Turn Your Summer Slowdown Into a Retail Reset | Episode 264

Turn Your Summer Slowdown Into a Retail Reset | Episode 264

 Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 264 | Turn Your Summer Slowdown Into a Retail Reset

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 264 | Turn Your Summer Slowdown into a a Retail Reset | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

Let’s talk about the “summer slowdown,” shall we? 

We’re flipping the script on the summer slowdown and showing you how to use any quiet time as a powerful CEO reset. Whether it’s organizing your back-end systems, strengthening customer relationships, or proactively planning for Q4, this season can be one of your most productive if approached with intention – and I’m showing you how.

We’re diving into practical and mindset-driven strategies for using this seasonal dip to build momentum, clarity, and energy. Learn how to schedule a “money date” with your financials and declutter your tech stack. We’ll also plant the seeds for a successful holiday season!

Let’s Talk Retail Reset:

  • Why a slower season can be your biggest strategic advantage
  • How to use your CEO date to make smarter inventory decisions
  • Ways to deepen customer relationships and build brand loyalty
  • Quick backend system fixes that can boost efficiency
  • How to use the summer to prep for a stress-free Q4 and holiday season
  • Why mindset matters more than momentum during seasonal dips

Your Next Steps:

If you found this episode helpful in any way, I would LOVE if you would share it with a fellow shop owner who might need a mindset shift! Then tag me on Instagram (@wendybatten.biz) with your summer reset plans. I’d love to hear from you!

And then …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.

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 264 | Turn Your Summer Slowdown into a a Retail Reset | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

Need More?

Join me for my first Retailer’s CEO Planning Day TOMORROW! This is a new program I’m offering. We will meet together in a small group and spend an afternoon doing some intensive quarterly CEO-level planning for your business. It comes with pre-meeting vision planning prompts, 4 hours of a focused planning session with me and a small group, 2 weeks of support from me, and a retail success toolkit to help you every step of the way! See you there!

Or join my 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 115: How to Tame All of Those Great Ideas

Episode 116: What to Do if It’s Slow: Summer Strategy Series

Episode 216: Create a Summer of Ease for Your Retail Shop

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!

Why CEO Time Isn’t Optional in Your Retail Business | Episode 263

Why CEO Time Isn’t Optional in Your Retail Business | Episode 263

 Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 263 | Why CEO Time Isn’t Optional in Your Retail Business

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 263 | Why CEO Time Isn't Optional in Your Retail Business | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

Do you struggle to schedule and/or keep your CEO dates with yourself? Running your shop like a true CEO isn’t just for big-box retailers: it’s for independent creative retail shop owners just like you – trust me on this. If you’ve ever felt like your business is dragging you down; if you KNOW you aren’t spending your time on the things you should be…this episode is for you.

Not sold on why CEO time is crucial? Unsure of where or why to start? Wondering what you should be doing during your CEO date? Listen in now!

Takeaways for Indie Retailers:

  • Hard seasons are normal – Obstacles come with owning a business. What matters is how you move through them.
  • Stop playing small – Don’t let busy work keep you from doing the real CEO work that moves the needle.
  • You can’t scale with hustle and heart alone – Aligned action is what brings joy, profit, and freedom.
  • Take a pause and plan – A regular CEO date with yourself brings clarity and confidence.

What to Focus on During CEO Time:

  • Strategic planning (not just goal setting)
  • Reviewing what worked and what didn’t
  • Understanding your income streams and profit margins
  • Creating intentional marketing, not last-minute campaigns

So what is your next step? Join me for a productive afternoon of planning out your next 90 days in my Retailer’s CEO Planning Day on June 10th! This is a new program I’m offering. We will meet together in a small group and spend an afternoon doing some intensive quarterly CEO-level planning for your business. It comes with pre-meeting vision planning prompts, 4 hours of a focused planning session with me and a small group, 2 weeks of support from me, and a retail success toolkit to help you every step of the way! Save $100 by registering by June 6th. See you there!

  •  

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 263 | Why CEO Time Isn't Optional in Your Retail Business | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

Need More?

Join me for my first Retailer’s CEO Planning Day on June 10th! This is a new program I’m offering. We will meet together in a small group and spend an afternoon doing some intensive quarterly CEO-level planning for your business. It comes with pre-meeting vision planning prompts, 4 hours of a focused planning session with me and a small group, 2 weeks of support from me, and a retail success toolkit to help you every step of the way! Save $100 by registering by June 6th. See you there!

Or join my 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 33: The CEO Date: A Non-Negotiable Habit is Key to Creative CEO Success

Episode 88: Retailer Success Series: Making Pivotal (and scary) CEO Decisions with Retailer Melanie Kolb

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

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!

11 Tiny Habits That Will Make Your Retail Business Better | Episode 262

11 Tiny Habits That Will Make Your Retail Business Better | Episode 262

 Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 262 | 11 Tiny Habits That Will Make Your Retail Business Better

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 262 | 11 Tiny Habits that Will Make Your Retail Business Better | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

Small habits can lead to big results!

In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing 11 easy-to-start micro habits that can totally transform your retail business. These habits may be small, but they pack a powerful punch. From looking at your numbers to making faster decisions, I’ll give you real-world, simple advice that WORKS.

Whether you run a boutique, a gift shop, or a creative space, these tips will help you grow with confidence — and have fun doing it!

11 Micro Habits for Independent Retailers:

  • Don’t “Ostrich” – Stop hiding from your business numbers. Look at them daily so there are no surprises.
  • Always Be Learning – Reading 10 minutes a day or listening to a podcast can level up your skills.
  • Ditch the Burden Mindset – Remember, you get to run this business. Approach it with joy, not dread.
  • Use a “Yet” Mindset – “I’m not good at planning… yet.” Add “yet” to reframe your self-talk.
  • Ask: How Can I Make This Easier? – Don’t overcomplicate. Ask who or what can help.
  • Crush Self-Doubt – Keep a list of wins, kind words, and proud moments to boost your confidence.
  • Set Clear Goals – Know what you’re aiming for so your daily actions move you closer to it.
  • Look Up – Don’t get stuck in the day-to-day. Plan 90 days out. Know what your customers are experiencing.
  • Prioritize Your Health – A healthy YOU means a stronger business. Protect your time and energy.
  • Decide Faster – Avoiding decisions holds you back. Be intentional and aligned with your goals.
  • Make it Fun – This is your dream! Bring energy and joy into your day-to-day.

 

  •  

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 262 | 11 Tiny Habits that Will Make Your Retail Business Better | with Retail Coach 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 124: Confident Decision Making Made Easy with Business & Life Coach Andrea Liebross

Episode 229: Having a Monthly Playbook for Your Retail Shop

Episode 261: How to Stay Focused and Get Things Done

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!

How to Stay Focused and Get Things Done | Episode 261

How to Stay Focused and Get Things Done | Episode 261

 Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 261 | How to Stay Focused and Get Things Done

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 261 | How to Stay Focused and Get Things Done | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

Running a shop can feel like spinning ALL of the plates – I totally get it! 

In this episode of The Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing a powerful training from the Retailer’s Inner Circle library to help you focus, prioritize, and actually get things done (without the late nights and endless to-do lists). If distractions and squirrel-brain are wreaking havoc on your retail business, listen up. This one’s for all of the busy retailers out there trying stay focused and get things DONE!

Takeaways for Indie Retail Shop Owners:

  • How to protect your personal time as a retail CEO

     

  • The power of setting non-negotiables for work-life balance
  • What a CEO Date is – and why it will change your week
  • The difference between results and goals: what are the three “cross-offable” things you need to do today?
  • How to use the Pomodoro Method to beat distractions: You’ll be shocked by how much you can get done in 25 minutes!
  • 4 D’s to simplify your to-do list: Do, Delete, Delegate, Defer
  • Why batching tasks and working away from the shop floor matters
  • How small group support boosts momentum and accountability

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 261 | How to Stay Focused and Get Things Done | with Retail Coach 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 33: The CEO Date: A Non-Negotiable Habit is Key to Creative CEO Success

Episode 48: The 3 Biggest Time Wasters for Retailers and How to Avoid Them

Episode 136: Annual Planning That Fills Your Life Buckets

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!

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

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

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

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

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

Pin It on Pinterest