240. 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Now as You Design Your Year Ahead
With host retail coach Wendy Batten
https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/
In This Episode:
As an independent retailer, the end of the year is a perfect time to pause, reflect, and plan for the future. In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing five powerful questions that can help you evaluate your past year, identify growth opportunities, and set intentional goals for 2025. Whether you're looking to streamline your operations, grow your customer base, or simply realign your business with your values, these insights are tailored to help small business owners thrive.
If you are dreading making a plan for your retail shop in 2025, I have something for you: Design Your Best Retail Year Ever is available for purchase as a stand-alone workshop (or free for you if you are a member of The Retailer’s inner Circle program)!
This workshop has been named a favorite by so many of my clients. It’s truly an invaluable resource that every retail shop owner can use - whether you love to plan or dread it. Grab it today, or join the Retailer’s Inner Circle and it’s included in your membership - along with a “pantry” full of other masterclasses and resources for you to grab when you need them.
Episode Highlights:
1. Reflect on Success: Use five reflective questions to assess your year and identify areas of improvement.
- What do I wish I had done better?
- What am I most proud of?
- What am I worried about?
- What do I want to be proud of next year?
- Do my goals align with my vision?
2. Plan with Purpose: Embrace the Design Your Best Year Ever workshop to map out a clear and intentional plan for 2025.
3. Community Matters: Join a supportive retailer network to share insights, get inspired, and stay accountable.
4. Mindset Shift: Replace worry with clarity by addressing concerns directly and creating actionable steps.
"Success is yours, but you have to design it." -Wendy Batten
Related podcasts we think you’ll like:
Episode 194: Feeling Stuck? 20 Prompts to Help Flip Your Mindset
Episode 197: A Monthly Debrief: A Simple Activity All Retail Shop Owners Should Be Doing
Episode 208: Stack Your Team with Guest Expert Shelli Warren
About your host, Wendy Batten
In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.
Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer’s Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.
I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.
When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/
For more support from Wendy
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 programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.
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