282. Raise Your Standards, Raise Your Results: A Peek Inside a Real Coaching Call for Retailers
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
Release Date: 10/13/2025
293. The Difference Between ‘Nice’ and ‘Kind’ in Leadership
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
With host retail coach Episode Overview Many shop owners lead with good intentions, but being nice instead of kind can quietly create resentment, burnout, and instability in a retail business. In this episode, I’m exploring a distinction that quietly shapes many retail businesses: the difference between being nice and being kind. While niceness can feel good in the moment, it often leads to avoidance, resentment, and exhaustion over time. Kind leadership, by contrast, is clear, fair, and professional, and it supports long term trust and sustainability. I’ll walk you...
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292. The Real Starting Point for Building a Profitable Retail Business
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
With host retail coach Episode Overview Ever find yourself wondering “Where do I start when I’m juggling multiple priorities in my retail business?” You’re not alone. I’m addressing this question that’s been asked many times since Episode 290 dropped at the beginning of the year. In this episode, I’ll lay out the most important steps to focus on FIRST in order to achieve the success you want this year in your retail business. You’ll learn why clarity around your numbers and a growth mindset are the foundations for building a sustainable, profitable...
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291. It’s Not for Me…Until It Is
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
With host retail coach In This Episode: Have you ever dismissed something quickly by thinking, “That’s not for me”? I did. Twice on Christmas morning, if we are being honest. And both times, I was wrong. In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I share two very real moments where I resisted things that, in hindsight, were exactly what I needed. Not because I didn’t want to grow, but because growth sometimes shows up feeling uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or inconvenient. This conversation is for experienced retail shop owners who are running solid...
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290. 7 Things to Focus on in 2026 If You Want a Retail Business That Lasts
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
With host retail coach In This Episode: You know that shop down the street that always seems to be doing well? The one that looks calm, confident, and steady while everyone else feels frantic? In this Season 6 kickoff episode of Creative Shop Talk, I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s actually happening behind the scenes and sharing my 7 predictions for what independent retailers need to focus on in 2026 if they want a business that lasts. This episode is not about doing more. It’s about focusing on what matters. We’re talking about building a brand that means...
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289. Become the CEO Your Life May Need in 2026
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
With host retail coach In This Episode: Season Five wraps with a heartfelt, honest conversation you don’t want to miss. In this final episode of the year, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the real-life alignment shifts, boundaries, and mindset resets that shaped my 2025 - and how you can step confidently and intentionally into 2026. If you’ve ever felt out of sync with your business, overwhelmed by hustle culture, or unsure whether your decisions still match the life you want today… this episode will feel like a deep breath. Wendy talks openly about...
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288. Become the CEO Your Retail Business Actually Needs in 2026
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
With host retail coach In This Episode: Ready for a truth bomb? Your business can only grow if you do. In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m diving deep into what it really takes to step into the CEO identity your retail business needs in 2026 and beyond. From letting go of the “do-it-all shopkeeper” mindset to making braver, clearer decisions rooted in vision rather than fear, this episode is your invitation to level up. I’ll share real stories of retailers who shifted their identity, embraced discomfort, built supportive systems, and created...
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287. Design Your Best Retail Year Ever: Stop Drifting and Start Planning for Success
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
With host retail coach In This Episode: Is your business steering your life instead of the other way around? In this episode, I’m reminding creative shop owners that thriving retail doesn’t happen by accident – it’s designed with purpose. As we wrap up the year and move forward into 2026, I’m sharing my “captain your own ship” approach to intentional business planning. Let me teach you how to stop drifting with the tides of the economy, staff changes, or trends, and start charting your course toward profit, joy, and freedom. Smart Retail Strategies to Design...
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286. 5 Simple Prompts to Help Your Retail Team Sell with Confidence
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
With host retail coach In This Episode: Let’s face it – most shop owners can sell naturally, but teaching your team to do the same without feeling “salesy” can often be tricky. In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing five easy, actionable prompts you can teach your staff to boost confidence, build genuine customer connections, and make sales feel natural (not pushy!). These simple, human-centered tools will help your team move from awkward to authentic – and you can start right now. Actionable Sales Strategies for Your Retail Team:...
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285. Avoiding Retail Burnout: Closing Loops and Leaning In to Your People
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
With host retail coach In This Episode: Are you feeling burnout creep in? Are you just plain tired of making all of the decisions? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m getting honest about burnout, decision fatigue, and what really causes that drained, frazzled feeling. (Hint: it’s not just working too much!) Through my own recent experience, I’m sharing how leaning into trusted mentors and peers can reignite clarity, confidence, and momentum. I know you’ll walk away inspired to simplify, close open loops, and stop overcomplicating your next steps. What You’ll...
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284. KISS Retail Overwhelm Goodbye: The Power of Keeping it Super Simple
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
With host retail coach In This Episode: Sometimes simple things make the biggest impact - and in this episode, I’m proving it with a story about my “famous” frozen turkey stuffing. Confused yet? Don’t be! If you are an independent retailer you are in the right place, I promise! This episode is for retailers who need a refreshing reminder that running a successful shop (and life!) doesn’t have to be overcomplicated. The KISS method - Keep It Super Simple - isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about focusing your time and energy where it truly matters. Key...
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https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/
Holiday Success Planning Guide is now a standalone masterclass, which means it’s available without an Inner Circle membership! Click HERE to grab it now. You can walk through the sessions at your own pace and rewatch it year after year.
Are you ready for more profits this holiday season? I’m hosting a FREE 60 minute Holiday Profits Workshop on October 20 at 1pm EST. Yes, you read that right - it’s free! Get yourself registered HERE.
In This Episode:
Have you ever wondered what sitting in on a coaching call with me would be like? Are you curious about the Inner Circle? Well you tuned in to the right podcast today, my friends.
In this episode, which is directly from a recent coaching call inside my Retailers Inner Circle program, I’m answering 10 questions/sharing takeaways from real retailers inside my Retailer’s Inner Circle. We call it 10 in 10 because the idea is I’m answering 10 questions in 10 minutes. But, yes, this episode is a little longer than that. ;) What you’re getting today are quick, practical tips and inspiration for your busiest season yet. From vendor events to pricing for profit, money dates, and mindset shifts, this session will get you thinking (and acting!) like a true CEO - just in time for the holidays.
Some Highlights from this session:
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How to run “Meet the Maker” events that boost sales and visibility
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The money date habit every successful retailer swears by
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Why being “nicely priced” can destroy your profits
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How the mere exposure effect can skyrocket your in-store sales
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A mindset shift to stretch yourself beyond “fine” into fantastic
Your Next Steps:
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Take action by planning how you will review your financials at your next CEO date.
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Join the Retailer’s Inner Circle to be part of these 10 in 10 sessions every Friday in October and more! (Replays are also available!)
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Grab your spot in the Free Holiday Profits Workshop on October 20th and finish the year strong.
Related podcasts we think you’ll like:
Episode 89: Money Talk & Mindset with Profits First Coach April Stroink
Episode 263: Why CEO Time Isn’t Optional in Your Retail Business
Episode 268: Awesome Isn’t Accidental: Raise the Retail Standards in Your Shop
About your host, Wendy Batten
In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy Batten, retail business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle. With over 30 years of experience running successful businesses, I now help independent shop owners grow profitably and sustainably—with more confidence and joy.
I’ve had my own business columns in featured magazines, such as What Women Create and other top publications, worked with some of the top industry brands as retail care manager, and I’ve supported hundreds of retailers through coaching, speaking, my programs, and this podcast.
For more support from Wendy
Join Wendy’s CEO Planning Session for Retailers
Retailer’s Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community
Free resources for shop owners
Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG
All of Wendy’s current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.
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