Let’s Talk Shop
A weekly podcast for the small business owner and creative entrepreneur to help you grow your wholesale. Brought to you by Therese from the Small Business Collaborative. Find out how buyers select new products, what it takes to make a product successful, how to build a long-standing relationship with a retailer and what you can do to stand out.
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Episodes
Monday Nov 23, 2020
Monday Nov 23, 2020
In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop, I speak with Anita who owns Diverse Gifts in Brixton, South London. Diverse Gifts is a gift shop who has been open for over 21 years so Anita has a lot of experience to share.
We chat all about:
Business this year.
The impact of Black Lives Matter and Black Pound Day on Anita’s business.
What Anita looks for in a new supplier and how she finds and selects new products.
Tradeshows and much more.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share where you are tuning in and tag me over on Instagram @small_business_collaborative and if you can take a moment to rate and review Let’s Talk Shop over on itunes/apple podcast I will be forever grateful. Whilst you are there, subscribe too so you don’t miss any future episodes.
Links mentioned in the episode
The next Black Pound Day is on the 5th December https://blackpoundday.uk/
https://blacklivesmatter.com/
https://www.instagram.com/makerhoodlambeth/
https://afrotouch.design/
Connect with and visit Diverse gifts
390 Coldharbour Ln, Brixton, London SW9 8LF
https://diverse-gifts.myshopify.com/
https://www.instagram.com/diversegifts/
If you want help with your wholesale please get in touch either on my website, by email or Instagram.
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
Monday Nov 16, 2020
Monday Nov 16, 2020
Episode 3 of season 4 is a short solo episode about Scaling your Handmade business. I'm often asked how a business can make wholesale work for them when they handmake everything and before you even start to think about it it would be good to consider how you can scale your production so in this episode I give you a few ideas to get you started.
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
Monday Nov 09, 2020
Monday Nov 09, 2020
In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop speak with Sasha from Cheeky Zebra. Cheeky Zebra is a rude and hilarious card publishing company that primarily sell B2C. We chat about why that is and so much more such as:
Taking your business full time from hobby to a business that can support you.
Starting off doing wholesale and then deciding that it is not right for Cheeky Zebra.
Dealing with larger retailers and trying to make it work for them but forgetting about your own profit.
Simple mistakes that are easy to overlook when you first deliver to retailers.
Facebook ads, how they turned Sasha from an ads sceptic to it transforming her business.
Importance of sharing some of the lows alongside highs instead of just the highlights.
Diversity in our industry.
Pinterest and how it can drive traffic for you.
How Instagram is not the only way to grow your business.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share where you are tuning in and tag me over on Instagram @small_business_collaborative and if you can take a moment to rate and review Let’s Talk Shop over on itunes/apple podcast I will be forever grateful. Whilst you’re there, subscribe too so you don’t miss any future episodes.
Links mentioned in the episode
Carly Stringer: https://keystonevirtual.com/
Elizabeth Stiles: https://www.elizabethstiles.co.uk/
Vanessa @ High Fifteen: https://www.highfifteen.com/
Georgina @ Afro Touh Design: https://afrotouch.design/
Sasha’s links
Cheeky Zebra Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheekyzebradotcom/
Cheeky Zebra Website: https://www.cheekyzebra.com/
Marketing Hun Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketinghun/
If you want help with your wholesale please get in touch either on my website, by email or Instagram.
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
Monday Nov 02, 2020
Monday Nov 02, 2020
I'm kicking off season 4 of Let's Talk Shop with a solo episode.
10 things to do in your business right now to drive sales - this could not have come at a more appropriate time, I actually recorded this a while back but re-recorded it on Sunday 1st November after the PM announced another lockdown to make sure my advice is as current as possible. So if you, like many other businesses are feeling either overwhelmed or confused about how to boost your direct sales and wholesale sales this side of Christmas then this podcast can help!
I hope this will motivate you and infuse a bit of positivity and give you some practical and actionable advice.
Links mentioned
Instagram live with Elizabeth Stiles https://www.instagram.com/tv/CHDqQEVlKC5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
Monday Sep 21, 2020
Monday Sep 21, 2020
In this season finale episode of Let’s Talk Shop, I'm giving you a bit of a pep talk for this autumn, I reflect a little over the season 3 and how privileged I am to have been able to speak with so many incredible business owners this year.
The podcast will be back for the 4th season in October so make sure you subscribe to be notified when we're back.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share where you are tuning in and tag me over on Instagram @small_business_collaborative and if you can take a moment to rate and review Let’s Talk Shop over on itunes/apple podcast I will be forever grateful. Whilst you’re there, subscribe too so you don’t miss any future episodes.
If you want help with your wholesale please get in touch either on my website, by email or Instagram and book a free no-obligation discovery call.
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
Apply to be a guest on season 4 of Let’s Talk Shop
https://thereseoertenblad.typeform.com/to/ZPiHVX
Tuesday Sep 08, 2020
Tuesday Sep 08, 2020
In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop, I speak with Laura Bath, owner and founder of Peg and Board. Laura designs and makes beautiful storage solutions for your home. It all started with wooden peg boards and last year Laura broadened her range to include powder coated metal shelving and during the lockdown Laura received an influx of orders which has really grown her business.
We talk all about how Laura got started, what exhibiting at her first trade show was like and about selling on Wayfair and Not On the High Street.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share where you are tuning in and tag me over on Instagram @small_business_collaborative and if you can take a moment to rate and review Let’s Talk Shop over on itunes/apple podcast I will be forever grateful. Whilst you’re there, subscribe too so you don’t miss any future episodes.
Connect with Laura at Peg and Board
Website: https://pegandboard.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pegandboard/
If you want help with your wholesale please get in touch either on my website, by email or Instagram and book a free no obligation discovery call.
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
Friday Sep 04, 2020
Friday Sep 04, 2020
In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop, I speak with Jessica Dawnay who is the Event Director at UK’s largest home and gift trade shows, Spring and Autumn Fair.
We chat about the imminent Autumn Fair @ Home, which will be taking place on the 8-9th September online. As a result of the pandemic this year Autumn Fair decided to run their show online before the government announced that shows of this type could not go ahead, after speaking with their exhibitors and retailers.
Jessica shares what Autumn Fair @ Home will be like, and how to get involved as well as some exciting news that Spring and Autumn Fair exclusively partnered with the government to be a part of their UK Retail Bounce back plan. Everything will be announced at Autumn Fair @ Home on the 8th September at 11am so make sure you tune in then.
We also chat all about exhibiting at your first show, do’s and don’ts and Jessica shares so many helpful tips about exhibiting at a show.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share where you are tuning in and tag me over on Instagram @small_business_collaborative and if you can take a moment to rate and review Let’s Talk Shop over on itunes/apple podcast I will be forever grateful. Whilst you’re there, subscribe too so you don’t miss any future episodes.
Connect with Jessica and Spring and Autumn Fair
Jessica Dawnay: jessica.dawnay@autumnfair.com
Autumn Fair: https://www.autumnfair.com/
Spring Fair: https://www.springfair.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/springautumnfair/
If you want help with your wholesale please get in touch either on my website, by email or Instagram and book a free no obligation discovery call.
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
Monday Aug 10, 2020
Monday Aug 10, 2020
In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop, I speak with Sophie McNiven, owner and founder of both Sophie Home and Stand Twelve. We chat all about both of Sophie's businesses, her journey and how it all came about and I just love how passionate Sophie is about this industry and how freely and openly she shares everything she learned from running her businesses.
Stand Twelve is an online trade show that connects brands and buyers and make it easier for everyone to discover each other. After being approved buyers can place orders straight on the site from all the brands who will then approve and shop all the orders individually.
Sophie Home is a lifestyle brand that makes beautiful soft 100% cotton throws, cushions, baby blankets and nursery accessories.
Whilst everything moves online this year the wholesale community has also moved online and 3rd party wholesale marketplaces have been more popular than ever!
I’ve created a handy 3rd party marketplace guide with Catherine from Resilient retail for you to download for free here - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fb79b9a7f165b7bc9615f03. Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this episode, please share where you are tuning in and tag me over on Instagram @small_business_collaborative and if you can take a moment to rate and review Let’s Talk Shop over on itunes/apple podcast I will be forever grateful. Whilst you’re there, subscribe too so you don’t miss any future episodes.
Mentioned in this episode
Rockhopper digital: https://rockhopperdigital.co.uk/
Aria: https://www.ariashop.co.uk/
Search and Rescue: https://www.searchandrescuelondon.co.uk/
Unlimited: https://unlimitedshop.co.uk/
Connect with Sophie
Sophie Home: https://sophiehome.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sophiehome_london/
Stand Twelve: https://standtwelve.com/
https://www.instagram.com/standtwelve/
If you want help with your wholesale please get in touch either on my website, by email or Instagram and book a free no-obligation discovery call.
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
Apply to be a guest on season 4 of Let’s Talk Shop
https://thereseoertenblad.typeform.com/to/ZPiHVX
Monday Aug 03, 2020
Monday Aug 03, 2020
In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop, I speak with Jeremy Corner, owner of award-winning greetings cards publisher Blue Eyed Sun. Blue Eyed Sun was founded 20 years ago and Jeremy is very involved in the industry writing monthly for Progressive Greetings, is a keynote speaker at The Ladder Club, and he sits on the Giftware Association’s National Committee and is a Trustee at Greeting Card Association.
In this episode, we talk about how Blue Eyed Sun has grown over the years and how it all started, the industry right now and the future. Jeremy shares about his experience in the industry, and you will get a real insight into how it works to deal with brokers and large retailers as well as hearing how sales drive your business forward.
If you’re not quite sure how to find new retailers to reach out to and pitch to and how to grow your wholesale this year, then have a look at my new course, Let’s Talk Sales, that will be taking place in September and book your place, doors close Monday 3rd August 2020.
https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/product-page/Lets-talk-sales
If you enjoyed this episode, please share where you are tuning in and tag me over on Instagram @small_business_collaborative and if you can take a moment to rate and review Let’s Talk Shop over on itunes/apple podcast I will be forever grateful. Whilst you’re there, subscribe too so you don’t miss any future episodes.
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Ladder Club: https://www.pgbuzz.net/the-ladder-club/
The Giftware Association: https://www.ga-uk.org/
Little Dog Laugh: https://www.thelittledog.co.uk/
Rachel Ellen: https://rachelellen.co.uk/
Tracey Russell: https://www.traceyrussell.co.uk/
Progressive Greetings: https://www.pgbuzz.net/
Afro Touch: https://afrotouch.design/
Creased Cards: https://www.creasedcards.com/
Vinegar Hill: https://vinegarhill.co.uk/
Cards Galore: https://www.cardsgalore.co.uk/
Malarkey Cards: https://malarkeycards.com/
Connect with Jeremy and Blue Eyed Sun:
Website: https://www.blueeyedsun.co.uk/
https://greenmagpie.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BlueEyedSun/
Read Jeremy’s blog for industry news and insights: https://www.blueeyedsun.co.uk/blog
If you want help with your wholesale please get in touch either on my website, by email or Instagram and book a free no-obligation discovery call.
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
Apply to be a guest on season 4 of Let’s Talk Shop
https://thereseoertenblad.typeform.com/to/ZPiHVX
Thursday Jul 23, 2020
Thursday Jul 23, 2020
In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop, I speak with Catherine Erdly from Future Retail about how to pitch to large retailers if you managed to get a meeting, whether it’s virtual or in-person.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect can really make all the difference so I’m so happy that Catherine and I could work together on this and give you all our top tips.
As a former retail merchandiser, Catherine and I would have sat at opposite ends of the table so we thought it would be interesting for you to get to hear both of our opinions and advice.
If you’re not quite sure how to find new retailers to reach out to and pitch to and how to grow your wholesale this year, then have a look at my new course, Let’s Talk Sales, that will be taking place in September and book your ticket today.
https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/product-page/Lets-talk-sales
If you enjoyed this episode, please share where you are tuning in and tag me over on Instagram @small_business_collaborative and if you can take a moment to rate and review Let’s Talk Shop over on itunes/apple podcast I will be forever grateful. Whilst you’re there, subscribe too so you don’t miss any future episodes.
Connect with Catherine
Future Retail: https://www.futureretail.world/
Resilient retail: www.resilientretail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FutureRetailUK/
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femalefoundersinretail
If you want help with your wholesale please get in touch either on my website, by email or Instagram and book a free no-obligation discovery call.
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
Apply to be a guest on season 4 of Let’s Talk Shop
https://thereseoertenblad.typeform.com/to/ZPiHVX
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