The Product Boss Podcast - Episode 662 Summary
Title: "My Sales Are Inconsistent and I Need More Customers - Help!" | Coaching Session
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Host: Jacqueline Snyder
Guest: Gretchen, Owner of Three Blondes One Bright Idea

Introduction

In Episode 662 of The Product Boss Podcast, host Jacqueline Snyder teams up with her co-host Lindsay for a live coaching session featuring Gretchen, the owner of Three Blondes One Bright Idea, a custom painted furniture and home decor store based in downtown Payette, Idaho. Gretchen seeks guidance on overcoming inconsistent sales, limited foot traffic, and attracting a steady stream of customers in a small-town setting.

Guest Introduction

Gretchen shares her entrepreneurial journey, detailing how a hobby of refurbishing furniture and conducting annual yard sales with friends evolved into a full-fledged brick-and-mortar business in 2019. Despite initial success, Gretchen faces challenges related to location visibility, parking issues, and maintaining consistent customer flow. She explains:

"I tried being open more during my busiest times, like last October through December, but ended up paying a lot for additional staff because I couldn't be there myself with custom orders and ongoing store maintenance."
(02:07)

Identifying the Core Problem

Lindsay and Jacqueline help Gretchen pinpoint her core issue: inconsistent sales and customer traffic rather than merely inventory management. Gretchen initially sought help with inventory but realized the underlying problem was her fluctuating customer base.

"I think for me, just a consistent flow of customers. I have such a unique business model."
(09:22)

Coaching Strategies and Solutions

1. Repositioning the Brick-and-Mortar Store

Jacqueline suggests transforming Gretchen's store into a destination experience rather than a traditional retail space. Drawing parallels to successful brands like Olive at LIE and Chip and Joanna Gaines' Magnolia, she emphasizes creating a unique, curated aesthetic that encourages repeat visits.

"If you start to think about the shop in a different way, creating an experience that people are excited about, they will look forward to visiting."
(13:01)

Gretchen acknowledges the potential and notes her efforts to revamp the store for seasonal events:

"Right now, I am starting my Christmas revamp... making the store a magical Christmas experience."
(13:56)

2. Enhancing Social Media and Marketing Efforts

Lindsay and Jacqueline stress the importance of a consistent and cohesive social media presence. They recommend:

• Auditing Current Content: Identify what resonates with her audience and amplify those efforts.
• Collaborating with Local Influencers: Partner with local tastemakers such as interior designers or popular community figures to increase visibility.
• Creating Anticipation: Use social media and email campaigns to build excitement for upcoming store events and product drops.

"Figure out what's actually working and do more of that. Make your content a recognizable reminder of your brand."
(30:04)

Gretchen responds positively, recognizing the need to streamline her Instagram to better reflect her store’s aesthetic:

"I need to go through and start cleaning up the Instagram... Maybe I need to fine-tune my photos."
(32:26)

3. Implementing Regular and Exclusive Events

To generate scarcity and urgency, Jacqueline advises setting a regular schedule for special events, turning each opening into a highly anticipated experience. This could involve:

• Themed Displays: Regularly updating store layouts to showcase new themes or seasonal items.
• Exclusive Previews: Hosting VIP events for loyal customers and influencers to preview new collections.
• Collaborative Events: Partnering with local businesses, such as coffee shops or bakeries, to enhance the shopping experience.

"Create scarcity and urgency by treating the shop like a limited-time experience."
(36:08)

Gretchen shares her current event strategy, confirming her alignment with the advice:

"I have a local winery coming in and a local charcuterie cafe setting up for my Christmas launch."
(35:30)

Key Takeaways

1. Focus on Best Sellers: Prioritize products that resonate most with customers to streamline inventory and enhance brand identity.
2. Create a Cohesive Aesthetic: Ensure the store's visual presentation aligns with the brand’s vision to attract and retain customers.
3. Leverage Social Media Strategically: Use platforms consistently to build anticipation and engage with the local community.
4. Collaborate with Local Influencers: Partnering with community figures can amplify reach and attract diverse customer segments.
5. Host Regular, Exclusive Events: Establish a predictable schedule for special events to create anticipation and drive foot traffic.

Notable Quotes

• Jacqueline Snyder:
  "Success leaves clues. So for Gretchen, her social media is leaving her clues, but she hasn't sat down and audited to see what the clues are."
  (42:43)

• Gretchen:
  "I have such a unique business model... I just need different tools in my bag on how to market that."
  (22:19)

• Lindsay:
  "You need to protect the aesthetic of your store. Even if they can buy everything, you have to curate with a specific reason behind each item."
  (26:03)

Conclusion

Jacqueline and Lindsay provide Gretchen with actionable strategies to transform her store into a sought-after destination, enhance her marketing efforts through a cohesive social media strategy, and implement regular events to foster customer loyalty and drive consistent sales. Gretchen leaves the session inspired to refine her brand aesthetic, streamline her product offerings, and engage more deeply with her local community and influencers.

"If you want to get more sales and consistent customers, just figure out and focus on what's working in your business."
(44:56)

Gretchen's optimism is palpable as she commits to overhauling her Instagram and leaning into the curated, event-driven approach recommended by the hosts. This episode serves as a valuable roadmap for product entrepreneurs facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of strategic focus, brand cohesion, and community engagement.

Join the Bestseller Secrets Challenge:
Interested in elevating your product business? Join Jacqueline Snyder’s Bestseller Secrets Challenge to uncover strategies for focusing on your best sellers and scaling your sales effectively. Visit bestsellersecretschallenge.com or DM Jacqueline on Instagram with the word "best" to get started.

Connect with Gretchen:

• Instagram: @ThreeBlondesOneBrightIdea
• Facebook: Three Blondes One Bright Idea
• Location: 6 North 7th Street, Downtown Payette, Idaho
• Contact: off-site parking available at Center Avenue, just a short walk to the store.

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