Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten

The stories you tell yourself aren't always true. These stories are called limiting beliefs. They are FALSE!

When I hear creatives say:

• "I'm not a numbers person"
• "I'm creative, not a business owner type"
• "Stress and overwhelm are a normal part of this creative shop owner life"
• "I don't have time to plan"
• "I'm not good at the biz stuff"

I make it my goal to help them bust through these myths that are holding them back in their own creative businesses. Let's flip the script!

If you change this story and hone your business skills you CAN realize more profits. But you have to overcome the limiting beliefs you're telling yourself. Sign up for the Retail Made Simple course now so you can switch the story you're telling yourself as a biz owner. Those stories should be "I can do it" and "I am good at the biz stuff."

Big big hint: There's a direct line from your business growth with what you invest in yourself and do for your personal growth and development. Take that step to get better!

Now Open Wendy Batten's Retail Made Simple Masterclass

www.wendybatten.com/success-path

Doors close Thursday, August 27 at midnight

Let's Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let's Connect:

• IG @frontporchmercantile
• FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
• WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here's what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review". I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I'll keep it coming:

• http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

Want more foot traffic and visibility? Posting on all of the social media platforms is NOT the answer.

I hear it over and over again, and I bet this is you too with your retail business. One of the core frustrations from my retail coaching clients is that they are completely frustrated and overwhelmed when it comes to marketing.

They feel stuck in a hamster wheel of having to post content, be everywhere all at the same time, keep up their energy, and never getting ahead.

Let's get your marketing working for you.

In this episode, I teach:

• 3 marketing mistakes
• the 5 parts of marketing (hint it's not just playing on Tiktok)

Imagine attracting the right customers and getting more sales! You've got this.

Sign up for my FREE Retail Made Simple Masterclass - Sunday, August 23 at 7pm EST

https://wendybatten.com/masterclass/

Move your biz forward with my freebie download

The Creative Shop Owner's Game Plan

https://wendybatten.com/gameplan

Get on the waitlist for the Retailer's Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Interested in one-on-one private coaching?

I have a few spots left for Q3: https://wendybatten.com/one-on-one-coaching/

Let's Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let's Connect:

• IG @frontporchmercantile
• FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
• WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here's what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review". I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I'll keep it coming:

• http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

I've got really good news for small independent creative retailers during this pandemic time.

There is a boom happening for small business. Just check out these stats:

• 76% of consumers are trying NEW brands right now. This means they are shopping local, trying smaller brands, appreciating customer service, and avoiding faceless brands.
• 94% of my retailers in my Inner Circle are over their original pre-pandemic revenue goals for 2020. Not kidding. We cranked the numbers.

The majority of creative shop owners are doing really well during this pandemic! Today I share four focus areas to help you keep the momentum going forward during this crazy time.

Keep it up!

Link mentioned in this interview: Recorded FB Interview with Amy Cseh about cash flow.

Move your biz forward with my freebie download

The Creative Shop Owner's Game Plan

https://wendybatten.com/gameplan

Get on the waitlist for the Retailer's Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Interested in one-on-one private coaching?

I have a few spots left for Q3: https://wendybatten.com/one-on-one-coaching/

Let's Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let's Connect:

• IG @frontporchmercantile
• FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
• WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here's what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review". I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I'll keep it coming:

• http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

As a retailer and business owner, you work really hard. I see you. I've been there. But like I did for years and I see so many retailers doing this, you cannot forget to pay yourself. You are in business to make a profit, not hang on and see what's left in the till.

"If you are not paying yourself a living wage, your business is not profitable."

You need a steady income from your business. Understanding your inventory, knowing where your money is going and paying yourself a living wage is mind-shifting and business-shifting.

This episode is a little bit of tough love, but it's going to pay off, literally, if you start writing yourself a regular paycheck, just like your rent check. Let's dive in.

Move your biz forward with my freebie download

The Creative Shop Owner's Game Plan

https://wendybatten.com/gameplan

Get on the waitlist for the Retailer's Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Interested in one-on-one private coaching?

I have a few spots left for Q3: https://wendybatten.com/one-on-one-coaching/

Let's Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let's Connect:

• IG @frontporchmercantile
• FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
• WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here's what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review". I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I'll keep it coming:

• http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

Even during pandemic shutdowns I hear from many folks that they love the idea of owning a store.

So you wanna open your own store too? Before you dive into this retail business dream, let's discuss the 10 things to think before renting the space and signing the contracts.

Retail business is not at all the pretty side of merchandising and styling store windows.

Go through this checklist first.

Further Reading: Am I Ready to Open a Brick and Mortar Store?

Move your biz forward with my freebie download

The Creative Shop Owner's Game Planhttps://wendybatten.com/gameplan

Get on the waitlist for the Retailer's Inner Circlehttps://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Interested in one-on-one private coaching?

I have a few spots left for Q3: https://wendybatten.com/one-on-one-coaching/

Let's Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let's Connect:

• IG @frontporchmercantile
• FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
• WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here's what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review". I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I'll keep it coming:

• http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

For the past 3 years Sarah Williams has built an incredible fan base with her store Framed by Sarah in Wichita Falls, Texas. She also added a monthly monogrammed subscription for her local and online clients.

Today she's sharing her secret sauce for offering a subscription box as a new revenue stream. She's answering your questions about: profit rates, multi-products vs single products, and products of the month. This is definitely something to think about for retailers.

Sarah is opening her "Launch Your Box" membership on July 23. Learn more and sign up here. (This is my affiliate link, I could make a commission if you purchase her membership with my link. Thank you! I only promote products I believe in. I encourage my retailers to diversify their income streams and subscription boxes could add recurring revenue to your business.)

Launch your Box with Sarah

Connect with Sarah Williams:

• IG @framedbysarah
• FB @framedbysarah
• FramedbySarah.com

Let's Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let's Connect:

• IG @frontporchmercantile
• FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
• WendyBatten.com

Move your biz forward with my freebie download

The Creative Shop Owner's Game Plan

https://wendybatten.com/gameplan

Get on the waitlist for the Retailer's Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here's what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review". I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I'll keep it coming:

• http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

It starts with a plan, my retailer friends.

Just last week, our Retailer's Inner Circle sat down for a 3-hour strategic Q3 and Q4 planning session. It sounds intense, but it's really not because a quarter is only 90 days! I meet many brick and mortar business owners who are just winging it and don't bother to have a plan. So in today's episode I'll break down your Q3 into 5 major goals. Let's go!

Move your biz forward with my freebie download

The Creative Shop Owner's Game Plan

https://wendybatten.com/gameplan

Get on the waitlist for the Retailer's Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Interest in one-on-one private coaching?

I have a few spots left for Q3: https://wendybatten.com/one-on-one-coaching/

Let's Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let's Connect:

• IG @frontporchmercantile
• FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
• WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here's what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review". I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I'll keep it coming:

• http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

In today's very special What's Possible episode, I am chatting with retailer: Amy Cseh. She is the owner of Schoolhouse Salvage -- an architectural salvage and vintage finds warehouse in Mentor, Ohio, outside of Cleveland.

Amy does NOT come from a retail background, and yet she has put in the effort to learn and grow a wildly successful retail business. After 8 years of business, she had the most successful sales period ever, right smack in the middle of all the chaos and shutdowns! Amy shares her journey as a business owner, what was instrumental in getting her to this point and what she's learned along the way.

Join the Retailer's Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Connect with Amy Cseh Schoolhouse Salvage

FB @schoolhousesalvage

https://www.facebook.com/schoolhousesalvage/

IG @schoolhousesalvage

https://www.instagram.com/schoolhousesalvage/

Schoolhousesalvage.com

https://schoolhousesalvage.com/

Let's Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let's Connect:

• IG @frontporchmercantile
• FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
• WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here's what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review". I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I'll keep it coming:

• http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

In today's very special What's Possible episode, I am chatting with retailer Jeff Lee. He is the owner of The Vintage Nest Home & Gifts in the historic downtown of Mount Holly, North Carolina outside of Charlotte.

Jeff shares the story of how he grew his retail business from an antique mall booth to a 10,000 square foot and addresses several of the bumps and learning lessons along the way. He's the quintessential "accidental shopkeeper" who was a hobbyist turned store owner. I know you will relate to him and his business journey.

Join the Retailer's Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Connect with Jeff Lee

FB @thevintagenest

https://www.facebook.com/thevintagenest/

IG @thevintagenesthomeandgifts

https://www.instagram.com/thevintagenesthomeandgifts/

Thevintagenesthomeandgifts.com

http://www.thevintagenesthomeandgifts.com/

Let's Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let's Connect:

• IG @frontporchmercantile
• FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
• WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here's what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review". I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I'll keep it coming:

• http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy

In today's very special bonus episode, I am chatting with retailer: Wendy Johannes. She is the owner of WeJo in Honesdale, Pennsylvania - a reclaim, reuse and recycle shop with furniture paint, crafts, home decor and gifts.

She's one of my retailers in our Inner Circle who is thriving during this pandemic. I've been so proud of her, she has made business decisions based on her numbers. She set a goal to increase her paint sales by 50% and she did it!!! You'll hear her story and be completely motivated to focus on a profit-creator in your retail business like WeJo did.

Learn more about the Creative Shop Owner's Inner Circle:

https://wendybatten.com/paintpreneurs-inner-circle/

Connect with Wendy Johannes

FB @wejoarts

https://www.facebook.com/wejoarts/

IG @wendyatwejo

http://instagram.com/wendyatwejo

Let's Continue the Conversation

Rockstar Creative Shop Owners Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarcreatives/

Let's Connect:

• IG @frontporchmercantile
• FB @wendybattenpaintpreneur
• WendyBatten.com

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk

Here's what to do next, subscribe to Creative Shop Talk and then head over to our private Facebook community to meet other creative retailers.

I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just visit ‎Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten on Apple Podcasts, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review". I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

Need more retailer specific advice & encouragement? Hop on my email list and I'll keep it coming:

• http://wendybatten.com/subscribe

XO Wendy