Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street

Episode 40: What We Hoard and Why with Melodie van der Baan

Have you ever wondered why certain items linger in your stockroom despite knowing they’re not selling? It might not be about poor planning. Sometimes, the reasons go deeper.

 

Join Melodie van der Baan, Co‑Founder and CEO of Max Retail. Together, we’ll explore the emotional and strategic underpinnings of why inventory gets stuck, and tell the stories behind those stubborn shelves.

 

In this episode, Melodie will help you:

• Understand the psychology behind keeping unsold inventory
• Discover how hoarding habits impact your business’s growth and bottom line
• Learn practical, mindset-based strategies to move forward smarter

Whether you’re a longtime retailer or just starting out, this promises to shift how you think and act around inventory. Clear space, clear your mind, and free your store from the burden of excess stock.

Episode 39: Duct Tape Marketing- The Marketing System Mindset

Independent retailers don’t fail because they lack effort — they fail because marketing feels random, overwhelming, and inconsistent. In this final episode of our Duct Tape Marketing series, Patrick Keiser ties everything together and shows how to adopt the marketing system mindset that turns one-off tactics into a steady, sustainable process.

Marketing isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing the right things consistently. As John Jantsch reminds us: “Marketing is a system, not an event.”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why most retailers struggle to keep up with marketing
• The five principles of the marketing system mindset (daily, integrated, customer-centric, systematic, and long-term)
• Habits that make marketing stick without burnout
• Three simple steps you can take this week to start making your marketing habits permanent

If you’re ready to stop scrambling, build steady momentum, and make marketing an everyday part of your retail business, this episode will give you the framework to make it happen.

Keywords: independent retail, small business marketing, marketing system, marketing habits, retail growth strategies, Main Street marketing, customer journey, John Jantsch, Duct Tape Marketing

Episode 38: Duct Tape Marketing-Measuring What Matters: Metrics for Retailers

Most independent retailers don’t fail because they lack effort — they fail because they’re flying blind. Without tracking the right numbers, you can’t know what’s working, what’s wasting money, or where to focus your energy. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch with a focus on simple metrics that make a big difference.

As Jantsch reminds us: “What you measure becomes your focus. What you ignore gets lost.”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why measurement matters for retail growth and profitability
• The 3 key categories of metrics: traffic, engagement, and sales
• Practical examples of what to track — from foot traffic and conversion rate to repeat customers and referrals
• How to track metrics simply using free tools and monthly check-ins
• Three easy steps you can take this week to start measuring what matters

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start making confident decisions based on clear numbers, this episode will give you the roadmap.

Keywords: independent retail, small business marketing, retail metrics, measuring success, retail growth strategies, customer journey, Main Street marketing, marketing measurement, John Jantsch, Duct Tape Marketing

Episode 37: Duct Tape Marketing- Growing Through Collaboration

Independent retailers don’t have to do it all alone. In fact, some of the most effective growth strategies come from teaming up with other businesses and organizations. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch with a focus on the power of partnerships.

Partnerships allow you to borrow credibility, reach new customers, and create memorable experiences that big-box competitors can’t match. As Jantsch reminds us: “Collaboration is the small business secret weapon.”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why partnerships multiply your marketing reach without multiplying costs
• Six types of collaborations retailers can use: cross-promotions, joint events, cause partnerships, bundled offers, co-branding, and online collaborations
• Real-world examples of Main Street businesses using partnerships to boost sales and community engagement
• A simple step-by-step process for finding and forming win-win partnerships
• Three easy actions you can take this week to start growing through collaboration

If you want to expand your reach, strengthen community ties, and create marketing momentum without going it alone, this episode will give you the roadmap.

Keywords: independent retail, small business marketing, retail partnerships, collaboration, Main Street marketing, joint promotions, community events, word-of-mouth marketing, John Jantsch, Duct Tape Marketing

Episode 36: Duct Tape Marketing- Consistency Beat Chaos: Creating Your Marketing Calendar

Most independent retailers' marketing strategies don’t fail because they lack ideas; they fail because they lack consistency. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch with a focus on creating a marketing calendar that turns chaos into clarity.

Instead of scrambling to promote holidays, rushing last-minute social media posts, or missing out on local events, a simple calendar helps you plan ahead and stay consistent. As Jantsch reminds us: “Consistency builds momentum. Chaos kills it.”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why consistency is the foundation of effective retail marketing
• How a 90-day rolling calendar helps you plan without overwhelm
• Step-by-step instructions for building your own calendar with holidays, events, themes, and promotions
  Real-world examples of Main Street retailers using calendars to drive sales and community engagement
• Three simple actions you can take this week to bring order to your marketing efforts

If you’re ready to stop winging it and start building a repeatable, stress-free marketing rhythm, this episode is for you.

Keywords: independent retail, small business marketing, marketing calendar, marketing consistency, retail planning, Main Street marketing, customer journey, John Jantsch, Duct Tape Marketing

Episode 35: Duct Tape Marketing- Referrals on Purpose: Creating a System for Word-of-Mouth

Every retailer loves referrals — but few have a system to generate them consistently. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch with a deep dive into the referral stage of the Marketing Hourglass.

Referrals are the most powerful form of marketing because trust is already built in. Referred customers spend more, stay longer, and become loyal advocates. But as Jantsch reminds us: “Every business gets referrals. The problem is, they don’t get them on purpose.”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why referrals are so valuable for independent retailers
• The psychology of why people refer businesses they love
• Five components of a successful referral system (remarkable experiences, asking, tools, rewards, and partnerships)
• Real-world Main Street examples of referral programs that work
• Three simple steps you can take this week to start generating referrals on purpose

If you want to stop leaving referrals to chance and start turning happy customers into your best marketers, this episode will give you the roadmap.

Keywords: independent retail, small business marketing, referral marketing, word-of-mouth, customer loyalty, retail growth strategies, Main Street marketing, customer referrals, John Jantsch, Duct Tape Marketing

Episode 34: Duct Tape Marketing- Your Digital Storefront: Building a Total Online Presence

For most customers, the first impression of your retail store doesn’t happen on Main Street — it happens online. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch with a focus on building a total online presence.

Your digital storefront is as important as your physical one. Customers are Googling your business, checking reviews, scrolling through social media, and reading your emails before they ever step inside. If your online presence is weak, you risk losing them before they even find you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why your website is the “hub” of your marketing strategy
• How local SEO and Google Business Profiles make you findable
• The role of online reviews in building trust and credibility
• How to use social media as your “digital window display”
• Why email marketing remains one of the most powerful tools for independent retailers
• Three simple steps you can take this week to strengthen your digital storefront

If you want to attract new shoppers, stand out online, and guide customers through the Marketing Hourglass, this episode is packed with practical strategies.

Keywords: independent retail, small business marketing, digital storefront, online presence, local SEO, retail website, online reviews, social media for retailers, email marketing, John Jantsch, Duct Tape Marketing

Episode 33: Duct Tap Marketing-Trust Builders: Using Content to Win Hearts

Trust is the currency of retail. Without it, your marketing falls flat and your sales stall. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch with a deep dive into how content marketing builds trust for independent retailers.

Content isn’t just about blogging or chasing the latest social media trend. It’s about creating simple, authentic communication that educates, inspires, and connects with your ideal customers. As Jantsch reminds us: “People trust people who educate them.”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why content is the backbone of trust in the Marketing Hourglass
• Seven types of content Main Street retailers can use right now (without huge budgets)
• How content shows up at every stage of the customer journey
• Practical strategies for overcoming time, confidence, and consistency challenges
• Three easy steps to start creating trust-building content this week

If you’re looking for practical retail marketing strategies to attract new shoppers, build loyalty, and create raving fans, this episode will give you the confidence and direction to start.

Keywords: independent retail, small business marketing, content marketing, retail trust, Marketing Hourglass, customer journey, Main Street marketing, customer loyalty, John Jantsch, Duct Tape Marketing