Show Notes:

You’ll want your notepads out for this episode, friends!

We’re talking to Level Up Mastermind member Amy Cseh who started her family run shop, Schoolhouse Salvage, back in 2012 just outside of Cleveland. She started as a heavy architectural salvage business that has evolved into a 10,000 square foot brick and mortar antique shop in a vendor model. Half of the square footage is devoted to vendors and the other half is devoted to her own stock.

During covid, Amy made some huge shifts by opening a second location after seeing that her foot traffic was changing. She knows how to be the CEO of her business, makes quick decisions on the fly, and is not afraid to try something new. She’s also made huge strides with handing tasks over to her staff so she has time to be the true visionary.

Amy’s team is supportive of her mission, and of her family, and is the core of her success. Tune in to get great tips on how to make quick, expert decisions, create a positive business culture, and how to serve your community well so you don’t focus on the uncertainties of the future.

“Recognize where you need help and hire to your weakness.” – Amy Cseh

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

A Quick Glance:

[0:29] Amy’s background story

[4:39] Business shift 

[10:27] CEO challenges

[15:02] How to trust and manage your staff

[21:08] Holiday spending predictions

[ 28:01] Advice

[30:01] What’s next?

About Amy:

Amy has been working in the field of building demolition for over 20 years, consulting on environmental issues affecting demolition and renovation. Out of that experience grew a desire to rescue items that were being discarded along with the building during demolition and divert these items to a source that can reuse the product.

As an avid DIY decorator, Amy has struggled to find local sources of unique furniture options and accessories for the home at an affordable price. Because he has no choice, husband Ron has also been forced to join this quest in searching for these items with his beloved wife.

Combining the desire to repurpose and revitalize furniture & forgotten items with a passion for decorating and accessorizing, City Salvage and Design was born. In 2015, Amy re-branded to the Schoolhouse Salvage that you know and love today!

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple podcasts!

Resources Mentioned:

Business and Planning Guide
Retail Made Simple
Level Up Mastermind
Foot Traffic Made Simple
Retailer’s Inner Circle

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 131 – Flying Into 2023. Is Your Business Ready For What’s Coming in 2023?
Episode 129 – Retailer Success Series: Community Attract Strategy with Michelle Emmons
Episode 124 – Confident Decision Making Made Easy with Andrea Liebross
Episode 122 – Retailer Success Series: CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis
Episode 120 – Simplifying & Amplifying Your Business with Louise McManus
Episode 118 – How To Create Loyalty and Amazing Customer Experiences with Shep Hyken

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For more support from Wendy:

Retail Made Simple – Wendy’s on demand course for shop owners wanting more from their business

Retailer’s Inner Circle – Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out with Wendy on IG 

More ways to connect with Wendy 

Show Notes:

If you think you have to be on FB to grow your business, guess again!
Meet Millie Blackwell – Owner of Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop in Greytown, New Zealand!

Before opening her shop in December 2020, she and her husband owned digital businesses and did a lot of home renovations. Her shop is perfect for romantic, curious minds and romantic souls, a shop filled with books and creative items such as notebooks, jigsaw puzzles, fountain pens, stationary, etc.

Because Millie opened her shop during the height of the pandemic, she really had to work hard to build their market base in unique and creative ways. Storytelling has been a successful marketing strategy for them with print ads, Instagram, and their quarterly newsletter: The Blackwell Bugle. Fun fact: Millie doesn’t use FB!  

All of Millie’s business marketing decisions are based on building community and becoming a destination shop. Listen to her attract strategies, and how they go against the grain and are working for her. She’s doing it her way and making connections, human to human. 

Millie is a member of our Level Up and Accelerate Mastermind group and works hard at business development, and pays close attention to tracking, measuring, tweaking, training, and focusing on foot traffic. Millie is on her way to her 2023 goal of becoming a million-dollar bookshop!

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

A Quick Glance:

[0:31] Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop

[5:08] Greytown + more

[8:52] Marketing

[19:24] Million-dollar bookshop goal

[25:17] Struggles

[27:01] What’s coming & a quote

[30:46] Closing remarks

About Millie:

Mrs. Blackwell is a specialist in non-fiction categories and stationery. She grew up on an apricot orchard in Central Otago but never really cared for the taste of the fruit. Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop is an independent bookshop for inquisitive minds and romantic souls in Greytown, New Zealand.

Website | Instagram | Four Thousand Weeks

Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple podcasts!

Resources Mentioned:

Business and Planning Guide
Retail Made Simple
Level Up Mastermind
Foot Traffic Made Simple
Retailer’s Inner Circle

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 129 – Community Attract Strategy with Inner Circle Member Michelle Emmons
Episode 118 – How To Create Loyalty and Amazing Customer Experiences with Shep Hyken
Episode 96 – Before You Pay For Ads – Do These 3 Things
Episode 93 – How To Wow and Delight Your Customers
Episode 79 – Your Competitive Advantage Over Amazon
Episode 74 – Maximize Your Business with the Right Size Audience
Episode 68 – Growing and Doing Business Your Own Way with Marian Parsons
Episode 65 – Staying Positive While Building Community & Profits with Lee Hawn
Episode 56 – How To Add Additional Revenue Streams to Your Retail Business
Episode 47 – The Secret to Getting Your Customers to Choose You Over Your Competition
Episode 31 – 7 Tactics to Attract Foot Traffic to Your Brick and Mortar
Episode 5 – How To Stand Out In Your Brick and Mortar Retail Business

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• Facebook

For more support from Wendy:

Retail Made Simple – Wendy’s on demand course for shop owners wanting more from their business

Retailer’s Inner Circle – Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out with Wendy on IG 

More ways to connect with Wendy 

Show Notes:

There are two types of business mindsets I see a lot with shop owners: 

1. Fear & Lack mindset – Those just winging it and constantly thinking negatively.
2. Success & Solution mindset – Problem solvers who are confident and action-oriented.
   

Sometimes we have to be honest with ourselves about which camp we live in a lot.

I want you to think like a pilot. Before you fly:

• Prepare your flight plan – know where you are going 
• Check your systems – get your business #’s and systems in place 
• Know how to get from point A to point B – map it out 
• Prepare your staff, team, coaches, biz advisors (your co-pilots)

It’s time for you to create your annual “flight” plan in order to prepare for what’s coming in 2023. When you choose to prepare, you choose to weather any storm that may come your way.

Join me on November 24th for my Annual Planning session which will include resources and help you prepare that “flight” checklist. Click here and register today!

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

A Quick Glance:

[0:26] Weathering the storm

[5:45] Pilot your own plane

[15:36] Planning for 2023

[18:23] Wendy’s annual planning session

[21:31] Action steps & takeaways

[24:26] Closing remarks

Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple podcasts!

Resources Mentioned:

Business and Planning Guide
Retail Made Simple
Level Up Mastermind
Foot Traffic Made Simple
Retailer’s Inner Circle

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 130 – The Karate Kid Stages Will Help Your Retail Business
Episode 122 – CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis from Louisville Mercantile
Episode 113 – Growth Mindset with Jeff Lee from The Vintage Nest
Episode 111 – Recession Proof Your Shop: How Should We Prepare
Episode 95 – Tips to Tame the Admin and Stay Ahead of Business Trouble
Episode 83 – What Does Success Look Like For You In 2022?
Episode 72 – Five Simple Things You Can Do to Get Ready For What’s Coming In Retail
Episode 62 – Three Pitfalls to Watch Out For So You Don’t Lose Your Business
Episode 44 – The Four Must-Have Ingredients For a Successful Business
Episode 43 – Plan Your Best Retail Year Ever Part 4
Episode 42 – Plan Your Best Retail Year Ever Part 3
Episode 41 – Plan Your Best Retail Year Ever Part 2
Episode 40 – Plan Your Best Retail Year Ever Part 1

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• Facebook

For more support from Wendy:

Retail Made Simple – Wendy’s on demand course for shop owners wanting more from their business

Retailer’s Inner Circle – Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out with Wendy on IG 

More ways to connect with Wendy 

Show Notes:

My Dad is considered a retail guru. He was a leasing and mall manager for many years and used to speak at educational events in North America. One of his standard speeches was about The Karate Kid. I know right? What? 

As I asked for more details about how The Karate Kid applied to business, I got a GREAT answer that I think you’ll love!

First, we all start out as enthusiastic beginners like Daniel. We have all the heart, hustle, and passion for every aspect of our business. 

Second, we become disillusioned. We start to realize that some tasks are not as fun as others. Just like Daniel, as he works through all of the boring basics. But he’s invested in a coach, Mr. Miyagi.

Then… it’s practice, practice, practice. Over and over – refine and optimize.
Wax on, wax off. Over and over. 

And lastly, at the end of the movie, Daniel is equipped with the essential fundamentals. So much so that he’s able to overcome obstacles. Because they come easy, because he’s practiced. Just like retailers! When we have the basics set in place and we practice them every day, we’ve built up a great skill set to lead us to success. Refinement takes time and practice.

So, my friends – “Wax on, wax off. Wax on, wax off.” – Mr. Miyagi

Looking for more help? Invest in my Retail Made Simple four-module course. If you purchase before the end of the year, you will receive an annual planning bonus – don’t miss it!

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

A Quick Glance:

[0:44] Wendy’s dad

[3:35] The enthusiastic beginner

[4:32] Disillusionment

[9:18] Equipped with the right tools

[12:10] Retail Made Simple & a bonus!

[15:40] Closing remarks

Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple podcasts!

Resources Mentioned:

Retail Made Simple
Level Up Mastermind
Foot Traffic Made Simple
Retailer’s Inner Circle

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 113 – Growth Mindset with Jeff Lee from The Vintage Nest
Episode 95 – Tips to Tame the Admin and Stay Ahead of Business Trouble
Episode 94 – The Retailer’s Ecosystem: Where To Spend Your Time and Focus Within Your Business
Episode 61 – The Foundations You Need to Make Radical Decisions in Your Business
Episode 60 – How Focused Learning Increases Can Grow Your Business
Episode 45 – How To Fall Back In Love with Your Business

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• Facebook

For more support from Wendy:

Retail Made Simple – Wendy’s on demand course for shop owners wanting more from their business

Retailer’s Inner Circle – Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out with Wendy on IG 

More ways to connect with Wendy 

Show Notes:

Love on your people. That’s Michelle’s motto.
I am so excited to introduce Michelle Emmons from Vintage Me Boutique to you all!

Michelle is a mom who started out crafting folk dolls, owned booths at various antique/crafter malls, and then opened her first shop in the 90’s. Everything she learned in those hard years building a business, helped lead her to opening her own boutique!

Like many retailers, covid certainly put a wrench in her “normal” routine, but Michelle made some massive business shifts during that time and came out on top. She now sells clothing, home decor, antiques, and painted furniture.

Michelle’s shifts include Facebook lives, where she’s built a strong community of regular shoppers, and she also now holds at least two events per month in her shop. She knows and understands her community well and gears her events and products toward their wants/needs.

Tune in to get amazing advice on how to let your business evolve, and how to build a strong community of loyal shoppers the right way. Making sure your customer base feels special and heard. 

“Act like a lady, think like a boss.” – Michelle Emmons

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

A Quick Glance:

[0:37] Michelle’s business journey

[4:54] The covid shift

[8:24] Build your community

[12:01] Events

[19:51] Highs and lows of being a CEO

[23:52] Attract strategy

[27:47] Fourth quarter

[30:28] Closing remarks

About Michelle:

Michelle has a B&M shop that she opened over 5 years ago. It is in downtown Yakima, WA. She carries vintage and new decor, new clothing, and accessories.

Facebook

Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple podcasts!

Resources Mentioned:

Retail Made Simple
Level Up Mastermind
Foot Traffic Made Simple
Retailer’s Inner Circle

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 127 – Level Up Mastermind Q & A: Invest In Yourself
Episode 126 – 10 Simple Ways to Level Up Your Shop
Episode 116 – What To Do If It’s Slow: Summer Strategy Series
Episode 107 – Turn Browsers Into Buyers
Episode 55 – Unscalable Conversations – A Free, Simple and Powerful Marketing Tool
Episode 31 – 7 Tactics to Attract Foot Traffic to Your Brick and Mortar
Episode 25 – 3 Reasons Your Marketing Might Not be Working Well
Episode 17 – Retailer Case Study: She made a BIG decision based on her numbers

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• Facebook

For more support from Wendy:

Retail Made Simple – Wendy’s on demand course for shop owners wanting more from their business

Retailer’s Inner Circle – Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out with Wendy on IG 

More ways to connect with Wendy