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Episode Notes [03:47] Seth's Early Understanding of Questions [04:33] The Power of Questions [05:25] Building Relationships Through Questions [06:41] This is Strategy: Focus on Questions [10:21] Gamifying Questions [11:34] Conversations as Infinite Games [15:32] Creating Tension with Questions [20:46] Effective Questioning Techniques [23:21] Empathy and Engagement [34:33] Strategy and Culture [35:22] Microsoft's Transformation [36:00] Global Perspectives on Questions [39:39] Caring in a Challenging World Resources Mentioned The Dip by Seth Godin Linchpin by Seth Godin Purple Cow by Seth Godin Tribes by Seth Godin This Is Marketing by Seth Godin The Carbon Almanac This is Strategy by Seth Godin Seth's Blog What Does it Sound Like When You Change Your Mind? by Seth Godin Value Creation Masterclass by Seth Godin on Udemy The Strategy Deck by Seth Godin Taylor Swift Jimmy Smith Jimmy Smith Curated Questions Episode Supercuts Priya Parker Techstars Satya Nadella Microsoft Steve Ballmer Acumen Jerry Colonna Unleashing the Idea Virus by Seth Godin Tim Ferriss podcast with Seth Godin Seth Godin website Beauty Pill Producer Ben Ford Questions Asked When did you first understand the power of questions? What do you do to get under the layer to really get down to those lower levels? Is it just follow-up questions, mindset, worldview, and how that works for you? How'd you get this job anyway? What are things like around here? What did your boss do before they were your boss? Wow did you end up with this job? Why are questions such a big part of This is Strategy? If you had to charge ten times as much as you charge now, what would you do differently? If it had to be free, what would you do differently? Who's it for, and what's it for? What is the change we seek to make? How did you choose the questions for The Strategy Deck? How big is our circle of us? How many people do I care about? Is the change we're making contagious? Are there other ways to gamify the use of questions? Any other thoughts on how questions might be gamified? How do we play games with other people where we're aware of what it would be for them to win and for us to win? What is it that you're challenged by? What is it that you want to share? What is it that you're afraid of? If there isn't a change, then why are we wasting our time? Can you define tension? What kind of haircut do you want? How long has it been since your last haircut? How might one think about intentionally creating that question? What factors should someone think about as they use questions to create tension? How was school today? What is the kind of interaction I'm hoping for over time? How do I ask a different sort of question that over time will be answered with how was school today? Were there any easy questions on your math homework? Did anything good happen at school today? What tension am I here to create? What wrong questions continue to be asked? What temperature is it outside? When the person you could have been meets the person you are becoming, is it going to be a cause for celebration or heartbreak? What are the questions we're going to ask each other? What was life like at the dinner table when you were growing up? What are we really trying to accomplish? How do you have this cogent two sentence explanation of what you do? How many clicks can we get per visit? What would happen if there was a webpage that was designed to get you to leave? What were the questions that were being asked by people in authority at Yahoo in 1999? How did the stock do today? Is anything broken? What can you do today that will make the stock go up tomorrow? What are risks worth taking? What are we doing that might not work but that supports our mission? What was the last thing you did that didn't work, and what did we learn from it? What have we done to so delight our core customers that they're telling other people? How has your international circle informed your life of questions? What do I believe that other people don't believe? What do I see that other people don't see? What do I take for granted that other people don't take for granted? What would blank do? What would Bob do? What would Jill do? What would Susan do? What happened to them? What system are they in that made them decide that that was the right thing to do? And then how do we change the system? How given the state of the world, do you manage to continue to care as much as you do? Do you walk to school or take your lunch? If you all can only care if things are going well, then what does that mean about caring? Should I have spent the last 50 years curled up in a ball? How do we go to the foundation and create community action?…
Conteúdo fornecido por Savvy Shopkeeper, LLC and Kathy Cruz. Todo o conteúdo do podcast, incluindo episódios, gráficos e descrições de podcast, é carregado e fornecido diretamente por Savvy Shopkeeper, LLC and Kathy Cruz ou por seu parceiro de plataforma de podcast. Se você acredita que alguém está usando seu trabalho protegido por direitos autorais sem sua permissão, siga o processo descrito aqui https://pt.player.fm/legal.
Host, Kathy Cruz is a retail business coach who owned a retail business with her sister for a decade. 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 smarter, profit more and grow.
Conteúdo fornecido por Savvy Shopkeeper, LLC and Kathy Cruz. Todo o conteúdo do podcast, incluindo episódios, gráficos e descrições de podcast, é carregado e fornecido diretamente por Savvy Shopkeeper, LLC and Kathy Cruz ou por seu parceiro de plataforma de podcast. Se você acredita que alguém está usando seu trabalho protegido por direitos autorais sem sua permissão, siga o processo descrito aqui https://pt.player.fm/legal.
Host, Kathy Cruz is a retail business coach who owned a retail business with her sister for a decade. 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 smarter, profit more and grow.
Have you said “no” to something that could have been a game-changer for your business? If so, it’s not too late to revisit it—or to say “yes” to the next opportunity that comes your way. In this episode, I go over mindset traps such as fear of change, imposter syndrome, skepticism, and how to overcome these mindset traps. If any of these mindset traps pull at your strings visit my blog at www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode242 for show notes and resources. Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website & Mastermind Group: Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper…
Discover how one shop owner turned a surprise visit and a one-hour coaching call into a 50% increase in retail sales! In Episode 241 of the Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast, Kathy Cruz shares insights, tips, and lessons from this inspiring success story. Learn how strategic action, even with a low AOV, can drive growth. For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode240. Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website & Mastermind Group: Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper…
Savvy Shopkeeper Get Traffic Conference Sunday & Monday, May 18-19, 2025 Venue: Biographie, Lakewood Ohio (west of Cleveland) Join us for a 2-day, high-impact conference designed exclusively for independent retailers. With a limited number of seats, this event cuts through the fluff to deliver actionable workshops that will transform both your foot traffic and e-commerce strategies. Expect intimate, hands-on sessions led by industry experts, powerful networking opportunities, and life-changing insights to grow your business with confidence and clarity. Get ready for real transformation that drives results. Ticket sales are live! https://savvyshopkeeper.com/conference/…
Mark your calendars for the Faire Wholesale Winter Market The Faire Wholesale Winter Market 2025 is scheduled for January 22–24, with early access for Faire Insiders beginning on January 21. Traveling to market might not make sense for you this year. That’s why I’m here with some tips for creating an impactful and fun virtual buying-day for yourself. Consider strategically dedicating a FULL day to Faire’s Winter Market instead. Join the Faire Wholesale Winter Market and maximize your buying this season. If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow shopkeeper who could benefit from this idea, too *Some of the links or codes I share are affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission if you make a purchase after using them—at no extra cost to you. I recommend these products because I genuinely believe they’re helpful for shopkeepers, not because of the commission I might earn. Please only purchase items if you feel they’re truly useful and will help you reach your goals. Timestamps [00:01:37] Listener Shoutout to Katie at Affordable Treasures [00:02:33] The Benefits of Wholesale Buying In-Person [00:03:57] The Costs of Wholesale Buying In-Person [00:04:45] Why a buying trip might not make sense for a store owner [00:06:31] Maximize Buying with the Faire Wholesale Winter Market [00:09:20] The Costs of Wholesale Buying at the Faire Wholesale Winter Market [00:11:20] Tips on Attending an In-Person Market [00:12:19] How to Have an Impactful Virtual Buying Day at the Faire Wholesale Winter Market [00:12:28] 3 Ways to Make Shopping the Faire Wholesale Winter Market a Fun and Productive Day [00:15:25] Preparing a Buying Strategy for the Faire Wholesale Winter Market [00:17:25] How to Find the Right Vendors at Faire’s Wholesale Winter Market [00:18:42] Why the Faire Wholesale Winter Market is a Gamechanger for Independent Retailers For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode240 . Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Retail Business Coach For Brick & Mortar Store Owners • Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers…
We’re kicking off 2025 with part two of this interview series hosted by member of Master Shopkeeper Member Ceri Otero. Tune in to hear how I'm embracing the New Year with 8 lessons from my past. In case you missed last week's episode: All About Kathy Cruz: A Vulnerable Interview PART 1 , tune in to hear topics like inclusivity, resilience, dissappointments and mindset. Timestamps [00:01:26] What's something you thought you weren't any good at professionally that has turned out to either be no big deal or you found ways to work around it? [00:04:53] The one thought that guides Kathy Cruz in any moment [00:06:16] A Master Shopkeeper Testimonial from Ceri Otero [00:06:49] Lesson 1: How Kathy untangles her personal worth from her business performance [00:10:13] Lesson 2: When Kathy Cruz knew she had something magical with the Savvy Shopkeeper Community [00:12:00] Lesson 3: Why Kathy can do hard things [00:12:55] Lesson 4: Kathy Cruz’s New Life Mantra [00:14:51] Lesson 5: When do you get angry in your business? What pushes Kathy Cruz's buttons? [00:20:29] Lesson 6: Why Kathy believes: "Being a broken record is the best gift that I can give." [00:22:00] Lesson 7: What Kathy Cruz has learned from YOU, her listeners and community [00:23:38] Lesson 8: What Kathy is proudest of over these last 8 years [00:25:34] Kathy Cruz’s Secret Projects Launching in 2025 For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode239 . Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Retail Business Coach For Brick & Mortar Store Owners • Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers…
To kick off 2025, Ceri Otero , a Master Shopkeeper member and former radio personality (cool, right?) , asked if she could interview ME, Kathy Cruz. After episode #231 , she decided to flip the script and gather questions from the community for this vulnerable conversation. In part 1 of this episode, we talk through topics like inclusivity, resilience, dissappointments and mindset. Tune in next week for part 2 of this Kathy Cruz interview where I reflect on my business journey as we step into the new year. Timestamps [00:08:02] Why inclusivity is extremely important to Kathy in her work [00:08:39] Why being a detective makes for a great coach and strategist [00:11:18] Two key activities that helped Kathy Cruz step into her Zone of Genius [00:16:25] How Kathy Cruz handles disappointments [00:19:37] How Kathy Cruz has learned to enjoy the journey over the accomplishment [00:21:04] How Kathy Cruz defines success [00:22:32] How Kathy Cruz sets boundaries For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode238 . Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Retail Business Coach For Brick & Mortar Store Owners • Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers…
As independent retail store owners, we’re well-versed in the challenges we face, especially as the retail industry, the economy, and the world continuously shift. So what upcoming trends can help us not just survive but thrive in 2025? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the future of retail, specifically focusing on how indie retailers can stand out by embracing emerging trends. From curation over stock volume to hyper-personalization via omnichannel retail and embracing AI tools for efficiency, we’re looking at a variety of strategies that can elevate your retail business in 2025. But it's not just about the trends—it's about making them work for you! Whether you're looking to enhance your customer experience or explore new revenue streams like subscription models, there's a 2025 retail trend that you should embrace to meet your business goals. For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode237 . Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Retail Business Coach For Brick & Mortar Store Owners • Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers…
DISCLAIMER: This episode was originally scheduled to air on December 5, 2024, but legal developments and a busy week caused some last-minute delays. After months of postponing this topic due to ongoing legal uncertainties, I felt it was finally time to address the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and the BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) requirement—a regulation many small business owners may not even be aware of. However, just as this episode was set to publish, a U.S. District Court in Texas issued an injunction, putting the CTA on hold again. This legal limbo means the requirement could still go into effect in January 2025, but for now, we’re in a holding pattern. I’m sharing this episode to inform you about the potential impacts of the CTA on small businesses, with the understanding that its future is uncertain. Listen in to learn more, and stay tuned for updates as they unfold. Here are the show notes for the original episode I recorded. For show notes, including links to helpful resources and the filing guide, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode236 . Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Retail Business Coach For Brick & Mortar Store Owners • Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers…
Understanding the financial health of your retail business extends beyond just recognizing your profit. In this insightful episode, we're diving into the complexities of retail business finances and learning why being profitable doesn't always mean having a positive cash flow. We’re reviewing the three critical financial statements in an indie retail business: the profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. We’ll discover how each statement plays a vital role in evaluating your business's financial status and understand how they interconnect. Listen in to connect the dots between profitability, financial health, and effective cash management so you can make informed decisions and propel your retail business forward. For show notes, including links to anything I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode235 . Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Retail Business Coach For Brick & Mortar Store Owners • Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers…
If you’ve ever faced a cash flow struggle, you know how much stress it can cause you. But before you address the issue, you need to identify the root cause. Are you truly dealing with insufficient income, financial mismanagement, or operational inefficiencies? Or are you experiencing seasonal cash flow crunches that are common in the retail world? Listen in as I break down these four critical areas and provide insights into identifying what's draining your store's cash flow. Understanding your business's financial ebb and flow can seem daunting, but with awareness comes clarity. Let’s dismantle common myths about cash flow issues and explore strategies for overcoming them! Plus, learn how normalizing cash flow crunches as a natural part of the retail cycle can help ease anxiety and promote smarter, more proactive financial management. For show notes, including links to anything I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode234 . Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Retail Business Coach For Brick & Mortar Store Owners • Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers…
As retail business owners, revenue is often top of mind. But revenue alone doesn’t give us the complete picture of your store's financial health! That’s why we’re uncovering the intricacies of cash flow in a new three-part series. Listen in to learn the critical components of cash flow and how managing cash flow effectively protects your indie retail store from financial turmoil. We’ll cover how cash flow ensures liquidity, supports growth, and reveals hidden financial challenges. Let’s pull back the curtain on the essential cash flow knowledge needed to make sound decisions and maintain a thriving, financially stable retail business! Plus, learn how you can participate in the Cash Flow Clarity challenge I’m hosting in Master Shopkeepers in 2025. For show notes, including links to anything I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode233 . Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Retail Business Coach For Brick & Mortar Store Owners • Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers…
Running a business is already challenging, but dealing with the symptoms of perimenopause while running a business has made the last two years incredibly difficult. That’s why I’m sharing the ugly truth about perimenopause as an entrepreneur and how it affects not just our personal lives, but our businesses, too. In this episode, I’m opening up about my journey through this phase of life—experiencing symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, inflammation, and more—while continuing to manage and grow my business. I share the moments of realization that led me to understand I was in the throes of perimenopause, the steps I’ve taken since, and the impact it has had on my work. Listen in as I discuss the importance of awareness, proactive health measures, and open communication about our experiences. This isn’t just about surviving perimenopause; it’s about thriving and driving a conversation around a topic that has been ignored for far too long. For show notes, including links to the documentary and resources I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode232 . Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Retail Business Coach For Brick & Mortar Store Owners • Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers…
Originally, I planned to record a quick episode to talk about the upcoming Retail Email Bootcamp and let you know that the calendars in the Savvy Shopkeeper planners start now. However, I first want to acknowledge the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, particularly in states like North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. The images and stories coming out of these areas are heartbreaking, and as a brand that deeply values supporting the small business community, I knew I had to act. After receiving an email from Heart on Main Street, a non-profit that specializes in helping retailers in devastated communities, I decided to donate 50% of all revenue from bootcamp ticket and Savvy Shopkeeper planner sales this week to their Hurricane Helene donation drive. If you're interested in the Retail Email Bootcamp, which is happening October 7-9 with replay access for 60 days, now is a great time to grab your spot and support a good cause at the same time. You can also help by purchasing a planner, knowing that 50% of the revenue will go directly to helping other store owners rebuild. Together, we can make a difference. For more information: Retail Email Bootcamp: www.savvyshopkeeper.com/emailbootcamp Planners: www.savvyshopkeeper.com/planner Interview with Patrick Kaiser of Heart on Main Street: www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode210 Donate directly to Heart on Main Street: https://givebutter.com/hurricane-helene-relief Thank you for your support! I'll share how much we, as a community, donate in a future episode.…
Ceri Otero didn’t dream of being a shopkeeper as a kid. But when she decided to open a specialty olive oil and vinegar shop in Carthage, Missouri, it felt like all the threads of her life were coming together. From selling Avon in 8th grade to a stint as a corporate HR representative to merchandising for Hallmark, each of Ceri’s previous jobs had prepared her for running an independent retail store, even if she didn’t realize it then. Her mom said it best: “Of course, you would. That makes perfect sense.” While outlining a novel during the early days of COVID, Ceri manifested her food-focused retail store. Her book centered on a bakery on a town square—the exact location of Ceri’s future store, Carthage Olive Oil. Finding that location was a series of magical steps that, combined with Ceri’s hard work, have created a successful, tourist-enticing olive oil shop. Listen in to hear how Ceri manifested her retail store, why she believes there’s a bit of magic in any successful business, and how Ceri’s courageous marketing strategy has helped the Carthage community attract more visitors. For show notes, including links to connect with Ceri and get free Savvy Shopkeeper resources, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode231 . Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Retail Business Coach For Brick & Mortar Store Owners • Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers…
Customers love visiting indie retail stores and discovering new items, and many indie shopkeepers revel in curating fresh finds for their stores. The part that isn’t enjoyable? Adding new items to your inventory system—especially if your inventory entry process is manual. Whether you're managing hundreds of new SKUs or reordering popular products, you don't have to feel overwhelmed. Listen in to discover practical tips that can streamline your inventory entry process and reclaim your time. For show notes, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode230 . Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Retail Business Coach For Brick & Mortar Store Owners • Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers…
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