Best of Series: Prepare to Sell, Franchise, or Expand: Four Areas That Need to be Under Control | Episode 159

Best of Series: Prepare to Sell, Franchise, or Expand: Four Areas That Need to be Under Control | Episode 159

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 159: Prepare to Sell, Franchise, or Expand: Four Areas That Need to be Under Control

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Wendy Batten - Best of Series: Prepare to Sell Franchise or Expand - four areas that need to be under control
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With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

Show Notes:

What do you need to have in place to have a solid business? What would you need to have in place should you decide to sell your business?

But I’ll never sell! This is my passion!

Never say never. Sometimes opportunities present themselves out of nowhere, or situations arise, and you never know when you may need to pivot.

There are four key areas that ALL shop owners need to have organized and under control. Today we are discussing your finances, systems, reputation, and growing your customer list. All of these are avenues to being able to sell, franchise, or expand your business.

Making sure these KEY foundational systems are in place will demonstrate professionalism, show growth, and bring bigger opportunities your way. It will also give you total control by understanding the back end of your business and proving that it is viable and healthy.

So grab your coffee and a pencil and take some serious notes on how to be a true CEO and prepare for any opportunities that may arise!

Focus on these 4 things in your business if you are thinking of expanding, selling, or franchising - Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 159 with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
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Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 148: Four Thing Every Retailer Should Do Before Signing a Lease
Episode 109: Money Mindset, Abundance and Bad Ideas with Guest Expert Emily King
Episode 89: Money Talk & Mindset with Profits First Coach April Stroink
Episode 87: Retail Success Series: The Journey to CEO Level Confidence with Stacey Allgood

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!

Best of Series: Becoming a Destination Shop | Episode 158

Best of Series: Becoming a Destination Shop | Episode 158

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 158: Best of Series: Becoming a Destination Shop

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 158: Best of Series: Becoming a Destination Shop Wendy Batten
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With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

Show Notes:

Isn’t it flattering and exciting when customers make a day around visiting your shop!? Doesn’t it make you a little teary when people make visiting your shop a special event!? Today we’re talking about how to build that business that attracts all of the customers for all the right reasons.

It’s time to widen the net and become THE destination shop!

We have the opportunity to not just sell things, but truly create an experience for people and make them feel something. And this should be at the top of your list, and in order to make it happen, you have to know your ideal customer.

We discuss so many ideas in this episode on HOW you can get your customers excited to come in and experience your shop. Whether you own a bookstore, a vintage shop, a home decor store, a jewelry store, or a paint store – we’ve got you covered.

So, are you asking yourself the following questions…?

*What is something your ideal customer would love?
*What is it that your customers don’t love?
*Are you building a community?
*Are you creating an EXPERIENCE?

Overall, it’s all about trust, community, being 100% yourself, and intentional planning. None of this happens by accident. Let’s dive in and not just focus on our great inventory, but focus on expanding our customer footprint and becoming the beautiful business and attraction you were meant to be.

Let’s keep our shops enjoyable not only for our customers, but for us as well!

How to Become a Destination Shop - Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 158 Wendy Batten
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Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 156: 6 Proven Ways to Improve Your Shop’s Merchandising
Episode 143: How to Plan and Host Successful Events in Your Shop
Episode 107: Turn Browsers into Buyers

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!

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

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

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 157: Best of Series: Growth Mindset with Jeff Lee

Creative Shop Talk Podcast with Wendy Batten Episode 157 - Best of Series: Growth Mindset with Jeff Lee
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With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

Show Notes:

I’m so excited to introduce you to Jeff Lee! We have been working together for quite some time and Jeff has such an incredible story that I think will be really helpful to you.

Jeff calls himself an accidental entrepreneur like so many of us do. He started painting furniture and quickly turned his business into a gift shop where he sold wholesale products. His growth journey from operating a small booth space to a 7000 sq foot shop and running a profitable retail business has not always been linear. 

Jeff has seen the highs and the lows of business and gotten through it by putting on his CEO hat, digging in and doing the work. One thing Jeff will share with us is how he’s made hard decisions about product lines, branding, etc…including truly listening to what his customers want. 

Jeff will also share how he’s turned his shop into a local destination shop. From merchandising, product lines, the smell of his store, the lighting, the layout, the conversations – Jeff has mastered the FEEL of his store to bring in more customers again and again. 

I know that when you listen to Jeff’s journey and understand his mindset – you will gain so many takeaways! 

In retail, it’s always: Start. Grow. Shift. Grow. Learn. Grow. Rinse. Repeat.

Best of Series: Growth Mindset with Jeff Lee from Vintage Nest - Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 157 Wendy Batten Pinterest
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Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 88: Retail Success Series: Making Pivotal (and scary) CEO Decisions with Retailer Melanie Kolb
Episode 87: Retail Success Series: The Journey to CEO Level Confidence with Stacey Allgood
Episode 39: Retailer Success Series: How Jill Went from Hobbyist to Creative CEO

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!

6 Proven Ways to Improve Your Shop’s Merchandising | Episode 156

6 Proven Ways to Improve Your Shop’s Merchandising | Episode 156

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 156: 6 Proven Ways To Improve Your Shop’s Merchandising

6 Proven Ways To Improve Your Shop’s Merchandising - Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 156 Wendy Batten
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With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

Show Notes:

In this episode of The Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing six essential merchandising tips for small independent shop owners. These tips aim to attract customers and encourage sales and loyalty, making your business strong and healthy.

Good merchandising can increase your sales with both new arrivals but also slower moving items. By following these tips, you’ll be better positioned to welcome, engage, and increase sales from merchandising in your shop right now!  I encourage you to implement the following tips by this weekend and report back on how it helped your sales.

  1. Offering repeat exposure on select items can maximize sales using cross-merchandising or multiple merchandising.
  2. Consistent signage throughout the space can effectively communicate with customers.
    • Point out best sellers, locally made goods, quotes, etc.
  3. Maximize the POS area with store information and inventory to increase sales.
    • Advertise return policy in a fun way, post upcoming events, merchandise grab-and-go goods
  4. Identify your ideal customers and merchandise the store accordingly.
    • Have unscalable conversations to figure out pain points for customers
  5. Offering how-to-tips within your displays can engage customers and encourage them to spend more money.
    • Utilize QR codes and tip sheets
  6. Make use of prime real estate spots in the store to enhance the overall store merchandising experience.
    • Maximize the best spots for high return items

For additional support, join me and my fab retailers inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle for full access to my 5 Day Merchandising Series Masterclass, the Ideal Customer Workshop, and my signature course: Retail Made Simple.

6 Tips To Improve Your Shop’s Merchandising by this weekend - Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 156 Wendy Batten Pinterest
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This week’s episode is sponsored by H+H Americas

Join me at the h+h americas trade show if you are in the creative or craft business.  Here are the details:

h+h americas trade show
Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont
Chicago, IL
Dates: June 21-23, 2023 (Masterclasses start on June 20)
https://www.hh-americas.com/

Tickets on sale: March 15, 2023, use promo code CST23 to get free access to the exhibit floor

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 55: Unscalable Conversations – A Free, Simple and Powerful Marketing Tool To Use
Episode 58: 3 Simple Sales Metrics Retailers Need to Measure for Better Sales
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!

Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Rest: The Key to Sustainable Retail Growth | Episode 155

Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Rest: The Key to Sustainable Retail Growth | Episode 155

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 155: Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Rest: The Key to Sustainable Retail Growth

Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Rest: The Key to Sustainable Retail Growth - Episode 155 Creative Shop Talk Podcast with Wendy Batten
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With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

Show Notes:

Today’s episode is all about the importance of prioritizing our energy, space, and mindset to achieve sustainable retail growth. It’s a “sister show” and a continuation from episode 154 with my guest, retailer Christie Carter-Tokairin. (Go have a listen here).

Let’s set the boundaries we need to keep life in our lifestyle businesses. 

Key points I dig into in this episode:

  • Rest is essential – it’s NOT a reward.
  • Excellent leadership requires boundaries and systems to protect ourselves from burnout.
  • Setting “yellow lines” or boundaries is vital for protecting ourselves and our business.
  • The golden egg analogy reminds us that taking care of ourselves is crucial for the success of our business.

If you struggle with boundary setting, start with these habits:

  1. Communicate effectively with your staff and family about the boundaries you are setting.
  2. Establish and stick to a schedule. Set your working hours and ensure your family and staff know these hours.
  3. Delegate tasks to your staff and don’t micromanage them.
  4. Unplug from your work.
  5. Schedule days off and vacations – rest is not a reward, it is essential!
  6. Utilize systems/tools that can help: binders at the counter to communicate with staff, auto responders on email, clear voicemail messages etc.

Thank you for listening to Creative Shop Talk. Remember to prioritize your energy, space, and mindset, and set boundaries to achieve sustainable business growth. Join me next time for more insights into the world of creative entrepreneurship.

“You are the golden egg. You are the biggest asset [of your business]. If you don’t take care of yourself, your business will fall apart.” – Wendy Batten

The Key to Sustainable Business Growth: 6 Habits to Start Forming Today - Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 155 Wendy Batten
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This week’s episode is sponsored by H+H Americas

Join me at the h+h americas trade show if you are in the creative or craft business.  Here are the details:

h+h americas trade show
Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont
Chicago, IL
Dates: June 21-23, 2023 (Masterclasses start on June 20)
https://www.hh-americas.com/

Tickets on sale: March 15, 2023, use promo code CST23 to get free access to the exhibit floor

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 154: Retail Success Series: Christie Carter-Tokairin 10 Years In 
Episode 122: Retail Success Series: CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis from Louisville Mercantile
Episode 33: The CEO Date: A Non-Negotiable Habit is Key to Creative CEO Success
Episode 70: Encore Series: You’re Not Just a Shopkeeper, You’re a Creative CEO

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!

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