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
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
Tuesday Jul 21, 2020
Tuesday Jul 21, 2020
In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop, I speak with Maggie who’s the owner and founder of Alligator Pear, a really large award-winning gift shop in Tadworth, Surrey.
We talk about the challenges of sourcing products this year when trade shows have been cancelled and how Maggie might find new things to fill her store with.
Maggie shares what she needs to know from a potential brand when they pitch to her and how to get in touch to introduce your products. We also chat about what works for her store, what she’s looking for, and what changes she’s had to put in place due to Covid. If you are going to submit products, I suggest that you listen to the whole episode and then write a personal and informative pitch.
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.
Links mentioned in the episode
The GA Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2611989742457431
The Bottled Baking Co (Greg): https://bottledbaking.co.uk/
Creoate: https://www.creoate.com/
Stand Twelve: https://standtwelve.com/
Connect with Maggie and Alligator Pear
https://www.instagram.com/alligatorpearstore/
https://www.alligatorpear.co.uk/
Visit: 15 High Street, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 5QU
To submit your products for consideration, please email Maggie at: sales@alligatorpear.co.uk
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
Sunday Jul 19, 2020
Sunday Jul 19, 2020
In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop I am talking about trade shows, or rather the lack of them this year now that it’s been announced they won’t be going ahead this September.
I share a few ideas of what you can do and what will be important this year and I also share about my next course that will help you stay on track of your sales this year.
It’s called Let’s Talk Sales and you can find all the details below:
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.
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 Jul 14, 2020
Tuesday Jul 14, 2020
In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop, I speak with David who’s the owner and founder of Lift Store in Southwold in Suffolk. Lift is a lifestyle store that has been going for around 4 years now and during the lockdown, David moved to a new location and the store is now 3 times the size of the original shop.
We talk all about retail now, how the lockdown have been, what’s important when selecting new suppliers to work with, how David sources and discovers new products and the lack of diversity in our industry.
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
My beautiful Caravan https://www.instagram.com/mybeautifulcaravan/
Homebake https://www.instagram.com/homebakeshop/
Pencil me in https://www.instagram.com/pencilmeinshop/
Moxon https://www.instagram.com/moxonlondon/
Lottie Hall https://www.instagram.com/lottiehallstudio/
Rap Cards https://www.instagram.com/wrap_magazine/
Connect with David
Website: https://www.lift-store.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftstoresuffolk/
Visit the brick and mortar shop: 1 Drayman Square, Southwold IP18 6GB
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 02, 2020
Thursday Jul 02, 2020
In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop I speak with Tasha who owns independent gift shop Flavour Like Fancy in Leeds. We talk all about retailing during the lockdown, what’s been selling really well, how it’s been now when Tasha has opened up her shop again, how she works with the brands and makers she stocks, diversity, trade shows and so much more.
I really enjoyed speaking with Tasha and I hope you enjoy this episode too. If you do, 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 Tasha
Website: https://flavourlikefancy.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flavourlikefancy/
Visit the brick and mortar shop: 8 Stainbeck Avenue, Meanwood, Leeds, LS7 2PA
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 3 of Let’s Talk Shop
https://thereseoertenblad.typeform.com/to/ZPiHVX
Monday Jun 22, 2020
Monday Jun 22, 2020
In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop, I speak with Vanessa Belleau from High Fifteen. Vanessa is Business Strategist, Executive Coach and she also coaches in Inclusion and Diversity. I invited Vanessa to the podcast to discuss how we as small business owners can be more diverse and inclusive in our businesses and ask all those questions that I’ve been wondering about lately.
I really love Vanessa’s energy and positivity and I felt so inspired after our chat and I hope you do too. I think it’s very important to recognise that we all have a role to play and we can all make a difference. As Vanessa said, as small business owners we are visionaries, we already started and built something so let’s continue and do even more.
Lastly, if you enjoy this podcast and the content I create, in particular right now please share where you are tuning in so others can discover the podcast too and rate and review it over on itunes/apple podcast.
Connect with Vanessa
Website: https://www.highfifteen.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highfifteen_
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 3 of Let’s Talk Shop
https://thereseoertenblad.typeform.com/to/ZPiHVX
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