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

With host retail coach Wendy Batten
 
https://wendybatten.com/podcast/
 
Don’t miss - my 6-week Sales Accelerator Workshop starts again on September 27th! This workshop was a game changer for the retailers who participated in the first round back in July. In this workshop, we work together step by step on the sales funnel: how you find your people and move them from lurkers to repeat customers. If you need more info or would like to join us (you totally should), here is the link.
 
Show Notes
First impressions count. 
Your brand assets are your customer’s first glimpse into what your shop is all about. That’s why ensuring they tell a cohesive story is SUPER important. Today I’m going to give you a few tips to ensure that no matter where customers are looking for you, they will find a clear, cohesive story of what your shop is all about.
Remember that reality is what our customers think of our shop and our brand, not necessarily what we want them to think. Keep in mind that you have control over this! No matter how customers find you, your shop’s first impression matters. The information you present online via Facebook, your website, LinkedIn, Google Business, etc. should be accurate and convey consistent information and branding. You need to ensure that your platforms answer these questions: (1) who you are (2) what you do and (3) who your shop serves.
A few tips:
1. Use keywords that your customers will be searching.
2. Don’t be too generic with your description of what you do.
3. Make sure all the basics are correct: your phone number, address, store hours, etc.
4. You don’t have to be for everyone. Speak directly to your ideal customers.
5. If your social media accounts or Google Business haven’t been updated lately (much like the exterior of your shop), you are likely repelling customers.
6. Ask a friend or business buddy to look at your socials and website with fresh eyes. If you are in my Retailer’s Inner Circle, grab a buddy and work together on this.



Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  
Episode 174: Five Ways to Network in Your Own Community
Episode 166: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Return Customer Rate
Episode 165: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Increasing Your Average Order Value
Episode 164: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Foot Traffic and Conversion
Episode 163: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Where to Start
Episode 96: Before You Pay for Ads, Do These 3 Things
 
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

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten
 
https://wendybatten.com/174-2/
 
As independent shop owners, we are always looking for ways to improve our shop’s visibility within our communities. We want our shops to be better known by the people who live and work where we do, right? If that sounds like you, listen up. Today’s podcast is all about your Attract Strategy through networking; or, in other words; getting you out of the door to get people in your door.
Before we dive in, I wanted to let you know that we have a new Sales Accelerator Course starting in October.  Sign up here. 
5 Ways to Network in Your Community
1. Get social on social media: In addition to nurturing the clients you already have who follow you on social media, take a few minutes every day to comment, share, like, etc. on the posts of other businesses/groups where your ideal customers are hanging out. Check out who is watching your stories and who is following you and reach out to thank them or like some of their posts.
2. Get involved in your community: Getting involved can mean joining the Chamber of Commerce, shopping around and supporting the other local businesses, joining a club or group, etc. 
3. Host a community event or service: Host an event that doesn’t have anything to do with your shop but supports your community. Examples from my clients are pet adoptions, paper shredding events, flea markets, book clubs, outside group meetings, etc.
4. Set up collaborations: Think about your customers and what collaborations you can offer them to make their lives easier. What goods or services are complimentary to your products? Collaborate with other local businesses to offer workshops/events/products that your customers will love.
“[A mindset of] Collaboration over competition can work miracles for you.”
5. Introduce yourself to people in your community: Retailers need to get out. Drop by some businesses in your community and introduce yourself without expectations. If it’s doable, offer a gift certificate or small gift as well. Having people know and recognize you and your business is incredibly valuable.
Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  
Episode 173: Find the Right Customer for Your Shop
Episode 166: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Return Customer Rate
Episode 165: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Increasing Your Average Order Value
Episode 164: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Foot Traffic and Conversion
Episode 163: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Where to Start
 
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/ 
 

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten
 
https://wendybatten.com/podcast/
 
Before we get started today, I wanted you to know that I am offering a FREE private coaching call for everyone who joins the Retailer’s Inner Circle during the month of September! It’s a GREAT time to join - we’ve added the revamped Holiday Bootcamp to our long list of masterclasses. Join us on the inside and work through it with us! Remember: You don’t have to do this alone.
Today on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, we are talking about the people we want in our shops: our ideal customers. Where do we find them? How do we attract them? Let’s dive in!
You’ll need to first identify who your ideal customer is. In identifying that person, remember that great brands are not for everyone. It is okay to repel some people while you work on attracting your ideal customer.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help with this process:
-How is your retail shop different from the other shop down the street?
-Who are you currently serving versus who do you WANT to be serving?
-What are 3-5 words that describe how you want your ideal customer to FEEL when they are in your shop?
-Think of everything about your brand from your customers’ point of view. What are the words your customers use to describe you? What do your customers WANT to buy in your shop?
-Are your customers value-driven? Connection-driven? Pride-driven? Something else?
-Where are your retail customers hanging out? What other shops/restaurants in your town are your ideal customers frequenting? Where else do they shop?
Throughout the episode I’ll give you some real examples of my clients who adjusted their offerings based on their customers’ needs/wants with great success. In order to find your people, you need to understand them. In order to attract them to your shop, you need to make sure that every piece of your brand is speaking to your ideal customer.
 
Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  
 
Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map
Episode 126: 10 Simple Ways to Level Up Your Shop
Episode 55: Unscalable Conversations: A Free, Simple & Powerful Marketing Tool to Use
 
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
 
Wendy’s 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 in iTunes
A

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten
 
https://wendybatten.com/172/
 
When circumstances are out of our control, what you do next is critical.
As the CEOs of our businesses, we have to be prepared for when things go sideways and problems arise in our shops and in our lives. Today on the podcast,  I’m sharing a proven method that works for me the CTFAR model and how it can change your problem solving process and get you better results. It’s not a new emethod and originally created by Brooke Castillo. It has worked for me in so many situations in my business and in my personal life - it will work for you as well.



What is the CTFAR Model?
C: Circumstances - What actually happened that was out of our control 
T: Thoughts - How we think about the circumstance
F: Feelings - How we feel because of the thoughts
A: Actions - What we do (or don’t do) in response to our feelings 
R: Results - What we get in the end
 
The purpose of the CTFAR model is to reframe your thinking to help you solve problems. By being aware of what is happening and choosing how you think about it, you can change the outcome. 
 
We need to always be showing up with a positive, solution-oriented mindset for ourselves, our team, and our customers. When we do this, we will see positive results.
 
“Our actions will drive our results but it starts with our thoughts.” - Wendy Batten
 
Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  
 
Episode 109: Money Mindset, Abundance, & Bad Ideas with Guest Expert Emily King
Episode 147: How to Reframe Your Mindset on Competition
Episode 151: 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 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
 
Wendy’s 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 in iTunes
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I’d love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won’t miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!
If you want to be more of a rockstar, I’d love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful f

With host retail coach Wendy Batten
 
https://wendybatten.com/171-2/
 
Show Notes:
Are you looking for some creative new ideas to grow your business? You’ll want to turn up your volume on this one, my friends!
 
Today on the podcast I’m talking with retailer Madeline Muñoz-Bustamante, owner of Colorful Cute - Miami’s first (and only!) Kawaii gift shop.  Madeline is also an active member of my Level Up Mastermind and my Retailer’s Inner Circle. Like many of us, Madeline describes herself as an accidental entrepreneur. After losing her job in 2020 when the pandemic started, she turned her passion for kawaii (the Japanese culture of cuteness) from an online shop/pop up into a brick and mortar storefront. 
 
Madeline shares her journey to CEO, bumps and all with us.
 
For a number of reasons including (1)  a location that isn’t conventionally ideal, (2) opening a brick and mortar during a pandemic, and (3) she isn’t afraid to try new things, Madeline has implemented a number of creative ideas and strategies that have led to incredible growth of Colorful Cute over the past three years. I know you’ll be able to pull something from our conversation to implement in your business, so listen up!
 
Some of the ideas and strategies Madeline has implemented include:
 
1. A fresh perspective on marketing: Madeline noticed a niche market that wasn’t currently being served in Miami. Filling that gap came very easy to her because she was also a member of that niche market. Her marketing is very cohesive because the “voice” is simply her talking to her customers as they are friends who love what she loves. Madeline calls it “letting her geek flag fly,” which I love. 
 
“Excitement is contagious…and that’s what we try to inject into our marketing.” - Madeline
 
2. Hosting events: Madeline began hosting events like movie nights, cons, and trading nights after realizing that her customers were looking for community through her shop.
 
3. Growing her online presence through Instagram: Madeline uses hashtags to find her people. She searches hashtags that align with her shop and when she finds interesting or exciting posts, she comments and shares which results in pulling that person into her community!  Oftentimes, it results in a win-win: her new instagram friend becomes aware of her shop and they are excited that she has shared their post. Implementing this strategy only takes minutes a day and can really grow your business.
 
4. Coming up with creative ways to move stale inventory: One of the struggles Madeline has had to overcome was purchasing for a much larger space than she was used to. She knows the importance of moving stale inventory (even if we don’t make money on it!) so she offered grab bags and other ideas as creative ways to move inventory that has overstayed its welcome.
 
5. Putting her CEO hat on: Madeline admits that being the boss is hard for her, but as a business owner she knows it’s necessary.  
 
I work closely with Madeline so I know she now takes her role as CEO very seriously. Madeline advocates for regular team meetings, getting shop procedures in place, and so on - just like her coach. ;) It’s truly been my joy watching her take on a leadership role in her business.
 
Madeline’s last piece of advice to you: “Don’t do this by yourself. Find the people, find the coaching, find the group, find the classes … You don’t have to do it by yourself.”
 
Madeline is definitely one to follow - she’s a vibrant, authentic soul and I’m honored to have her in my group and on the podcast today. Thank you for listening!
 
If you want to hang with cool shop owners like Madeline, my Retailer’s Inner Circle is welcoming new members right now. 
 
We are knee deep in holiday planning so jump in and join us!  We would love for you to be a part of the conversation.
 
About Madeline and Colorful Cute:
The best place to hang

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten
 
https://wendybatten.com/get-your-shop-holiday-ready-now-episode-170/
 
The time has come!  It’s now mid-August and before you know it, the holiday shopping season will be here.  Your shop will be full of customers, your profits will be high, and you’ll be feeling GREAT.  But wait, how do you get there? I’m here to help!
 
Over my 10 years in this business, I have found that retailers who are most successful going into the holiday season have two things in common: (1) a good mindset and (2) a plan in place.
 
Here’s how I’m helping retailers like you get ready for this holiday season!
 
1. I’m hosting a FREE live Holiday Prep Workshop August 28th at 4pm ET. I’ll talk you through some things you’ll want to have in place so your holiday retail season goes smoothly. Learn more and register here! 
 
2. For podcast listeners, Grab my free Holiday Podcast Playlist!  Over the years, we’ve had some incredible conversations here on the podcast about all things Q4 so I decided to curate a playlist for you with the best of CST holiday podcast episodes.  You can grab it HERE.
 
3. If you’ve been on the fence about joining my Retailer’s Inner Circle, the time is NOW. We start our full Holiday Boot Camp in September - it is a five part plan to give you all the steps you need for a successful end of the year. We host it inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle and it is all new and revamped this year. Come be part of the conversation. As you know, we also have countless masterclasses and a great community rich with conversation and ideas from retailers all over the world.  This is where you’ll find your people!
 
Thanks for listening today!  I hope to see your smiling faces on August 28th for the Holiday Prep Workshop. If you have any questions about the services I offer for retailers, jump into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! I’d love to help.
 
Related podcasts we think you’ll like:  
 
Grab the Holiday Playlist HERE.




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
 
Wendy’s 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 in 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