Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten Wendy Batten, Creative Retail Mentor

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

The 5 areas I’ll be discussing in this episode are:
Any maintenance and physical changes to your shop
Updating processes & systems
Reorganizing and making changes/additions to your team
Your marketing plan
Review and know your numbers
 
You can ease off the gas and take a little break this summer, even as you focus on these areas. There is time for both… for now! So let’s get to planning in Q3 so we can set ourselves up for a phenomenal Q4 in 2024. Let’s dive in!
 
Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle. 
Here’s everything you need to know about the Retailer’s Inner Circle. You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop.


Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 
Episode 112: How to Do a Mid-Year Review and Check-up
Episode 162: What to Focus on in Q3
Episode 166: Simple Sales Strategy Series
Episode 195: What Numbers Successful Retail Shop Owners are Measuring



About your host, Wendy Batten
In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. 
Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer’s Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. 
I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.
When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/ 
 
For more support from Wendy
 
Retailer’s Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community
 
Free resources for shop owners 
 
Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 
 
All of Wendy’s programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE. 
Subscribe & Review on iTunes
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I’d love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won’t miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!
If you want to be more of a rockstar, I’d love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what you

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten
 
https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/
 
In This Episode: 
When you are feeling stuck in your retail business or in life, what tricks do you use to change your mindset? How do you push through the blocks that feel as though they are keeping you stuck? 
In this episode, I’m joined by mixed media artist, creative coach, and former client Jane Bellante to chat about all things mindset. Jane’s business has transformed over the years from a retail shop to creative coaching. Today she hosts The ArtFusion Podcast and helps retailers and creatives let go of negative thought patterns to create art and personal brands. If you need some inspiration around flipping your mindset and overcoming business blocks, this episode is for you!
“As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.” -Rumi
Just a few of the points we chat about:
The magic of stillness
Trusting yourself and listening to your intuition
Tying habits to positive affirmations
How changing your thought patterns can also change your neuropathways 
Being brave enough to let go of the things that are no longer serving you and your business
The connection between you, your customers, and your branding (This conversation may surprise you!)
Jane also gives us great advice on seeking progress over perfection, or as I like to say, “done is better than perfect!”
What’s holding you back? How can I help? Reach out and let’s chat!
About our Guest, Jane Bellante
Jane Bellante is an expert at helping people let go of negative thought patterns to create the art and personal brands they have always wanted with joy, confidence and ease. She has been a mixed media artist for 30 years, is an International Best Selling Author, a 3 time published artist and has a Masters Degree in Adult Education. She is host of the ArtFusion Podcast, founder of the 5 Day Letting Go Workshop, the Creating Confidently (ArtFusion) course, IGNITE mastermind leader, and is a married mother of 2 kids and 2 pets.
Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle. 
Here’s everything you need to know about the Retailer’s Inner Circle. You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop.


Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 
 
Episode 185: Avoid Burnout with Guest Expert Dr. Ashley Margeson
Episode 194: Feeling Stuck? 20 Prompts to Help You Flip Your Mindset
Episode 133: Retail Success Series: Community, Culture, & CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh
 
About your host, Wendy Batten
In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. 
Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer’s Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. 
I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.
When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about o

 
 With host retail coach Wendy Batten
 
https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/
 
In This Episode: 
Our business growth is dependent on relationships. Customers, team, and others in your community. 
Being intentional about relationship marketing is key. As a retail shop owner, have you thought about which other businesses in your community might be a good fit to build relationships with? Listen in on this episode to expand your network: the perfect collaboration might not be with who you think!
Relationship marketing can be beneficial to you and your community in big ways. In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing all about relationship marketing: how and why it works, where to find your collaborators, and ideas on how to build your network. Put on your CEO hat and let’s dive in!
“Your network is your net worth.” - Porter Gale
In this episode, you will learn:
How building community relationships can enhance your retail business
The importance of learning what your customers are looking for when planning collaborations
Who you should be aligning and collaborating with
Why collaborations work and how to build your network
The impacts good retail marketing can have on your visibility strategy

This episode is a great companion to the Visibility Series we shared a few months back! You can find the link to those episodes below.

So grab a pen and paper and let’s dig in! If you have any a-ha moments, ideas, or experiences to share around this episode, jump into my DMs on Instagram! I would love to hear from you.
 
Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle. 
Here’s everything you need to know about the Retailer’s Inner Circle. You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop.


Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 
Episodes 198-200: Stop Hiding and Be Known: Retailer’s Visibility Series Parts 1-3
Episode 55: Unscalable Conversations: A Free, Simple & Powerful Marketing Tool 



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. 

With host retail coach Wendy Batten
 
https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/
 
In This Episode: 
Looking for ideas and ways to grow your social media presence for your independent retail business? 
Look no further than this conversation with business coach Brooke Riley. Brooke started her entrepreneurial career with a DIY/creative blog and website and is a great success story of how businesses can grow and pivot. Today, Brooke still runs her blog and has since added an online boutique and started a coaching community where she serves others and helps entrepreneurs grow their online presence. In this episode, I’m sharing our conversation about what she sees that’s working right now in social media and retail business growth.
Throughout the episode, we chat about:
Some tips on going live
The importance of video
Why you need to personalize/humanization of your brand on your social accounts
Hiring to your weakness
Tips on working with your partner/spouse
Why you need to stay connected with those you like to learn from (coaches, mentors, etc)
There are quite a few golden nuggets of wisdom throughout this episode - even in the rapid fire round of questions (book recommendations and more!) So grab a pen and some paper, and let’s dive in. 
About Our Guest, Brooke Riley
Brooke Riley is the CEO and Founder of Re-Fabbed, a DIY decorating and lifestyle website, and Re-Fabbed Boutique, an online women’s boutique. She has maximized her social media presence to well over a million followers and offers online business coaching to teach entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners how to grow and maximize their online presence for profit.
You can follow along with Brooke here:
Facebook | Instagram | Blog | Store | Coaching Group 
 
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 142: How to Make Real Progress in Your Business with Guest Expert Richard Ralston
Episode 160: Simplifying Social Media with Guest Expert Leanne Pressly
Episode 191: Retail Growth Through Small Steps




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

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. 
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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten
 
https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/
 
In This Episode: 
When you hire employees to work in your retail shop, you aren’t simply giving them a job. As a shop owner, you are uniquely positioned to offer career opportunities that better the lives of people in your community. 
 
In Episode 208 of the Creative Shop Talk podcast, I’m sitting down with the host of the Stacking Your Team podcast, Shelli Warren. Through her podcast and in her role as a Leadership Advisor, Shelli has dedicated her time to teaching women how to build capable leaders in their businesses so as owners, they can focus on the higher-level growth of the company. 
 
Sound familiar? Shelli will teach you how to stack your team so you can get your CEO hat on and focus on the growth and well-being of your business.
 
Shelli and I chat about:
The difference between a job and a career
How to attract and hire the “right” people
The balance of incorporating and encouraging your employees’ ideas and keeping healthy boundaries
Advice on how to have difficult conversations with good employees - even if you are a self-proclaimed people pleaser!
Unique ways to keep employees motivated and happy (Shelli has a great freebie on her website about motivating your team here)
What you should be sharing and not sharing with your employees

So let’s dive in and start stacking our teams!
 
About our guest, Shelli Warren
As a distinguished women's Leadership Advisor and host of the Stacking Your Team podcast, Shelli Warren helps small business owners set up their teams to take over the daily operations of their business so they can focus on higher-level growth activities. With a track record of steering multi-million dollar projects for a Fortune 50 corporation and iconic billion-dollar brands, Shelli has leveraged her background in building and leading technical teams to coach business owners for the last decade. Now in its fifth year, The Stacking Your Team podcast is a top-rated show with over 500,000 downloads that teaches women leaders how to establish a capable leadership team that ensures the daily direction needed to delight their business.
 
You can find Shelli on all of these platforms:
LinkedIn |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  YouTube  |  Website 
 
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. 



Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 
Episode 151: How to Have Difficult Conversations with Good Staff
Episode 155: Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Rest: The Key to Sustainable Business Growth
Episode 185: Avoid Burnout with Guest Expert Dr. Ashley Margeson
 
 
About your host, Wendy Batten
In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. 
Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer’s Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. 
I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.
When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my ver