• 214. Coffee Break Chat: Be a Big Deal!
    Jun 17 2024
    With host retail coach In This Episode: Let’s have a coffee chat around being a big deal in your community, shall we? Recently, I had a conversation with a client where she relayed to me that being a “big deal” in her community felt awkward for her because she didn’t want to show off or flaunt herself. I want to be the first to tell you that being a big deal isn’t about you personally, but rather, it’s about making sure your brand is known in your community. It’s about knowing what makes your brand special and making sure your community knows. It’s about having confidence in what you are doing in your retail store and sharing it with your community. “Confidence comes from doing.” If you need a little pep talk around gathering the confidence to get your name out there in the community, this coffee chat is for you! Grab yourself a cup and let’s dive in. Be sure to check out the related podcast list this week for a deep dive on visibility. Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle. Here’s everything you need to know about the . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including , 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: : Stop Hiding and Be Known: The Retailer’s Visibility Series About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
    Show more Show less
    13 mins
  • 213. Five Areas Retailers Should Focus on in Q3
    Jun 10 2024
    With host retail coach 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 . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including , 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: : How to Do a Mid-Year Review and Check-up : What to Focus on in Q3 : Simple Sales Strategy Series : What Numbers Successful Retail Shop Owners are Measuring About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
    Show more Show less
    23 mins
  • 212. Pushing Through Business Blocks with Guest Expert Jane Bellante
    Jun 3 2024
    With host retail coach 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 . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including , 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: : Avoid Burnout with Guest Expert Dr. Ashley Margeson : Feeling Stuck? 20 Prompts to Help You Flip Your Mindset : 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 where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
    Show more Show less
    45 mins
  • 211. Relationship Marketing for Retailers
    May 27 2024
    With host retail coach 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 . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including , 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: : Stop Hiding and Be Known: Retailer’s Visibility Series Parts 1-3 : 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 where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • 210. What's Working for Social Media and Retail Business Growth with Brooke Riley
    May 20 2024
    With host retail coach 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: | | | | Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle. Here’s everything you need to know about the . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including , 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: : How to Make Real Progress in Your Business with Guest Expert Richard Ralston : Simplifying Social Media with Guest Expert Leanne Pressly : 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 where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
    Show more Show less
    43 mins
  • 209. Retail Observations from a Seven-State Road Trip
    May 13 2024
    With host retail coach 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 . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including , 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: : Retail Success Series: Growth Mindset with Jeff Lee from The Vintage Nest : How to Create a Customer Journey Map : 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 where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • 208. Stack Your Team with Guest Expert Shelli Warren
    May 6 2024
    With host retail coach 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 ) 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: | | | | Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle. Here’s everything you need to know about the . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including . Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : How to Have Difficult Conversations with Good Staff : Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Rest: The Key to Sustainable Business Growth : 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 where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
    Show more Show less
    46 mins
  • 207. Let’s Talk About Uniforms and Name Tags for Your Retail Shop
    Apr 29 2024
    With host retail coach In This Episode: Ready for another controversial episode? Let’s do it! Let’s talk about name tags and uniforms. If you are a retail shop owner who thinks uniforms don’t apply or fit with your brand, I hope you’ll keep listening and reconsider after hearing this short episode. It’s not as stuffy as it sounds. I promise. In the episode I’ll cover: Why uniforms don’t have to be stuffy or formal (and can feel quite magical!) How uniforms make your brand more cohesive and professional Why employees will buy in and feel more unified with your retail shop How do you feel about uniforms? Do your employees wear a uniform that aligns with your brand? If not, why not? Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle. Here’s everything you need to know about the . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including . Not ready for a monthly commitment yet? Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course. We start on April 24th! More information . Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : How to Create a Customer Journey Map : Colorful, Cute & Creative Ways to Grow Your Business with Madeline Muñoz-Bustamante from Colorful Cute : Retailers: First Impressions Count! About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
    Show more Show less
    14 mins