Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten

Show Notes

Copy editor turned food writer turned freelancer turned blogger turned content agency.Meet Lacy Boggs, content and copywriting expert! I think she can really help retailers in understanding the difference between copywriting, content, and the strategy surrounding the two and how to nail down their OWN brand voice!

Copywriting

The copy that remains relatively static on your website

• Your website copy shouldn't just show the facts. It needs to include your brand voice.

Content

Words, videos, or audio that you produce in order to engage in a conversation with your clients or potential clients. Which hopefully will result in a sale.

• Think sideways! What else is your customer interested in besides the products you sell? Use that as content but keep it in your brand voice, all while humanizing your business.

Brand Voice

Lacy talks about outsourcing content, copywriting, and understanding your own brand voice and style for editorial/promotional calendars, content strategy, workflow, blogging, and so much more!

This episode will break down all the ways you can create more content, understand your brand voice more and how to effectively do it or outsource it.

This is an episode of Creative Shop Talk you'll want to keep in your back pocket for sure!

"It's still a really good idea to have a blog because it gets Google looking at your website more often." - Lacy Boggs

Make sure to grab Lacy's free gift!

Brand Voice Style GuideUse code: FREEBOOK

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/134/

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

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/133/

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!

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/132-2/

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!

More show notes here https://wendybatten.com/131-2/

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!

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/130/

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

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/129-2/

Show Notes

"Do a good job and you don't have to worry about money." - Disney

I recently attended a Women's Leadership Conference at Disney World in Florida. Not only was the conference wonderful, but it gave me the opportunity to observe all the new things Disney is doing these days.

We all know that Disney has quite the strategy that makes people pull out their wallet and buy, buy, buy. So today we're going over those strategies I observed and breaking them down one by one so you can apply them in your shop.

Stay Fresh & New - Disney knows how to keep things exciting! New merchandise, new experiences, new adventures. But there's also a consistency to their brand.

Empower Your Employees - An educated staff and flexible policies are so important. Use Disney's L.A.S.T. philosophy - Listen, Apologize, Solve, and Think.

Value Prices - Disney prices for value. Improve your customers' perceived value with amazing service, beautiful displays, and a memorable experience.

Healthy Product Mix - Know your customers when it comes to your products. Have a mix of the classics, limited edition, high end, and trendy.

Market Your Stories - It's all about the Disney brand and customers wanting to be a part of its special story. Be more than just a shop and share your business culture. Nostalgia sells. Share stories about products you sell, customers, and your brand.

So… how can you be a little more Disney?

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/128/

Show Notes

"Your level of success will rarely exceed your level of personal development." - Jim Rohn

When things get hard, it's important to surround yourself with other like-minded individuals. People who understand what you're going through, have unwavering faith, and will support, encourage and bring new ideas to the table.

Today I'm answering some questions about my Level Up Mastermind group and how it can help you and your business.

What the heck is a mastermind?

It's surrounding yourself with an intimate group of forward thinkers bringing their A game to support one another. It's a combination of group support and coaching.

How it works?

1. A high level look - We take a look at your goals, plan, and create action steps!
2. Share it all - We have those real conversations. You have to be willing to share honestly, all the highs and the lows.
3. It's not a course - You do have access to my courses, programs, and my resource library but this group is really about support and education to help you move forward.
4. Type of support - One-on-one coaching as well as group meetings, strategy planning sessions, open office hours, guest experts, and "back-pocket" calls when you just need a quick bit of advice.

You basically have a built-in support system and someone to sit beside you.

Who is it for?Retailers who want to see more life in their lifestyle business. To simplify and thrive. Retailers who are truly ready to make the next step.Ready to join!?Level Up Mastermind & Accelerator group is open for applications at this time!

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/127/

Show Notes

Little things matter in the big picture.

We talk about the customer experience a lot around here. That's because we want their experience to be perfect, right? We want them to have that intangible feeling when they think about your shop. Here are ten ways easy ways to level up your business without having to revamp your entire strategy.

1. A Clean Shop - Observe all the nooks and crannies.
2. Visual Chaos -Behind the counter etc. Keep organized and get rid of the chaos.
3. Checkout Ease - Make it excellent, efficient, and fast.
4. Signage - It needs to be correct, legible, helpful, and obvious. Includes price tags as well! Clear is kind.
5. The Atmosphere - Don't forget the sounds and smells of your shop!
6. Staff Appearance - An apron, a t-shirt. Have policies around this topic.
7. Flow - Merchandising for ease and flow. Make sure it works for your customers.
8. Be the CEO - Take the time to lead properly.
9. Service - Be generous, attentive, and have a genuine mindset about service. It's part of your business culture.
10. Shop Upkeep - Could be the flooring, the lighting, new equipment, staff uniforms, your POS system. If anything is outdated, slow, or in need of repair, it's time to upgrade and enhance.

All of these are small but mighty shifts toward building an excellent business.

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/126/

Show Notes

Hi, I'm Wendy. And I'm imperfect.

I have made so many mistakes along the way and have lots of imperfections. I've had hard experiences and failures and am always working on improvement. We learn and grow from our mistakes, right? I'm sharing so that maybe you can learn from my mistakes/hard learnings.

Grab your pen, tune in and maybe you'll see some things that you're doing and feel like, "you know what, we're all a hot mess at times in our business, but I can always learn and grow."

My 7 Deadly Sins (aka mistakes) as a Retailer:

1. Superwoman/Superman Syndrome - The I can do it my way mindset. Don't DIY everything in your business. Invest in the right people who can help you.
2. Taking things personally - This can wear you out fast. We have to learn how to accept feedback and not let it tear us to pieces. The negative influences are not your people.
3. Comparisonitus - and maybe even Imposter Syndrome. Comparison is the thief of joy. Be the special CEO that you are and keep moving forward in your own direction.
4. Lack of Communication - This can make you a poor leader toward your staff and team. Have the proper training, policies & procedures, and manuals in place.
5. Overworking - It's time to draw a line in the sand and create boundaries for yourself. We can't be on 24/7. It doesn't serve you, your family, business, or your clients.
6. Not taking care of my health - Avoid the burnout moments by making YOU your biggest asset. Your physical, mental and emotional health should be on your priority list every day.
7. Passive Business Development - Your level of success will rarely exceed your level of personal development. As we grow, we need to invest in ourselves. We always need to improve, tweak and educate ourselves. Find a coach, a mentor, mastermind classes, etc. If we aren't always learning and growing, neither is our business.

Have faith in yourself, friends. Struggles are learning opportunities.

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/125/