Show Notes:

If we want to make real progress, we need to stop setting more goals.

I am thrilled to introduce you to a new way to think of progress with my good friend and fellow coach, Richard Ralston. 

Richard has been a coach/mentor for 30+ years and focuses on helping his clients realize their full potential and make true progress on their goals. A champion of community and for communities, he specializes in helping people make progress and has created a methodology called The Progress Pod Accountability Group System where he helps people set up small mastermind groups to help them continue making progress. Within those small groups, they use the Next Tiny Step Method.

We’ve all felt overwhelmed when it comes to goal setting and reaching our goals. We set goals, and when we don’t reach them, we set even more goals. More goals = Overwhelm. So, in order to reduce the overwhelm, Richard created the Next Tiny Step Method where instead of putting the focus on the end result, you start at the tiniest first step at the beginning.

It’s really down to two questions. What do you want? And when are you going to do it? 

The Next Tiny Step is the process of making one single action. An action that is so small it’s immediately doable and you see the progress right away, which in turn motivates you even more and rids you of overwhelm. If life happens to get in the way of your next tiny step – shift it to the next available white space in your calendar. It’s that easy!

So grab your pen and paper and take notes – we’ve got a mindset shift you’ll want to use not just in your shop, but in your life! It’s time to gain clarity on your goals, take action, and make progress!

“Goals are a direction to go in, not a destination to get to.” – Richard Ralston

Listen on:  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Radio Republic | YouTube | PlayerFM | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

A Quick Glance:

[0:56] Richard Ralston: The Progress King

[4:40] The Next Tiny Step

[17:55] How shop owners can use this method

[22:48] What happens if life gets in the way?

[27:44] The importance of community

[30:48] Rapid fire questions + closing remarks

About Richard:

I believe that tiny steps taken consistently over time are the key to making massive progress. I believe that it’s easier to make progress when we meet regularly with others who challenge, encourage and support us to be all we have the potential to be.

This is why I created the Progress Pods. Progress Pods are a system that makes it easy to find and join with like-minded people who want to make massive progress in their lives and support others to do the same.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Accountability Group Setup Guide

Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple podcasts!

Resources Mentioned:

Retailer’s Inner Circle
Book: Impossible To Ignore

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 133 – Community, culture, and CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh
Episode 130 – The Karate Kid Stages Will Help Your Retail Business
Episode 127 – Invest In Yourself
Episode 122 – CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis
Episode 115 – How To Tame All of Those Great Ideas
Episode 113 – Growth Mindset with Jeff Lee

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For more support from Wendy:

Retail Made Simple – Wendy’s on demand course for shop owners wanting more from their business

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out with Wendy on IG 

More ways to connect with Wendy 

Show Notes:

Are you running the store that you dreamed of?

We all had a dream of 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:

1. Creep sets in – Simply put, things get off track and bad habits are created.
2. 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 are four things to consider and that I share on this episode to help you level up your shop:

1. Shop Standards – Is everything the way you pictured it would be? Does it feel the way you want it to? 
2. 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?
3. 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!
4. 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!

Listen on:  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Radio Republic | YouTube | PlayerFM | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

A Quick Glance:

[0:30] Intro

[4:38] Shop Standards

[5:23] Team Creep

[7:05] Are you the CEO?

[11:08] Customer Experience

[13:23] Recap 

[15:07] Retailer’s Inner Circle + Closing remarks

Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple podcasts!

Resources Mentioned:

Retailer’s Inner Circle
Level Up Mastermind
Retail Made Simple
Business and Planning Guide

Etsy Report 
Pinterest Trends Report

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 140 – 2023 Retail Trends
Episode 133 – Community, Culture, and CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh
Episode 122 – CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis
Episode 91 – The CEO Confessions with Retailers Wendy and Malinda
Episode 88 – Making Pivotal (and scary) CEO Decisions with Melanie Kolb
Episode 87 – The Journey to CEO Level Confidence with Stacey Allgood
Episode 70 – You’re Not Just a Shopkeeper, You’re a Creative CEO
Episode 39 – How Jill Went from Hobbyist to Creative CEO

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For more support from Wendy:

Retail Made Simple – Wendy’s on demand course for shop owners wanting more from their business

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out with Wendy on IG 

More ways to connect with Wendy 

Show Notes:

How do we keep up with the ever-evolving retail trends?

Today’s Creative Shop Talk episode is all about how to make sure our business stays fresh and exciting as the inventory and customers buying trends change. 

Today’s episode covers 2 types of trends:

1. Product Trends and how to do the right research for your product lines
2. Buying Trends and what trends are predicted for customer buying patterns 

How do we know what to buy? Trends can change based on the time period or where you live. But it’s also important to not just go with what’s trendy because it’s new, but choose inventory that is aligned with your brand.

Know your inventory mix. It’s OK to dip your toes into what’s trending. But those trendy items shouldn’t make up the entire bulk of your inventory (for most shops). 

Stay true to your customers needs and wants. But how? Pay attention to what your customers are actually buying. Pay attention to brands, associations, newsletters, magazines, Pinterest/Etsy, and pop culture news. Travel, and go to trade shows or other shops – it’s all about the research.

As trends come and go, remember a key focus is on the customer journey, add a fresh new mix to your inventory as the trends are popular, and keep your CEO hat on so you can make the right choices for your brand, your customers, and your values.

Listen on:  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Radio Republic | YouTube | PlayerFM | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

A Quick Glance:

[0:21] Intro

[2:55] Stay on brand

[4:08] Have a mix of inventory

[6:04] Know what your customers want – trend research

[17:06] Client story

[18:47] What’s trending now?

[25:57] Closing remarks

Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple podcasts!

Resources Mentioned:

Retailer’s Inner Circle
Level Up Mastermind
Retail Made Simple
Business and Planning Guide

Etsy Report 
Pinterest Trends Report

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 139 – 6 Things To Focus On In 2023
Episode 104 – Let’s Turn Your Old Inventory Into Cash For You
Episode 93 – How To Wow and Delight Your Customers To Keep Them Coming Back
Episode 51 – How Brands Work With Retailers To Make a Win-Win Situation

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• Facebook

For more support from Wendy:

Retail Made Simple – Wendy’s on demand course for shop owners wanting more from their business

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out with Wendy on IG 

More ways to connect with Wendy 

Show Notes:

Welcome to Season 4 of The Creative Shop Talk Podcast!

Where we spend our time and attention can be overwhelming.
As we have been welcoming new members into my Retailer’s Inner Circle and Mastermind groups, we’ve been discussing different ways of running our businesses. Focusing on getting creative, innovative, and really putting new eyes on how we run things.

In 2023 seeing a small shop explosion, shopping local has new eyes and attention. Retailers are really working to pay attention to the needs of their customers.  I’m breaking it all down and sharing with you six things that we should be focusing on to help shift our energy into a positive focus for 2023.

1. We are in the hospitality business – Remind yourself of this. Although money matters, it’s all about the connection with people. Bring humanity to your business and focus on the experience and how you’re making your customers feel.
2. Build a positive marketing strategy – You need marketing that connects with your buyers to turn them into allies and believers. It also needs to align with your brand. 
3. Systems – This is the time to be stable and organized with your standard operating procedures. Ask yourself, “what would make this easier?”
4. Shop culture norms – Focus on HOW you do things. Your team, your mission, your values and shop standards – make sure they are all working for you and your team. Be the leader and be present for your team as well.
5. Profits – Make sure your numbers are under control. Pay attention to your margins, your expenses, as well as your products and inventory. Make sure you are paying yourself and your team. Be lean, but excellent.
6. Frictionless buying – Our customers and clients want ease. Make shopping with you easy , think about the way you serve, the hours you are open, the way people pay, and your policies etc.

2023 is the year to keep your CEO hat on tight and pay attention to all the details!

Listen on:  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Radio Republic | YouTube | PlayerFM | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

A Quick Glance:

[0:11] Season 4 + more

[6:16] We are in the hospitality business

[8:06] Positive marketing strategy

[10:45] Systems

[13:18] Shop culture + norms

[17:17] Profits + numbers

[20:23] Frictionless buying

[23:14] Recap + closing remarks

Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple podcasts!

Resources Mentioned:

Retailer’s Inner Circle
Level Up Mastermind
Foot Traffic Made Simple
Retail Made Simple
Business and Planning Guide

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 136 – Annual Planning That Fills Your Life Buckets
Episode 133 – Community, Culture, and CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh
Episode 131 – Is Your Business Ready for What’s Coming in 2023?
Episode 129 – Community Attract Strategy with Michelle Emmons
Episode 126 – 10 Simple Ways to Level Up Your Shop
Episode 122 – CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis
Episode 118 – Loyalty and Amazing Customer Experiences with Shep Hyken
Episode 113 – Growth Mindset with Jeff Lee
Episode 65 – Staying Positive While Building Community and Profits
Episode 60 – How Focused Learning Increases Can Grow Your Business

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• Facebook

For more support from Wendy:

Retail Made Simple – Wendy’s on demand course for shop owners wanting more from their business

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out with Wendy on IG 

More ways to connect with Wendy 

Show Notes:

It’s our final episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast for 2022!
At the beginning of my mastermind group sessions, members share quick wins, insights, lessons and struggles. It really makes us take the time to acknowledge what’s truly going on in our businesses.

Wins – what are you currently celebrating?
Insights – what have you observed lately?
Lessons – what have you learned?
Struggles – what areas within your business need the most help?

So, in today’s episode of Creative Shop Talk, I’m getting personal and sharing my wins, insights, lessons, and struggles:

Wins –

1. I’m excited to say that I’ve gone back into coaching with my coaches. I invested heavily in hiring coaching with real determination of what I want. 
2. All of your wins are my wins as well. Hearing from so many of you this past year and all of the success you’ve had is a big win for me as well as working with all of my amazing retailer clients.
3. The Creative Shop Talk Podcast downloads are going up substantially every week.
4. I got out of my comfort zone and attended a conference for Canadian exporters.
5. My husband and I bought an RV and took a month-long trip to Newfoundland, Canada.
6. I have been very attentive to my health.
7. I faced another fear and invited Jo Packham to be a guest on the podcast which in turn, provided many other opportunities to work with Jo. In 2023, I will be writing a business column inside her magazine, What Women Create. 
8. Lastly, I have a crystal clear vision and plan for 2023.

Insights –

1. We don’t have to be cookie cutter. We all need business foundations, but how we create those systems and foundations is going to be different than anyone else. There are many ways to run your business.
2. We need to be intentional about who we surround ourselves with. Be super selective and find your true allies.
3. Don’t play small. There’s zero growth in our comfort zone.

Lessons – 

1. Investing in coaching, teams, business growth, and myself has been huge for me and I see it for others as well this past year. 
2. Raise the bar when it comes to things like tech skills and what I can do.
3. I am more comfortable with moving to the next level.
4. I need to remind myself that I am capable and a strong decision maker.
5. My wildly most important goals – I have my 3 big focus goals set.

Struggles over the past year –

1. I have too many ideas. I need to corral all of my ideas and make strong decisions on what I can execute.
2. Imposter Syndrome. It was in my head this year that everyone else had it together and was bigger and better. I need to remind myself that I am not for everybody and that’s ok.
3. Impatience. I am impatient with my website updates, learning, making my team really cohesive, etc.

I am so excited for what’s coming in retail in 2023 – my clients, the podcast, and the ripple effect it all creates!

My Retail Made Simple course is OPEN and if you decide to purchase through December, you’ll get an amazing BONUS offer. A personal shop audit from me!
Jump in and say YES to a successful 2023!

Listen on:  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Radio Republic | YouTube | PlayerFM | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

A Quick Glance:

[0:12] Intro

[1:41] Retail Made Simple is OPEN with a special bonus!

[8:41] WINS

[17:03] INSIGHTS

[21:43] LESSONS

[25:19] STRUGGLES

[29:50] What I am excited for?

[33:16] Closing remarks

Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple podcasts!

Resources Mentioned:

Business and Planning Guide
Retail Made Simple
Level Up Mastermind
Foot Traffic Made Simple
Retailer’s Inner Circle
The Greg McKeown Podcast & Books

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 133 – Community, Culture, and CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh
Episode 115 – How To Tame All of Those Great Ideas
Episode 106 – Multi-Passionate Jo Packham and the Creative Business Journey
Episode 100 – Why It’s Important to Celebrate Your Business Milestones
Episode 94 – Where to Spend Your Time and Focus Within Your Business
Episode 79 – Your Competitive Advantage Over Amazon
Episode 68 – Special Guest Marian Parsons On Growing and Doing Business Your Own Way

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• Facebook

For more support from Wendy:

Retail Made Simple – Wendy’s on demand course for shop owners wanting more from their business

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

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out with Wendy on IG 

More ways to connect with Wendy