Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 260 | Winning with Community in Your Retail Business: Takeaways from my Mastermind Retreat

• Pinterest
• Facebook

With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

Helping and inspiring independent retailers is my passion (and my job!), but I would be remiss if I never shared how inspiring my retailers are to ME. Their inspiration is never more apparent than when we are all together in person: talking shop, ruminating on all the things, and brainstorming through big ideas.

In this episode, I’m sharing some of my takeaways from my Level Up Mastermind Retreat in early April in Thomasville, Georgia. I’m always learning from my retailers and amazed by their ideas and this retreat was no different. There is something very inspiring about getting a group of like-minded people together who are working toward a similar goal: running a successful independent retail shop. I hope these takeaways inspire you to try something new to move the needle in your retail business.

Takeaways for Retail Shop Owners:

1. Bravery is contagious: It’s important to surround yourself with people who are on your side.
2. Making a decision and being brave enough to stick to it when you see the needle starting to move and/or having the courage to course correct if it’s not working
3. Collaborations & community are super hot right now: Everyone in your community has the same goal: growing and thriving in a community that supports them.
4. Look to your community for inspiring people: Annie Jones of The Bookshelf in Thomasville showed us that building multiple revenue streams and marketing differently works. (You can follow along with her Instagram at @bookshelftville)
5. Lean into others: You cannot do this alone!

If you are ready to make magic in retail, join the Retailer’s Inner Circle.

I also wanted to give a quick shoutout to YOU! Thanks to your support, the podcast has reached 100,000+ downloads!

• Pinterest
• Facebook

Need More?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my 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.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 246: Relationships are Rocket Fuel

Episode 254: Behind the Counters: The Magic of Joining Forces to Foster Community and Build a Retail Destination Town with Millie and Adam Blackwell

Episode 259: Behind the Counter: Building a Unique Retail Shop with Heart with Amy and 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 259 | Behind the Counter: Building a Unique Retail Shop with Heart with Amy and Chris Hart

• Pinterest
• Facebook

With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

Can couples successfully run a retail shop together? Absolutely!

From a flash of inspiration on a trip to London to creating a beloved community hub in Thomasville, Georgia; Amy and Chris Hart join me on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast to share how passion, teamwork, and a little bit of “what’s our widget?” can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Amy and Chris own The Hare and the Hart, a boutique inspired by the couple’s time in the Cotswolds. They describe the shop as “English at heart with a Southern sensibility and a French twist.” Amy is an active member of the Retailer’s Inner Circle and has been in the Level Up Mastermind for almost 5 years running.

This episode is packed with tips for independent retailers, especially those working together as a couple. From finding your niche, connecting with your community, and navigating the ups and downs of retail life together, Amy and Chris are an inspiration to all aspiring retail shop owners.

Takeaways for Retail Shop Owners:

• Finding your “widget”: Identify your unique product (like Amy’s Toile designs)
• Involving family: Amy and Chris have incredibly talented family members who showcase unique products in their shop.  
• Defining Roles: The importance of defining roles and communicating them clearly.   
• Build your community: Make it a point to connect with members of your community. Featuring local artisans in your shop is a good way to do that.
• Overcoming challenges: Amy and Chris know when their slow season is and have come up with ways to draw customers in and also keep their minds right knowing things do pick up.  

Chris’s Advice : “Don’t give up your dream to somebody else.”  Listen in for more thoughts on what Chris and Amy could have done differently if they could rewind 7 years.

“Don’t give up your dream to someone else.”

• Pinterest
• Facebook

Need More?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my 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.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

About Amy and Chris

Sweethearts since college, Amy and Chris Hart chose Thomasville, Georgia, as their adopted hometown in 2018 after many adventures. The Hare & The Hart is their shop in the beautiful, historic downtown, offering gifts and goods that are English at heart with a Southern sensibility & a French twist. They adore celebrating the beauty of the places people love, embellishing the spaces surrounding them, and sharing in the extraordinary joy of the everyday. Their family takes part by designing collections, including Amy’s Toile of Thomasville. They are pleased to carry local artisans, along with those discovered on and inspired by their travels. Amy and Chris continue their adventures in a wibbly, wobbly 1850s house just blocks from the shop with their Labrador named Rugby.

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 78: Learning to Level Up with Amy Hart

Episode 127: Level Up Mastermind Q+A: Invest in Yourself

Episode 256: Retailers in the Wild: Elevate Your Retail Shop Using These Observations From My Time in New Zealand

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 258 | Five Smart & Ethical Ways to Build Your Email List & Connect w Customers

• Pinterest
• Facebook

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

In This Episode: 

What’s something you are doing now in your retail business that you wish you would have started doing sooner? When I ask clients this question, the answer is often “I wish I would have started an email list sooner.” 

The reason is because they’ve learned over time that email is still a super powerful tool! It’s a direct line to your customers – no “beating the algorithm” required. 

In this episode, I’m giving you 5 simple ways to build your email list and keep your customers happy. You’ll learn how to connect better, sell more, and own your customer relationships.

I hope you’ll join my email list (if you aren’t already on it)! You can do that by scrolling to the bottom of my homepage HERE.

5 Ways to Build Your Email List:

1. Ask your customers at checkout to join the list: You can use a QR code to do this!
2. Do an in-store give-away.
3. Offer a freebie/lead magnet as an incentive to join.
4. When you host events customers need to pre-register for, ask those folks to join the list when they are registering.
5. Use a pop-up on your website and ask people to join: Simple and effective!

Remember to ensure your emails are valuable to your clients. You want them to look forward to hearing from you! Regular emails help you sell more and build loyal fans of your brand. Who doesn’t need more of that in their retail shop?

“If all of your social media accounts were gone tomorrow, how would you connect with your clients?” -Wendy Batten

• Pinterest
• Facebook

Need More?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my 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.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 254: Behind the Counters: The Magic of Joining Forces to Foster Community and Build a Retail Destination Town with Millie and Adam Blackwell

Episode 253: Mastering Social Selling: How Retailers Can Boost Sales and Build Loyal Customers

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 257 | Spring Cleaning for Your Retail Business: Refresh Your Mind, Shop, & Sales

• Pinterest
• Facebook

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

LAST CALL! Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you’ll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We’ll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!

In This Episode: 

Ready to spruce up your shop and boost your business? Spring (or Autumn, depending on where in the world you are!) is the perfect time to clean out the old and bring in the new. In this episode, I’m giving independent retailers easy tips to refresh their mindset, clean up their shop, and make more money.

Key Takeaways:

• Mindset Refresh: Get rid of negative thoughts and focus on new opportunities. Remember why you started your business and get that excitement back!  
• Money Moves:
  • Inventory Check: Look at old stock and have a spring cleaning sale to clear it out.  Don’t let money sit on your storage shelves!
  • Expense Review: Cut unnecessary spending by checking your credit card and bank statements.  
  • Pricing Check: Make sure your prices make you a profit, and don’t just copy your competitors.  
• Shop Spruce-Up: Clean your shop, including dusting and fixing anything that looks worn out.  Update uniforms, aprons, and how your staff presents themselves.  
• Marketing Boost: Refresh your marketing plans to get customers excited. Remember: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm!” 
• Plan for Success: Having a plan is key to making good things happen! 

“Nothing great is ever achieved without enthusiasm.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

• Pinterest
• Facebook

Need More?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my 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.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing Accelerator course.

We start later this month! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 104: Tight on Cash Flow? Let’s Turn Your Old Inventory Into Cash for You!

Episode 109: Money Mindset, Abundance, and Bad Ideas with Guest Expert Emily King

Episode 194: Feeling Stuck? 20 Prompts to Help Flip Your Mindset

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 256 | Retailers in the Wild: Elevate Your Retail Shop Using These Observations From My Time in New Zealand

• Pinterest
• Facebook

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

Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you’ll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We’ll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!

In This Episode: 

I’m home from a 6-week trip across New Zealand where I perused more than 150 independent retail shops! Phew! In this episode of the podcast, I am sharing 5 tips/observations that will elevate your retail shop. 

Want customers lining up instead of walking by? It’s time to revamp your retail strategy and I have the keys to success! Here are 5 powerful tips to magnetize customers and maximize sales, all inspired by visiting retailers in the wild in beautiful New Zealand.

5 Tips to Elevate Your Shop:

• Boost Visibility: I’ll give you some ideas and platforms you can use right now to make sure people can find you.
• Perfect Your Shop Standards: There is more to keeping shop than turning on the lights and unlocking the door!
• Signage That Sells: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Good, clean signage is a silent salesperson.
• Check Your Inventory/Merchandising: I’ll offer my thoughts around aligning inventory with your branding as well as making sure your shop is “shoppable.”
• Stop Making Assumptions About Your Customers: Offer your help. Serve all of your customers with hospitality.

Fun Signage Photos from Adam Blackwell’s shop, Blackwell & Sons:

• Pinterest
• Facebook

• Pinterest
• Facebook

• Pinterest
• Facebook

“Clear is always kind.” 

• Pinterest
• Facebook

Need More?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my 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.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing Accelerator course.

We start later this month! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

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

Episode 103: Increase Sales With Your Silent Salesperson: Signage

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 168: Merchandising to Sell: Intuitive Merchandising

Episode 175: How to Audit Your Brand Assets

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!