Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 268 | Awesome Isn’t Accidental: Raise the Retail Standards in Your Shop

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With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

It’s not luck. It’s not magic. Running a successful retail shop takes purpose, planning, and showing up as your best self. In this inspiring episode, I’m sharing a powerful reminder from one of my favorite authors, Jon Acuff:

“Awesome is never accidental.” – Jon Acuff

Let’s talk about how you can intentionally create a business that feels great for you and your customers—on purpose, not by chance. We don’t want average businesses or lives: strive for AWESOME.

Tips on Raising Your Retail Standards:

“Awesome” isn’t just luck.

• Success is built with intention.
• Stop saying “She’s so lucky” and ask what she is doing differently.

Be an intentional leader.

• Plan 90 days ahead like a CEO.
• Learn new skills to grow your shop and confidence.
• Make business decisions that align with your personal and brand values.

Level up your customer’s experience.

• 81% of people will leave your store if they think someone else offers a better experience.
• Inconsistent service can drive even loyal customers away.
• Set clear store standards: music, smell, cleanliness, staff behavior—it all matters.

Your Next Steps:

• Write down the quote: Awesome is never accidental.
• Pick one small area in your business and raise the bar.
• Ask yourself: how can I be more awesome today?

Thank you so much for listening. I would love it if you would subscribe & leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Then join the conversation on Instagram! Follow along with me at @wendybatten.biz and share with me the one small area in your biz where you are going to raise the bar. 

If you aren’t already a member of the Retailer’s Inner Circle, you can join us anytime – the doors are open!

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Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 136: Annual Planning that Fills Your Life Buckets

Episode 143: How to Plan and Host Successful Events in Your Retail Shop

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

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 267 | Retail Planning Midyear Check-in: The Essential Steps

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With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

I want you to ask yourself this question: “Why wouldn’t I be checking in mid-year with my retail business? Is there something I am avoiding? Am I making excuses like I’m ‘too busy’?” (Your words, not mine!) 

As a retail coach, it’s my job to not only teach you the steps you need to take to do a midyear check-in in your retail business but also encourage you to get it done. Trust me: this will make a huge difference in your mindset and in how you run your beautiful business. 

In this episode I’m walking brick and mortar retail shop owners through a simple yet powerful midyear retail planning process to stay on track for profitability and growth. You’ll learn what you need to look at during the review, how to adjust business goals, and how to build a profit plan to keep you flexible yet focused for the rest of the year. (Inner Circle members have access to a quarterly retail planning checklist to review your progress!)

Whether you’ve hit your targets or need to pivot, this actionable framework will help you identify “creep” in your operations, celebrate your wins, and map out the next six months with confidence.

“Don’t plan for ‘fine.’ Plan for awesome. Your business deserves more than mediocre.” – Wendy Batten

Timestamped Topics:

• 03:00 – Flexibility vs. Excuses: Adjusting Your Goals
• 05:00 – Spotting and Reining in “Creep”
• 07:00 – Setting Real Profit Planning Numbers
• 09:00 – Month-by-Month Financial & Inventory Review
• 12:00 – Profitability Check: Are You Pushing String?
• 13:00 – Celebrating Achievements & Acknowledging Progress

Key Takeaways to Help with Your Midyear Retail Planning Check In:

• Use a quarterly retail planning checklist to audit goals, revenue, and operations (Inner Circle members: We have one in the mid-year planning masterclass!)
• Identify and correct “creep” in profits, inventory, team standards, and operations.
• Use a profit plan template and plug in your numbers, margins, and expenses. This will help you to make sure you are on track to meet your financial goals. (This is a GAME CHANGER and we have one in the Profit Planning Micro-Masterclass for Inner Circle members.)
• Conduct honest month-by-month reviews of P&L, balance sheet, and personal workload.
• Always celebrate wins—acknowledging progress fuels motivation for the next quarter.

Your Next Steps:

First of all, thank you so much for listening. I would love it if you would subscribe & leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Join the conversation on Instagram! Follow along with me at @wendybatten.biz and share with me your biggest midyear wins. I’d love to hear what you are most proud of in the first 6 months of 2025!

Inner Circle members have access to the Midyear Biz Review Masterclass and the Profit Planning Masterclass and Profit Calculator. Make sure you are logged in!

If you aren’t already a member of the Retailer’s Inner Circle, you can join us anytime – the doors are open!

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Related podcasts we think you’d like:

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

Episode 112: How to do a Midyear Review and Check-up

Episode 169: 5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Profit Margins (and Why You Should!)

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 266 | Behind the Counter: Retail Growth Tips You Want to Try with Yarn Store Guru Cadence Kidwell

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With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

Running a retail business isn’t just about WHAT you sell—it’s about WHO you bringing together in your retail store. 

In this heartwarming and wisdom-filled episode, Cadence Kidwell of Fuzzy Goat (a yarn store in Thomasville, Georgia) shares how she’s built a thriving business rooted in connection, creativity, and community support. Whether you’re a seasoned retailer or just starting out, Cadence’s story will inspire you to think big, act bravely, and build something meaningful.

Key Takeaways from a Retail Yarn Store Owner:

• Cadence shares her inspirational journey from university teacher to yarn shop owner
  
• Why community is the most important product she sells
  
• How she built a strong, trusted team that loves the store like it’s their own
  
• Creative marketing tools she swears by (like countdowns and story-driven videos)
• How events like Local Yarn Shop Day bring huge in-store traffic
• Why offering benefits like retirement plans helps retain staff
• The importance of mentorship, coaching, and always learning something new

“We are not just selling yarn. We are selling connection and whimsy.” -Cadence Kidwell

About Cadence and Fuzzy Goat:

Prior to opening Fuzzy Goat, Cadence Kidwell obtained a PhD in Creative Writing and designed a certificate program for students to develop cultural competencies while working at Florida State University. She was happy with that career but began dreaming of her own shop. She decided that she could either steady-on into the last decade of university life or she could join the makers’ life by building a business from a rough-worn building & filling it with beautiful yarns made by strong women. 

Luckily for Thomasville (and the rest of us) she chose the latter. Fuzzy Goat is truly an independent business with over 90% of our merchandise created by other independent women makers. Fuzzy Goat creates a space where conversation across generations and life experiences is valued and sought after.

Follow along with Cadence and Fuzzy Goat here:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Use code SHOPTALK to get 11% off your order through Fuzzy Goat’s website!

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Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 183: Fine Tuning Your Business Operations with Business Strategist Gwen Bortner

Episode 244: Behind the Counter: From E-Commerce to Brick and Mortar with Chris Waddy of Loopy Wool

Episode 259: Behind the Counter: Building a Unique Retail Shop with Heart with Amy & Chris 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 265 | How to Have a Summer of Ease Without Losing Retail Momentum

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With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

Let’s make this summer your most joyful and productive yet, without the burnout.

In this episode, I’m sharing how to embrace a “Summer of Ease” while still keeping your retail business humming along behind the scenes. Whether you’re a brick-and-mortar owner in peak tourist season or experiencing a slower Q3, this one’s for you.

We’re trading hustle for harmony by leaning into three core pillars: (1) Fun (yes, you need it!), (2) Rest (not a reward, but part of your job), and (3) Momentum (because Q4 is coming and we need to be ready!)

How to Create Retail Ease this Summer:

• Schedule your calendar and your team’s through September
• Pre-plan promotions, social content, and email marketing
• Reuse great content from last year (no one remembers your July 2023 meme, it’s fine)
• Humanize your brand with softer summer content (think beach reads and mojito recipes)
• Hand off live sales, store tours, or event planning to your team or guest hosts
• Let go of the guilt and get off your phone and POS app while you’re away

“Watching your POS like a hawk is not making things sell faster.” 

Your Next Steps:

Get out your calendar and do some planning! And let’s connect on Instagram! What are your top tips for planning your summer of ease? I’d love to hear from you. Screenshot this episode and tag me on Instagram, or just jump into my DMs.

If you’re a member of the Retailer’s Inner Circle, check your monthly playbooks. They’re packed with done-for-you email prompts, promotional calendars, and content ideas to make this even easier.

And if you aren’t…join my supportive community of retailers in the Retailer’s Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.

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Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 82: 5 Steps to Simplify Your Content Planning

Episode 143: How to Plan and Host Successful Events and Promotions in Your Retail Shop

Episode 253: Mastering Social Selling

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!