Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 185 |  Avoid Burnout with Guest Expert Dr. Ashley Margeson

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With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

Show Notes:

Retailers take note. 

If you’ve ever experienced burnout in your home tasks or business, you know it’s something that’s best to manage in its early stages. In Episode 185 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, Dr. Ashley Margeson joins me for a dynamic discussion about burnout, including what it is, and methods for prevention and recovery. If you are like many of my retailers and have said things like “I love what I do, but…” “I just need to hustle through this one event/season/month…” This conversation is for you.

What is burnout?

Burnout has been studied since the 1970s. It is an interesting phenomenon that the WHO set as a true diagnosis only a few years ago, identifiable by three key symptoms: depressive-like feelings, apathy towards your work (whether it be at home, entrepreneurship, etc), and a loss of productivity/performance. Burnout is tough to recognize at its earliest stages because we keep justifying it with logic.

Dr. Ashley explains that burnout occurs when we overuse adrenaline as our main energy source. The longer we use adrenaline as energy, cortisol production is suppressed. Cortisol is your energy & stress response hormone that should rise in the morning and stay steady throughout the day. As entrepreneurs, our first instinct is often to just “do more,” which leads to living on adrenaline. Living on adrenaline leads to burnout.

Managing Burnout Like A Bank Account

An easy way to think about managing burnout is to think of a bank account. Like a bank account withdrawal, our energy is depleted for things we spend it on. Similarly, an energy “deposit” can be made into our bank through things like eating healthy meals and adequate sleep.

4 Modes/Stages of Burnout:

1. Savings/Investing Mode: Early Stage Burnout: We have lots of deposits coming in so we are able to “spend” our energy/adrenaline.
2. Paycheck to Paycheck: In this mode, there is just enough energy coming in to deal with what’s going out.
3. Overdraft: There is no longer enough energy coming in to cover what is going out. At this stage, you aren’t quite apathetic, moreso irritated. You start putting things off.
4. The creditors are calling: In this stage, you are no longer getting out of bed. Once you get to this stage, you may need medical intervention and recovery can take months and months.

One of the things that Dr. Ashley points out early on in our conversation is that burnout can’t necessarily be avoided. Rather, severe burnout should be managed/prevented so that recovery can be a walk outside vs. 18 months of rest. From a retail perspective, this could mean identifying what you can do in Q1 – Q3 that will limit the energy withdrawals you are making in Q4 that can lead to burnout.

Dr. Ashley explains that energy deposits can take the form of 30 second “glimmers” throughout your day, deposits that take 5-15 minutes, and deposits that take over 20 minutes. Oftentimes, we are so focused on the energy deposits that take more than 20 minutes (having dinner with a friend, for example) that we miss the smallest deposits (“glimmers” like a glass of water, a post-it note on the computer, etc). These are the sources that give us small, sustainable bumps in energy. 

The “cornerstone” deposits are the ones we should be spending our energy on: sleep, fueling, self-awareness, and movement.

“No one ever gets to burnout because they failed. We burn out because we care about showing up and doing the right things.” – Dr. Ashley

Dr. Ashley’s advice:

1. Determine what stage of burnout you are in. 
2. Make a list of deposits that give you energy in each of the three timeframes listed above.
3. Of the cornerstone deposits, which matters most to you? Focus on that one.

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About Dr. Ashley Margeson

Dr. Ashley Margeson is a Naturopathic Doctor who believes that your health should work for you, not against you.As the COO of Cornerstone Naturopathic, a Halifax, Nova Scotia-based clinic, she focuses on Burnout Recovery and Prevention, guiding individuals towards revitalization and well-being.

At the helm of her mission, Dr. Ashley is also the host of “The Superwoman Code,” a dynamic podcast supporting busy women in optimizing their health, homes, and hormones to infuse life back into their lifestyles. Her impactful contributions have garnered recognition from platforms such as Business Insider, The Globe and Mail, Shondaland, The Strategist, Cosmopolitan Magazine and more. Additionally, she is a regular contributor to health matters on Global and CTV Morning Live.

Dr. Ashley extends her influence to the digital realm through The Superwoman Code Course Suite, a comprehensive online hub offering online support meticulously crafted to foster healthy habits without the stress.

Beyond her professional commitments, Dr. Ashley is a devoted dog mom to Loki and full-time stepmom to Caleb and Elise. Her expertise doesn’t stop at her clinic; she is also a sought-after freelance consultant, partnering with companies and organizations to integrate Burnout Prevention Strategies into their work environments, nurturing resilience and well-being among employees.

For a deeper connection with Dr. Ashley Margeson ND, explore her insights and offerings at www.ashleymargeson.com or engage with her through her vibrant social channels on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Through her holistic approach, she empowers individuals to reshape their health journeys and foster lasting vitality.

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 86: Avoid Biz Burnout – Take Control and See the Full Potential of Your Business

Episode 92: Morning Routines & Why They Work – Even For People Who Hate Morning Routines

Episode 100: Why It’s Important to Celebrate Your Business Milestones

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 and 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 rock star, 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 for you! Thank you!

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 184 |  Holiday Retail Sales Tips from Seasoned Shop Owners

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With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

Show Notes:

You are in for a very special holiday treat on this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, my friends! Joining me on this episode are three of my Level Up Mastermind and Retailer’s Inner Circle members: Amy Cseh, Amy Hart, and Jeff Lee, all brilliant and longstanding independent retail shop owners who have been in the trenches and experienced ups and downs just like many. (Links to follow along with all of them are below.) The interview, which originally aired exclusively in the Retailer’s Inner Circle Facebook group, is FULL of holiday sales tips from these three seasoned shop owners.

Here are just a few of the sales tips/pieces of advice we dug into:

• Take advantage of any of the events that are organized by the community or town. 
• Ensure your staff is well trained and knows exactly what you are trying to accomplish.
• Set specific numbers goals for your staff so they can be engaged and track progress.
• Know your customer base and anticipate what they are looking for. Don’t “panic buy” merchandise just because you have FOMO or think that’s what you should be doing.
• If you are an Inner Circle member, implement the sales strategies in the Sales Accelerator masterclass. (And if you aren’t a member, maybe it’s time to join the Retailer’s Inner Circle!)
• Don’t miss the after Christmas rush!  Customers want to shop that week between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Have a plan for projected sales/buying plan for Q1. Sales will slow down after the holidays are over and you don’t want to be caught off guard. There is a new masterclass that just released into the Inner Circle this week all about Open to Buy Inventory Management that all members have access to.
• Pay attention to your return rate per square foot. If something isn’t selling fast enough, you may need to make a decision to downsize the display or get rid of the line completely.
• Plan your events & weekly emails ahead of time so you aren’t missing personal things during the holiday season. It doesn’t feel good to let personal things slide for the “sake of the store.”
• Do everything you can in advance, including personal things. (By the time this podcast airs, Jeff’s house will have been fully decorated for Christmas for 2+ weeks!)
• Amy C.’s advice: “Bless and release!” You’ve trained your staff and they are good at their jobs. Schedule your days off and enjoy your time outside of your shop.
• YOU are the only one who is going to notice what doesn’t get done.
• Know what your “no’s” are and stick to them. If something is causing you stress, give it to a team member or simply don’t do it.

If you are interested in joining the Level Up Mastermind, we are opening 3 seats and would love to hear from you. Now that you’ve “met” three of the retailers who are part of the Level Up Mastermind, you may have a better feel for who we are. Here is the link with more information.

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About the Panelists

Jeff Lee owns The Vintage Nest Home & Gifts in Mount Holly, NC. Facebook | Instagram

Amy Cseh owns Schoolhouse Salvage in Chagrin Falls, OH. Facebook | Instagram

Amy Hart owns The Hare and the Hart in Thomasville, GA. Facebook | Instagram

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Holiday Playlist: Favorite Holiday-Themed Creative Shop Talk Podcast Playlist

Episode 182: Fresh Ways to Wow & Delight Your Customers This Holiday Season

Episode 157: Best of Series: Growth Mindset with Jeff Lee

Episode 133: Retailer Success Series: Community, Culture, and CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh

Episode 78: Retailer Success Stories: Learning to Level Up with Amy Hart

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 and 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 rock star, 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 for you! Thank you!

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 183 |  Fine Tuning Your Retail Business Operations with Business Strategist Gwen Bortner

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With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

Show Notes:

What should we focus on in our retail operations? On Episode 183 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, fellow retail business coach Gwen Bortner and I turned on the mics for a little impromptu chat about retail business operations. Like me, Gwen has a background in retail. Her coaching business focuses on the operations of her clients’ businesses so that their businesses support their lives rather than the other way around.

In our coaching careers, Gwen and I have found that after the start-up phase of business is over (in my experience 2-3 years after start-up), business owners are spending their energy mostly on marketing, in reality, it’s often the operations of the business that also needs our top attention and consistent fine tuning. 

In order to move the needle in your business, the first step is to identify where the bottleneck is. 

Business Operations and The GEARS Assessment

Gwen’s clients participate in a rating exercise called The GEARS Assessment. It is an assessment of operations and is designed to be completely subjective. Essentially, you evaluate 5 operational aspects of your business on a scale of 1-4. The total number can give you an idea of how you feel about the operations of your business and individual scores can give you an idea on where the most necessary (and likely easiest) operational fix in your business is right now. 

You can take the GEARS Assessment for FREE on Gwen’s website HERE.

Goods – Products and services you sell
Effectiveness – Personal and team productivity, business leadership
Accountability – Prioritizing what is important and taking consistent action to reach goals
Resources – People, money, equipment, technology, and similar
Systems – Processes, routines, and reporting

Gwen is a special guest coach inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle, teaching Open To Buy inventory management. 

As listeners of this podcast, you know I encourage weekly CEO dates: something that doesn’t often come easily to creative business owners. So many of us are accidental entrepreneurs: our businesses started as a passion project that grew and grew leaving us on a hamster wheel. What you need to remember is that it is okay to ask for help: NO ONE IS DOING THIS ALONE – nor should they! However, as leaders of our businesses we need to have our finger on the pulse of all of the operational aspects of our businesses. Gwen’s GEARS Assessment is the perfect place to start.

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About Gwen

Gwen Bortner is the founder of Everyday Effectiveness, an operational advisory firm that helps visionary entrepreneurs scale their businesses to seven figures and beyond. Before becoming a full-time business advisor in 2015, Gwen solved operations problems for corporate giants like General Mills and for niche companies like the world’s largest supplier of bull semen. To date, she’s advised executives, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs in over 40 industries, including craft retailers and industry leaders. In addition to advising and speaking on operational strategy, Gwen is the author of the best-selling knitting book, Entrée to Entrelac, and teaches knitting internationally for Craft Cruises, Inc.

Follow along with Gwen on LinkedIn.

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 18: What’s Possible: The Accidental Shopkeeper with a Thriving Store with Jeff Lee

Episode 60: How Focused Learning Can Grow Your Business

Episode 70: You’re Not Just a Shopkeeper, You’re a Creative CEO

Episode 89: Money Talk & Mindset with Profits First Coach April Stroink

Episode 95: Tips to Tame the Admin and Stay Ahead of Business Trouble

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 and 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 rock star, 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 for you! Thank you!