155. Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Rest: The Key to Sustainable Retail Growth
Notes:
Today’s episode is all about the importance of prioritizing our energy, space, and mindset to achieve sustainable retail growth. It’s a “sister show” and a continuation from episode 154 with my guest, retailer Christie Carter-Tokairin. (Go have a listen here).
Let’s set the boundaries we need to keep life in our lifestyle businesses.
Key points I dig into in this episode:
- Rest is essential - it’s NOT a reward.
- Excellent leadership requires boundaries and systems to protect ourselves from burnout.
- Setting “yellow lines” or boundaries is vital for protecting ourselves and our business.
- The golden egg analogy reminds us that taking care of ourselves is crucial for the success of our business.
If you struggle with boundary setting, start with these habits:
- Communicate effectively with your staff and family about the boundaries you are setting.
- Establish and stick to a schedule. Set your working hours and ensure your family and staff know these hours.
- Delegate tasks to your staff and don’t micromanage them.
- Unplug from your work.
- Schedule days off and vacations - rest is not a reward, it is essential!
- Utilize systems/tools that can help: binders at the counter to communicate with staff, auto responders on email, clear voicemail messages etc.
Thank you for listening to Creative Shop Talk. Remember to prioritize your energy, space, and mindset, and set boundaries to achieve sustainable business growth. Join me next time for more insights into the world of creative entrepreneurship.
“You are the golden egg. You are the biggest asset [of your business]. If you don't take care of yourself, your business will fall apart.” - Wendy Batten
This week’s episode is sponsored by: H+H Americas
Join me at the h+h americas trade show if you are in the creative or craft business. Here are the details:
h+h americas trade show
Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont
Chicago, IL
Dates: June 21-23, 2023 (Masterclasses start on June 20)
https://www.hh-americas.com/, tickets here:
Tickets on sale: March 15, 2023, use promo code CST23 to get free access to the exhibit floor
Other episodes you may enjoy…
Episode 154: Retail Success Series: Christie Carter-Tokairin 10 Years In
Episode 122: Retail Success Series: CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis from Louisville Mercantile
Episode 33: The CEO Date: A Non-Negotiable Habit is Key to Creative CEO Success
Episode 70: Encore Series: You’re Not Just a Shopkeeper, You’re a Creative CEO
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 dream 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
Wendy’s 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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