Back-of-the-Napkin Math: Simplifying Profit Planning for Retailers | Episode 271

Back-of-the-Napkin Math: Simplifying Profit Planning for Retailers | Episode 271

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 271 | Back-of-the-Napkin Math: Simplifying Profit Planning for Retailers

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 271 | Back-of-the-Napkin Math: Simplifying Profit Planning for Retailers | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
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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 simplify the numbers you need to know and why. Don’t be that retailer that is overwhelmed by numbers and profit planning in retail—or worse, avoiding them altogether.

In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing the surprisingly simple method I use to help retailers finally understand their sales goals, profit margins, and growth potential. Say goodbye to spreadsheet stress and hello to clarity with my Profit Planning Masterclass and “back-of-the-napkin” profits calculator.

It’s the calculator you have been waiting for and my clients LOVE. 

Whether you’re just getting started or years into running your retail business, this is the financial pep talk and practical tool you didn’t know you needed.

What You’ll Learn about Profit Planning:

  • Why profit is essential (and not a dirty word!)
  • What your “keep the lights on” number is and why you need to know it
  • How to calculate your real sales goal using 3 simple numbers: foot traffic, conversion rate, and average order value
  • The link between confident planning and business peace-of-mind

Your Next Steps:

  1. Grab the Profit Planning Masterclass!
    Visit wendybatten.com/profit to access the $47 on-demand workshop and get the simple sales calculator that helps you set clear profit goals.
  2. Calculate Your “Keep the Lights On” Number
    Identify your essential operating expenses—like rent, payroll, inventory—and plug them into the calculator to find out your real sales goal.
  3. Gather 3 key data points from your POS system: Average Order Value (AOV), Foot Traffic, and Conversion Rate.
  4. Set a Weekly or Monthly Sales Goal
    Use the calculator to determine exactly how much revenue you need—and how many customers you need to serve to reach it.
  5. Talk to Your Team
    Share your new goals and engage your team in improving sales through better customer service and upselling techniques.
  6. Join the Retailer’s Inner Circle and get ongoing support, coaching, and access to my full library of trainings and tools.

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 271 | Back-of-the-Napkin Math: Simplifying Profit Planning for Retailers | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
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Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 31: 7 Strategies to Attract Foot Traffic to Your Brick and Mortar

Episode 103: Increase Sales With Your Silent Salesperson: Signage

Episodes 163-166: Simple Sales Strategy Series

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!

Progress Over Perfection: How to Break Through Retail Business Overwhelm | Episode 270

Progress Over Perfection: How to Break Through Retail Business Overwhelm | Episode 270

 Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 270 | Progress Over Perfection: How to Break Through Retail Business Overwhelm

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 270 | Progress Over Perfection: How to Break Through Retail Business Overwhelm | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
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With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

Feeling stuck in perfectionism or weighed down by self-doubt? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay there!

In this quick yet powerful coffee chat, I’m sharing real conversations I’ve had with shop owners navigating mindset challenges like imposter syndrome, overwhelm, and lack of confidence.

You’ll walk away with practical mantras, empowering reminders, and actionable strategies to help you move forward—even when things feel messy.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why “done is better than perfect” is a game-changing mantra
  • How to prioritize progress over pressure in your retail business
  • Ways to quiet your inner critic and own your role as CEO
  • Simple strategies for leading your team with confidence

Reminder: Your dream clients are looking for the real, imperfect you. You don’t have to be filtered and perfect to attract your dream clients.

“Everything is figureoutable.” – Marie Forleo

Your Next Steps:

  1. Take 10 minutes this week and make a list of what makes your shop unique. Know WHY your customers love you and lean in to that. 
  2. Identify one task you’re overthinking and complete it.
  3. Check in with your team.
  4. Ask for help where you are stuck. (I’m here for you!)

Jump on over to https://wendybatten.com/work-with-me/! From here, you’ll be able to join the Retailer’s Inner Circle or grab on-demand workshops, including what just dropped: my Profit Planning mini-masterclass that includes the “back of the napkin” easy profit planning calculator, my members are raving about! It’s only been available for my coaching clients in the past, but for a limited time, we’re offering it to you, our podcast listeners. (Members already have access!)

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 270 | Progress Over Perfection: How to Break Through Retail Business Overwhelm | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
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Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 128: 5 Ways to Recreate That Disney Cash Flow Magic Inside Your Shop

Episode 153: Recipe for Success: 4 Leadership Lessons We Can Learn from Erin French of The Lost Kitchen

Episode 161: Takeaways from my Recent Mastermind Retreat

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!

Coffee Break Chats: Is Your Google Business Listing Costing You Customers in Your Retail Shop? | Episode 269

Coffee Break Chats: Is Your Google Business Listing Costing You Customers in Your Retail Shop? | Episode 269

 Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 269 | Coffee Break Chats: Is Your Google Business Listing Costing You Customers in Your Retail Shop?

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 269 | Coffee Break Chats: Is Your Google Business Listing Costing You Customers in Your Retail Shop? | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
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With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

Is Your Google Business Profile Costing You Customers?

Your Google Business profile is one of the easiest and most powerful tools to drive retail growth. In this Coffee Break episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing ten quick, high-impact ways to audit and refresh your profile—just in time for the fall retail rush.

Updating your Google Business profile takes 10 minutes. We all have 10 minutes! Use them to update your digital storefront and start showing up where your customers are already searching: GOOGLE!

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why accurate business info and categories on Google Business matter more than ever
  • How photos, descriptions, and reviews drive trust and in-store visits (and why you need to respond to them!)
  • Which hidden features (like Q&A and messaging) increase visibility and engagement

…and MORE!

Don’t leave money on the table—this easy refresh could bring new customers through your door.

🎧 Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast or visit wendybatten.com for more smart strategies tailored to indie retailers.

Your Next Steps:

Take 10 minutes and audit your Google Business profile using the tips you learned in this episode! And as always, I’d love to hear your takeaways and what you found to improve on your profile. Jump in my DMs on Instagram at @wendybatten.biz!

Then, jump on over to https://wendybatten.com/work-with-me/! From here, you’ll be able to join the Retailer’s Inner Circle or grab on-demand workshops, including what just dropped: my Profit Planning mini-masterclass that includes the “back of the napkin” easy profit planning calculator, my members are raving about! It’s only been available for my coaching clients in the past, but for a limited time, we’re offering it to you, our podcast listeners. (Members already have access!)

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 269 | Coffee Break Chats: Is Your Google Business Listing Costing You Customers in Your Retail Shop? | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
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  • Facebook

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episodes 249-251: Retail Visibility Series: Stop Hiding and Be Known Parts 1-3

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!

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

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

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

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 268 | Awesome isn't Accidental: Raise the Retail Standards in Your Shop | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
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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!

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 268 | Awesome isn't Accidental: Raise the Retail Standards in Your Shop | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
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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!

Retail Planning Midyear Check-In: The Essential Steps | Episode 267

Retail Planning Midyear Check-In: The Essential Steps | Episode 267

 Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 267 | Retail Planning Midyear Check-in: The Essential Steps

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 267 | Retail Planning Midyear Check-in: The Essential Steps | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
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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!

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 267 | Retail Planning Midyear Check-in: The Essential Steps | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
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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!

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