318. Navigating the "Messy Middle" of Business Growth

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

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

Episode Overview

In this episode, I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what it feels like to be in the messy middle of making big, important changes in a business. My friends, I am in the middle of it! So let's talk about it: In this episode, I'm sharing the challenges (and major wins) I've been facing while upgrading my own business, from competing priorities and projects taking longer than expected to learning new things and asking for help.

I also share what has helped me move through the mess. I'm reminding myself to take action, invest in the right people, return to the reason behind the work, and ask what I actually need in the moment.

For me, this is also a reminder that as our businesses evolve, our roles evolve too. The goal isn't to avoid every difficult season. It's to have the systems, people, mindset, and perspective that help us navigate those seasons well.

• Why business growth can feel messy: How evolving businesses often require us to evolve our roles, systems, and priorities too.

• How to move forward when things feel overwhelming: Using imperfect action, realistic expectations, and the willingness to adjust when plans take longer than expected.

• Why you don't have to do everything yourself: Recognizing when to hire, delegate, ask for help, or learn something step by step.

• What it takes to lead well through change: Taking care of yourself, challenging negative self-talk, and making sure you're grounded enough to lead your business and team.

• How to decide what deserves your time: Returning to the bigger purpose, prioritizing the people in front of you, and using the four Ds: do, delegate, defer, and delete.

Key Takeaways For Shop Owners

1. Our role has to evolve as the business evolves. I can't keep approaching every new stage of my business exactly as I did before. Growth often requires me to step into a different kind of leadership.

2. Imperfect action is still action. I've found that taking action, even when it isn't perfect, helps me move forward instead of staying stuck in stress and anxiety. I don't need every piece figured out before I begin.

3. I don't have to do everything myself. One of the ways I've been moving through this season is by hiring people who already know how to do some of the things I'm trying to learn or accomplish. Delegating has helped me move forward.

4. I need to take care of myself in order to lead well. I'm reminding myself that wearing myself out is not a badge of honor. Sometimes what I need is a morning off, a step back, or simply some space to get grounded again.

5. I can choose what stays on my list. The four Ds give me a practical way to look at my priorities: what do I need to do, delegate, defer, or delete? Not everything that lands on my list needs to happen right now.

Want to work with me to plan out your week? I'm hosting a workshop on September 29th to help you do just that! Join me for Your Week By Design.

"Imperfect action wins over no action any day." -Wendy Batten

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Resources Mentioned and Related Podcasts

Are you ready to stop duct taping your marketing pieces together? To start putting real strategy in place that actually worked for your business around your marketing? The Sales and Marketing Accelerator Program is available on demand!

Episode 261: How to Stay Focused and Get Things Done

Episode 285: Avoiding Retail Burnout: Closing Loops and Leaning Into Your People

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About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met…I'm Wendy Batten. I've been a small business owner, coach, and mentor for over 25 years. I help thoughtful, established entrepreneurs step into their role as CEO and build businesses that are profitable, meaningful, and supportive of the lives they want to live. My work blends real-world strategy with a life-first philosophy, shaped by lived experience, not theory. I've been there! Through honest conversations and practical insight, I invite you into bigger thinking about leadership, possibility, and how to build both business and life on purpose.

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