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Welcome to The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick. Banrion Capital Management uses technology to help independent advisors scale and educate themselves on alternative investments. Since education is such a big piece of the Banrion mission and business, we are excited to kick off this series to dive into the nits and grits of the alternatives space.
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Host, Kathy Cruz is a retail store owner and a retail business coach. She knows firsthand that running a retail business, both online and in a brick and mortar has its challenges. Kathy is passionate about teaching independent retailers how to work less, profit more and grow.
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No fluff. No bullshit. Just relatable straight-talk from creators and entrepreneurs you can relate to, and learn from. One lesson at a time, and one brick at a time!Each episode of this show explores the intersections of business, psychology, audience building, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten

Wendy Batten, Creative Retail Mentor

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How do I attract more customers to my store? How do I get more sales? How do I book out my shop’s events and workshops? How do I do retail marketing and social media for my store? These are the questions that creative retail business owners ask Wendy Batten, creative retail coach and mentor. Wendy works with creative shop owners all over the world and with industry leaders. Her speciality is working with creative retailers to get control over their brick and mortars to avoid burnout and over ...
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Welcome to The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick. Banrion Capital Management uses technology to help independent advisors scale and educate themselves on alternative investments. Since education is such a big piece of the Banrion mission and business, we are excited to kick off this series to dive into the nits and grits of…
  continue reading
 
Have you ever looked around your retail store and thought, “wow, I could really use some advice on how to make this better?” That’s exactly what one retail store owner and Master Shopkeepers member did early last year. Luckily for Patty, a pseudonym gift shop owner from the Portland, OR area, I was giving away an in-store intensive. Through a mix o…
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With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: Can you have a summer of ease and keep your momentum going? Yes. No matter what summertime looks like in your retail shop, you need to balance your work schedule with rest and fun while keeping the momentum at the same time. Sounds challenging, right? Trust …
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With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast/ In This Episode: As a retail shop owner, have you given much thought to the difference between customer service and customer experience as it relates to your brand? In this short coffee chat episode, I’ll share the difference between the two and what you can do to ensure your bran…
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Did you know that up to 99% of the decisions we make are subconscious? Since our decisions drive our behaviors, it’s crucial that we learn to make more of our decisions consciously rather than subconsciously! In today’s episode, I’ve invited my coach, Neill Williams, to share the science behind entrepreneurial emotions. With a master’s in economics…
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Welcome to The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick. Banrion Capital Management uses technology to help independent advisors scale and educate themselves on alternative investments. Since education is such a big piece of the Banrion mission and business, we are excited to kick off this series to dive into the nits and grits of…
  continue reading
 
With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: Let’s have a coffee chat around being a big deal in your community, shall we? Recently, I had a conversation with a client where she relayed to me that being a “big deal” in her community felt awkward for her because she didn’t want to show off or flaunt her…
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With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: If your retail shop is in an area where summertime means things slow down a little bit, it’s not time to settle into vacation mode just yet! As we move into summer, there are a few things that we can be doing around our retail shops to set us up for success …
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As your indie retail business grows, leading a team becomes a crucial part of your store owner responsibilities. And while being a leader may not come naturally, being a better leader is thankfully a skill that you can cultivate. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the five essential skills you can quickly learn to be a better leader. You’ll be known f…
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Welcome to The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick. Banrion Capital Management uses technology to help independent advisors scale and educate themselves on alternative investments. Since education is such a big piece of the Banrion mission and business, we are excited to kick off this series to dive into the nits and grits of…
  continue reading
 
With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: When you are feeling stuck in your retail business or in life, what tricks do you use to change your mindset? How do you push through the blocks that feel as though they are keeping you stuck? In this episode, I’m joined by mixed media artist, creative coach…
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With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: Our business growth is dependent on relationships. Customers, team, and others in your community. Being intentional about relationship marketing is key. As a retail shop owner, have you thought about which other businesses in your community might be a good f…
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Let’s face it: being an indie retail store owner isn’t easy. There are shipments to bust, products to merchandise, backstock to organize, floats to reconcile, and tasks to delegate. Beyond the day-to-day operations, there are even more high-level tasks that eat at your time and brain power, like choosing what products to bring in and figuring out h…
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With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: Looking for ideas and ways to grow your social media presence for your independent retail business? Look no further than this conversation with business coach Brooke Riley. Brooke started her entrepreneurial career with a DIY/creative blog and website and is…
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For indie retail store owners who run vendor or consignment-style stores, there’s an extra layer of work on top of running a store: managing vendor relationships. Vendors at these stores normally rent a specific booth or section of the store to display their products. And while each vendor is in charge of managing their inventory, cleaning their ar…
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Welcome to The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick. Banrion Capital Management uses technology to help independent advisors scale and educate themselves on alternative investments. Since education is such a big piece of the Banrion mission and business, we are excited to kick off this series to dive into the nits and grits of…
  continue reading
 
With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: I just returned from a seven-state two-week road trip from Nova Scotia, Canada to North Carolina, USA! The trip’s destination was Mount Holly, North Carolina to meet with my mastermind group at member Jeff Lee’s shop, The Vintage Nest. John and I weaved down…
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Encouraging your customers to pay in cash is not only great for your business (buh-bye, credit card transaction fees!), but great for your community. Accepting cash diversifies payment options, keeps money out of banks’ deep pockets, and gives people without bank accounts access to goods and services. Cash is a win for small businesses and customer…
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With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: When you hire employees to work in your retail shop, you aren’t simply giving them a job. As a shop owner, you are uniquely positioned to offer career opportunities that better the lives of people in your community. In Episode 208 of the Creative Shop Talk p…
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Have you ever decided to shop small, confirmed store’s hours online, driven over to the store…only to find a “sorry, we’re closed” sign hanging on the door? That frustration you’ve felt in that moment is NOT what you want to give to your customers in case of a temporary store closing! Communicating with your customers about a store closing, whether…
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With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: Ready for another controversial episode? Let’s do it! Let’s talk about name tags and uniforms. If you are a retail shop owner who thinks uniforms don’t apply or fit with your brand, I hope you’ll keep listening and reconsider after hearing this short episode…
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With Q1 of 2024 behind us, it feels like a good time to share some impromptu Savvy Shopkeeper updates. There have been a lot of changes within my business and personal life, and I’m excited to share them with you! Listen in to hear about leaving my retail store behind, finishing my coaching certification, an in-person event you’ll want to save the …
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Welcome to The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick. Banrion Capital Management uses technology to help independent advisors scale and educate themselves on alternative investments. Since education is such a big piece of the Banrion mission and business, we are excited to kick off this series to dive into the nits and grits of…
  continue reading
 
Welcome to The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick. Banrion Capital Management uses technology to help independent advisors scale and educate themselves on alternative investments. Since education is such a big piece of the Banrion mission and business, we are excited to kick off this series to dive into the nits and grits of…
  continue reading
 
With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: We are all passionate, creative, and imperfect business owners who want to do it all. But as our businesses grow, it’s harder to keep all of our plates spinning. As our businesses evolve, we cannot simply keep adding to our already full plates, so it’s impor…
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Posting on Instagram can feel exhausting and overwhelming, especially as a retail store owner with a million other things on your plate. That’s why I’m sharing a metric for you to track that can make your social media efforts feel worth it—and that no one else is talking about! Listen in to learn about this hidden metric, plus get a brand-new free …
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With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: If you are looking for a way to distinguish your retail shop from your competition and add a revenue stream, this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast is for you. In Episode 205, I’m sharing how adding workshops and classes to your calendar can be a gam…
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Between an upcoming leadership month in Master Shopkeepers and wanting to share how I’m learning to lead the Savvy Shopkeeper team, leadership has been top of mind for me. That’s why I was so excited to chat with Shelli Warren, the founder of Stacking Your Team. After a 25-year stint at Proctor & Gamble, Shelli ventured into leadership coaching for…
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With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: I’m taking you behind the counter of Junque Rescuers in Lake Jackson, Texas to chat with shop owner and Inner Circle member Jeanne Terrill in this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. Buckle up because Jeanne is taking us on a ride and sharing her jour…
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From plugging your retail profit leaks to scaling your indie retail business, this year’s Savvy Shopkeeper survey covered a bit of everything. I’m excited to share the results with you, especially because it might show you what’s possible for your store. I’m also sharing how you can attend my upcoming masterclass, Stop The Drip. In this two-hour cl…
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With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: Looking for a quick and easy retail promotion to sell off older inventory, seasonal items, or even just a new fun way to move merchandise? I’ve got you! In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, we are discussing mystery bags/bundles. I’ll share how…
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If you’re an Aspiring Shopkeeper, figuring out how and where to buy wholesale inventory is a crucial step towards opening your store’s doors. Luckily, there’s a program that makes it super easy to curate, order, and buy inventory for a retail store: Open With Faire. Built by one of the most reliable online wholesale platforms around, Open With Fair…
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With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: Don’t skip this because you’re not a “touristy” shop. Many of you will want to skip this episode because you may think souvenirs would not fit in with your shop’s brand but I’m challenging that perspective in Episode 202 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. Yo…
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As indie retail store owners, it’s all too easy to focus on the negative. We’re always thinking about which stores are closing, what’s to blame for industry-wide difficulties, and how each new hurdle might lead to our store failing. And while our glass-half-empty view isn’t surprising (we’re only human, after all!), we can and SHOULD try to change …
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With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: Hot topic. Is cell phone use an issue with your employees? Let’s nip that in the bud today. What is your retail shop’s policy around employee cell phone use? In Episode 201 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing my advice on this issue. And trust me …
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Kate Simpson, owner of Cerulean of Cape Cod, was always a maker and a nurturer. She created her own jewelry, sold it at weekend markets, and even had a spot at a vendor-based retail store, all while working full-time as a nurse. Eventually, though, she wanted to take the entrepreneurial leap into nurturing a retail store of her own. That’s when Cer…
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Welcome to The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick. Banrion Capital Management uses technology to help independent advisors scale and educate themselves on alternative investments. Since education is such a big piece of the Banrion mission and business, we are excited to kick off this series to dive into the nits and grits of…
  continue reading
 
With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: Become better known in your community! The third episode in the Retailer’s Visibility Series is about connecting through community and leveraging your business through collaborations with other businesses in your area. I’ll share exactly what collaborations …
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Bookkeeping is crucial for any business, and indie retailers are no exception! It's the key to understanding your finances, making smart choices, and pushing your biz forward. Today, I’m sharing six bookkeeping tips from a recent live lesson I taught to Master Shopkeepers. Listen in to learn what you need to do to keep your books in order so you ca…
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With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: How do we get our brick-and-mortar retail business found and seen by more people? Welcome to Part 2 of the Retailer’s Visibility Series! In this episode, I’m sharing three things you can update today for free to ensure your shop is being found when potential…
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Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters are on the rise. Thankfully, Heart on Main Street is there to support independent retail businesses when disaster strikes. After growing up on the wholesale side of retail, Patrick Keiser founded Heart on Main Street to provide indie retailers with the resources, tools, and educational op…
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With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: Are you hiding from your customers? Have you ever heard someone refer to a business as a “best-kept secret?” While this is typically a compliment, we don’t want that to be us! It’s time to stop hiding and make sure everyone in your community (and beyond!) kn…
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Our laptops are not only an extension of our physical workspace, but often an extension of our minds. Digital clutter in the form of tons of too many tabs and multiple windows can bog us down. But there are ways to increase your web browser efficiency—and just as with other key systems for independent retailers, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve t…
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With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: The monthly debrief is a simple process that can be an important factor to the growth and sustainability of your retail business. And it’s easy peasy. If you’ve ever found yourself repeating mistakes or wondering why a promotion or event you tried in your re…
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After many years of attending AmericasMart as a buyer, this year was my first time attending as an observer. It was fascinating to chat with members of the Savvy Shopkeeper community, spot market trends, and be a fly on the wall at showrooms! In today’s episode, I’m sharing my five key takeaways from AmericasMart 2024. Listen in to learn what trend…
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With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase “work smarter, not harder”- possibly even from me during this podcast! How have you applied that in your retail business? Are you wondering how you can expand your business in new ways without reinventing the wheel? In th…
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Asking your customers for feedback can be scary—trust me, I know! Most years, I ask my customers and community to complete the Savvy Shopkeeper survey. While getting feedback directly from the people I serve can be nerve-wracking, it’s an overwhelmingly positive experience. Read on to learn how you can fill out this year’s Savvy Shopkeeper Survey a…
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Welcome to The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick. Banrion Capital Management uses technology to help independent advisors scale and educate themselves on alternative investments. Since education is such a big piece of the Banrion mission and business, we are excited to kick off this series to dive into the nits and grits of…
  continue reading
 
With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: Have you ever heard the saying “What gets measured gets managed”? But what should we look at (other than total sales?) Exactly WHAT should we measure? How should that apply to your unique business? In Episode 195 of the Creative Shop Talk podcast, we are tal…
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Managing cash flow is a difficult task for most indie retail store owners, but it doesn’t have to be! I’m excited to share a virtual banking solution that helps you automate your cash flow management: Relay Financial. When I first read Profit First, I was skeptical. The cash flow management system proposed in the book required setting up multiple b…
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