Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 316 | How to Build a Business That Works for Your Life
With Retail Coach Wendy Batten
Listen on: Apple Podcasts |Spotify | Radio Republic | YouTube | PlayerFM | Stitcher | iHeartRadio
Episode Overview:
I’m back after taking a longer-than-expected summer pause from the podcast! That pause gave me space to think about what I want next for my business, what I want my life to look like, and how those two things fit together. After years of building, coaching, and running a business, I’ve been thinking a lot about what deserves my energy and what no longer needs to come along for the climb.
In this episode, I’m sharing some of the questions I’ve been working through with clients and myself. I talk about business seasons, celebrating the times when things are going well, recognizing that there will always be another mountain to climb, and making sure we are not carrying unnecessary weight up that mountain.
Most of all, I want us to think beyond simply building a bigger business. I want to build a business that works for the life I want, and I want you to consider what your business needs to do for you, personally, financially, and for your dreams.
Our Key Topics:
- Why taking a pause can create space to think about what I actually want from my business
- How different business seasons can shape what my business needs to look like right now
- What my fuels and drains reveal about the work, people, and parts of my business that deserve my energy
- How removing fear, guilt, sunk cost, and other people’s expectations can help me make intentional business decisions
- Why the goal isn’t always bigger and better, but building a business that works for my life with intention, energy, and fun
Key Takeaways For Shop Owners
- A pause does not mean I’ve stopped building.
I took time away from the podcast while still working deeply with clients, hosting retreats, and thinking about what comes next. Sometimes creating space is part of moving forward.
- I need to know what I actually want from my business.
That includes what I need from it personally and financially, how it supports my dreams, and whether the meaningful parts of the work are still lighting me up.
- I can make decisions without being ruled by fear, guilt, sunk costs, or other people’s expectations.
Removing those things helps me look at what I would choose to build intentionally rather than simply continuing what already exists.
- There will always be another mountain.
Business will have highs, dips, and new challenges. I cannot eliminate every hard season, but I can pay attention to how I’m climbing and whether I have the right people and the right load with me.
- Bigger and better is not always the goal.
I’m thinking more about designing a business with intention, energy, enthusiasm, and fun instead of treating growth as the only measure of success.
“If I remove fear, guilt, sunk cost, and other people’s expectations, what would I build on purpose?”
I hope this episode gives you a little space to think about what you want from your business, what you’re carrying with you, and what you might choose to build on purpose. How can I help you run the business of your dreams while also living your life?
Resources Mentioned and Related Episodes:
Episode 315: What Really Happens at a Mastermind Retreat and Why It Matters for Business Growth
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About Your Host, Wendy Batten:
In case we haven’t met…I’m Wendy Batten. I’ve been a small business owner, coach, and mentor for over 25 years. I help thoughtful, established entrepreneurs step into their role as CEO and build businesses that are profitable, meaningful, and supportive of the lives they want to live. My work blends real-world strategy with a life-first philosophy, shaped by lived experience, not theory. I’ve been there! Through honest conversations and practical insight, I invite you into bigger thinking about leadership, possibility, and how to build both business and life on purpose.
For more support from Wendy:
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All of Wendy’s current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.
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