

Creep sets in - Simply put, things get off track and bad habits are created.
We stop dreaming - This is when we stop evolving our business. Whether that’s with your shop culture, your staff, front windows, inventory - things need to shift and change.

Here ere are four things to consider and that I share on this episode to help you level up your shop:

Shop Standards - Is everything the way you pictured it would be? Does it feel the way you want it to?
Your Team - Is your team cohesive? Are they doing the things you want them to? It might be time for some team meetings, performance evaluations, etc. How about your business advisors - do you have the right team around you?
You are the CEO - Are you comfortable in this role? Has your CEO role evolved alongside your business? It’s time to level up your skills and knowledge!
Customer Experience - Is the customer experience actually what you had envisioned it to be? Understand your customer’s experience from finding you, to shopping, to buying, to sharing.

It’s time to walk through your shop with fresh eyes and put your Dreamer / CEO hat back on!

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/141/

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/

183. Fine Tuning Your Retail Business Operations with Business Strategist Gwen Bortner

Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten

11/13/23 • 37 min

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Show Notes:

What should we focus on in our retail operations? On Episode 183 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, fellow retail business coach Gwen Bortner and I turned on the mics for a little impromptu chat about retail business operations. Like me, Gwen has a background in retail. Her coaching business focuses on the operations of her clients’ businesses so that their businesses support their lives rather than the other way around.

In our coaching careers, Gwen and I have found that after the start-up phase of business is over (in my experience 2-3 years after start-up), business owners are spending their energy mostly on marketing, in reality, it’s often the operations of the business that also needs our top attention and consistent fine tuning.

In order to move the needle in your business, the first step is to identify where the bottleneck is.

Gwen’s clients participate in a rating exercise called The GEARS Assessment. It is an assessment of operations and is designed to be completely subjective. Essentially, you evaluate 5 operational aspects of your business on a scale of 1-4. The total number can give you an idea of how you feel about the operations of your business and individual scores can give you an idea on where the most necessary (and likely easiest) operational fix in your business is right now.

You can take the GEARS Assessment for FREE on Gwen’s website HERE.

Goods – Products and services you sell

Effectiveness – Personal and team productivity, business leadership

Accountability – Prioritizing what is important and taking consistent action to reach goals

Resources – People, money, equipment, technology, and similar

Systems – Processes, routines, and reporting

Gwen is a special guest coach inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle, teaching Open To Buy inventory management.

As listeners of this podcast, you know I encourage weekly CEO dates: something that doesn’t often come easily to creative business owners. So many of us are accidental entrepreneurs: our businesses started as a passion project that grew and grew leaving us on a hamster wheel. What you need to remember is that it is okay to ask for help: NO ONE IS DOING THIS ALONE - nor should they! However, as leaders of our businesses we need to have our finger on the pulse of all of the operational aspects of our businesses. Gwen’s GEARS Assessment is the perfect place to start.

About Gwen:

Gwen Bortner is the founder of Everyday Effectiveness, an operational advisory firm that helps visionary entrepreneurs scale their businesses to seven figures and beyond. Before becoming a full-time business advisor in 2015, Gwen solved operations problems for corporate giants like General Mills and for niche companies like the world’s largest supplier of bull semen. To date, she’s advised executives, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs in over 40 industries, including craft retailers and industry leaders. In addition to advising and speaking on operational strategy, Gwen is the author of the best-selling knitting book, Entrée to Entrelac, and teaches knitting internationally for Craft Cruises, Inc.

Follow along with Gwen on LinkedIn.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 18: What’s Possible: The Accidental Shopkeeper with a Thriving Store with Jeff Lee

Episode 60: How Focused Learning Can Grow Your Business

Episode 70: You’re Not Just a Shopkeeper, You’re a Creative CEO

Episode 89: Money Talk & Mindset with Profits First Coach April Stroink

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

Show more best episodes

Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten

Wendy Batten, Creative Retail Mentor

Top 10 Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten Episodes

213. Five Areas Retailers Should Focus on in Q3

187. Make 2024 Your Best Year Ever in Your Retail Shop

116. What To Do If It’s Slow: Summer Strategy Series

155. Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Rest: The Key to Sustainable Retail Growth

147. How to Reframe Your Mindset on Competition

144. How to Create a Customer Journey Map

141. Are You Running the Store of Your Dreams?

130. The Karate Kid Stages Will Help Your Retail Business

80. Managing Your Energy and Expectations - Don't Hit a Wall

183. Fine Tuning Your Retail Business Operations with Business Strategist Gwen Bortner

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