Running a store comes with endless moving parts—from stocking the right products to training your sales team and avoiding burnout as the owner. Michelle, a hardworking retailer, knows this all too well. She’s been wrestling with questions like: Should I invest in an inventory management system? 

In this episode of Retail Therapy session, host Crystal is joined by our retail therapist Bob Phibbs, along with guest Michelle Tjelmeland, to break it all down. Together, they dive into the difference between aggressive and suggestive selling, why developing your people is non-negotiable, and how knowing your ideal customer makes every marketing decision easier.

Bob also shares practical steps Michelle can take to avoid burnout and build the right team around her. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the “back end” of retail but know your business has potential, this conversation is packed with takeaways!

[3:21] Michelle shares her business challenges and where she feels stuck
[15:00] Aggressive vs. suggestive marketing—and which one really works
[16:50] Why developing your team is the best investment you can make
[24:22] Getting clear on your ideal customers (and why it matters)
[29:00] Making your business address visible across social and online platforms
[29:55] Avoiding burnout as a business owner
[32:47] Putting the right systems and people in place to support growth

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