276. What Holiday Prep Actually Looks Like (Step by Step, Inner Circle Style)

276. What Holiday Prep Actually Looks Like (Step by Step, Inner Circle Style)

Author: Wendy Batten, Creative Retail Mentor September 1, 2025 Duration: 24:11

 

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

 

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

 

Holiday Success Planning Guide is now a standalone masterclass! Click HERE to grab it now. You can walk through the sessions at your own pace and rewatch it year after year. 

Want to plan your entire Q4 with me LIVE? Join me and a small group on September 15th and let's get down to business. Limited seating for this quarterly planning session. 

 

In This Episode:

September is here - and for retailers, that means it's time to get serious about holiday planning! 

In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I'm sharing why Q4 doesn't have to feel overwhelming and chaotic. Instead, with a little intention and front-loaded planning, you can step into the season with more joy, profit, and ease.

Whether you're joining the Inner Circle live coaching week (free for members September 15-19) or DIY-ing the Holiday Success Guide, this episode will inspire you to take action now so the season feels aligned and profitable.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why defining your version of success is the key to a great Q4.

  • How to map out your "profit path" and choose what to prioritize.

  • The importance of scheduling "big rocks" to avoid burnout and missed opportunities.

  • Practical strategies for marketing, promotions, and prepping your team.

Your Next Steps:

  1. Define what success looks like for you this holiday season.

  2. Review your revenue streams and decide where to focus.

  3. Block out your "big rocks" on the calendar—both business and personal.

  4. Share your Q4 goals with us inside the Retailer's Inner Circle or tag me on Instagram!

  5. Get the Tools & Support – Grab the Holiday Success Planning Guide for step-by-step guides, calculators, and planning templates to make 2025 your best and most relaxed holiday season yet. At only $97, you can't afford not to! (It's free for Inner Circle Members!)

  6. Plan With Me Live – Join the upcoming CEO Planning Workshop to map out your holiday strategy alongside me and other shop owners.

  7. Join the Inner Circle - Don't let another holiday season go by without my and other likeminded retailers' support! And remember: your membership gets you unlimited access to the Holiday Success Bootcamp, the Profit Planning Masterclass, and so much more.

Related podcasts we think you'll like: 

Episode 275: How Top Shop Owners Are Planning Their Holiday Strategy

Episode 121: Holiday Prep: 5 Tips to Help You See More Profits & Ease During the Holidays

Episode 94: The Retailer's Ecosystem: Where To Spend Your Time and Focus Within Your Business

 

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. 

Never miss an episode!

Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer.Click here to subscribe to iTunes! 



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Running a creative retail business often means juggling a hundred questions at once, from attracting the right customers to filling workshops and making social media feel less like a chore. Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten is where those pressing, daily questions meet practical, real-world answers. Hosted by creative retail mentor Wendy Batten, this podcast draws directly from her work with shop owners globally and conversations with industry leaders. Each episode feels like a focused coaching session, breaking down the complexities of modern retail into actionable steps. You’ll hear honest discussions about gaining control over your marketing, streamlining operations, and building a shop that thrives not just survives. The dialogue is grounded in the reality of running a physical creative business, offering strategies that are both thoughtful and immediately useful. Tune in for a blend of Wendy’s direct mentorship and insights from peers who understand exactly what you’re building. This isn’t about vague theory; it’s a resource for turning your unique vision into a sustainable, bustling enterprise. Find clarity and confidence for your creative shop by following the podcast wherever you listen.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
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