Skip to main content
The Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Podcast

The Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Podcast

By ROBERT NEGEN

In what retail expert Bob Negen hopes will be the shortest-lived podcast in history, he discusses news about the coronavirus, strategies to navigate the disruption and support for independent retailers dealing with the fallout of the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

This is a marathon, not a sprint | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 42

The Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer PodcastMay 12, 2020

00:00
14:54
The Final Episode | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Podcast Ep. 54

The Final Episode | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Podcast Ep. 54

You can watch every episode and more on our website:  https://whizbangtraining.com/coronavirus

We'd love to connect with you on Social Media!

FB: www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining

Instagram: @whizbangtraining

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/whizbang-training/

Twitter: @WhizBangTrain

May 29, 202017:16
A Coronavirus Retrospective | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Podcast Ep. 53
May 28, 202024:09
Dealing with Uncertainty | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Ep. 52

Dealing with Uncertainty | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Ep. 52

"Everybody's talking at me I don't hear a word they're saying Only the echoes of my mind" ~ Fred Neil  

We've consolidated all of our coronavirus related content on our website! https://whizbangtraining.com/coronavirus

We'd love to connect with you on Social Media!  FB: www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining

Instagram: @whizbangtraining

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/whizbang-training/

Twitter: @WhizBangTrain

May 27, 202013:03
Pulling Away From The Competition | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Ep. 51
May 26, 202016:21
Rants, Raves, and Reflections | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Ep. 50

Rants, Raves, and Reflections | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Ep. 50

We've consolidated all of our coronavirus related content on our website! https://whizbangtraining.com/coronavirus

We'd love to connect with you on Social Media!

FB: www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining

Instagram: @whizbangtraining

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/whizbang-training/

Twitter: @WhizBangTrain

May 22, 202016:22
The Long Haul | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Ep. 49

The Long Haul | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Ep. 49

Be prepared for the unexpected, and don't forget to take care of yourself.  In episode 49, retail expert Bob Negen discusses what may be the "New Normal", and preparing yourself, even when it's hard, for the long haul.    

We've consolidated all of our coronavirus related content on our website! https://whizbangtraining.com/coronavirus 

We'd love to connect with you on Social Media! 

FB: www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining

Instagram: @whizbangtraining

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/whizbang-training/

Twitter: @WhizBangTrain

May 21, 202012:03
Staying Safe In Your Store | Coronavirus And The Independent Retailer Podcast Ep. 48

Staying Safe In Your Store | Coronavirus And The Independent Retailer Podcast Ep. 48

Retail Expert Bob Negen recaps some highlights from the live Community Forum and discusses some thoughts on staying safe as you begin to re-open your retail store.

We've consolidated all of our coronavirus related content on our website! https://whizbangtraining.com/coronavirus

We'd love to connect with you on Social Media!

FB: www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining

Instagram: @whizbangtraining

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/whizbang-training/

Twitter: @WhizBangTrain

May 20, 202015:24
A Lesson From My Grandpa Nibbelink | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Podcast Ep. 47

A Lesson From My Grandpa Nibbelink | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Podcast Ep. 47

Don't think about it...just do it: Important lessons from Grandpa Nibbelink.

May 19, 202009:02
Should You And Your Staff Wear Masks In Store? | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Ep. 46
May 18, 202016:48
Adding On Case Study | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer ep. 45
May 15, 202015:04
Dealing With Angry Customers | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Podcast Ep. 44

Dealing With Angry Customers | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Podcast Ep. 44

As we move into the next phases of re-opening everyone is encountering different struggles, unfortunately as independent retailers some of these struggles are very angry customers. In this episode Bob talks about some of the best ways to stay safe (and sane) when dealing with these customers. 

May 15, 202015:58
Customizing Your Customers Shopping Experience | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer ep. 43

Customizing Your Customers Shopping Experience | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer ep. 43

Want to listen live?  Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining

May 13, 202015:55
This is a marathon, not a sprint | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 42

This is a marathon, not a sprint | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 42

In episode 42, retail expert Bob Negen discusses the unknown, being OK with uncertainty, and embracing the long game. 

We've consolidated all of our coronavirus related content on our website! https://whizbangtraining.com/coronavirus  

We'd love to connect with you on Social Media! 

FB: www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining 

Instagram: @whizbangtraining 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/whizbang-training/ 

Twitter: @WhizBangTrain

May 12, 202014:54
The Importance of the Present | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 41

The Importance of the Present | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 41

Each day gives us the opportunity to be present. Let go of the past and what things used to be like, let go of the future and what you imagine it could be like... Work in the present day, the current circumstances.

May 11, 202012:00
What Post-Pandemic Success Looks Like | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 40

What Post-Pandemic Success Looks Like | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 40

What will retail success look like in the future? What parts of your past store experience can you expand and adapt for all the new ways your customer wants to experience your store? There are many ways to envision success in this time when foot traffic is down, but you need your sales to go up. 

May 08, 202014:09
Retail Accountability Blueprint | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 39

Retail Accountability Blueprint | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 39

Creating a business where everyone clearly understands their role is the key to having a business that runs well, has little drama, and gives the owner peace of mind.  In today's episode, Bob explores the Retail Accountability Blueprint, a framework for getting this done.  

We've consolidated all of our coronavirus related content on our website! https://whizbangtraining.com/coronavirus  

We'd love to connect with you on Social Media! 

FB: www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining 

Instagram: @whizbangtraining 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/whizbang-training/ 

Twitter: @WhizBangTrain

May 07, 202016:44
Creating YOUR New Normal | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Podcast Ep. 36
May 06, 202016:44
Marketing, Mothers Day and the New Normal | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Podcast Ep. 37
May 06, 202023:26
Honing Your Selling Skills | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 38

Honing Your Selling Skills | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 38

Retail is going to change, that much is inevitable. But what isn't going to change is how important selling is to the success of your store. In fact, it's going to be even MORE important going forward that your selling skills are excellent, because every customer is going to be extremely valuable.    

We've consolidated all of our coronavirus related content on our website! https://whizbangtraining.com/coronavirus  

We'd love to connect with you on Social Media! 

FB: www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining 

Instagram: @whizbangtraining 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/whizbang-training/

Twitter: @WhizBang

May 06, 202015:27
Begin Again... | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 35

Begin Again... | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 35

Even the most positive business person can have a day that goes sideways. Every store owner has customers get under their skin, an employee that disappoints, family members who make you crazy. It's OK. Give yourself a break and feel what you feel. Then use a strategy touted by mindfulness masters... and begin again.  Begin again to feel positive and productive. Begin again to believe in serving your customers. Begin again to have fun and feel happy in your store... And when another bad day comes around, that's ok. Just begin again.

May 01, 202016:33
Let's Talk About Crazy People... | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Ep. 34

Let's Talk About Crazy People... | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Ep. 34

This pandemic has certainly been showing people's true colors, and sometimes these true colors aren't pretty. Today Bob dives into why people are acting the way that they are, and how you can "de-emotionalize" the reactions you're getting.   

We've consolidated all of our coronavirus related content on our website! https://whizbangtraining.com/coronavirus  

We'd love to connect with you on Social Media! 

FB: www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining 

Instagram: @whizbangtraining 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/whizbang-training/ 

Twitter: @WhizBangTrain

Apr 30, 202016:22
Effective Communication Amid the Coronavirus | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 33

Effective Communication Amid the Coronavirus | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 33

One of the unavoidable aspects of this pandemic is an enormous amount of emotion, from your customers, from your employees, and in yourself. As you start to think about reopening your store, you’ll likely be on the receiving end of some strong emotion. Today Bob talks about how you can communicate effectively with your customers, and why being extra communicative is especially important during this pandemic.  

We've consolidated all of our coronavirus related content on our website! https://whizbangtraining.com/coronavirus  

We'd love to connect with you on Social Media! 

FB: www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining 

Instagram: @whizbangtraining 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/whizbang-training/ 

Twitter: @WhizBangTrain

Apr 30, 202018:07
Lock Your Customers Down | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 32
Apr 28, 202016:16
The Great Retail Separation of 2020 | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 31
Apr 27, 202014:07
A Fundamental Marketing Shift | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 30
Apr 24, 202018:13
Emerging from Crisis to Opportunity | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 29
Apr 23, 202019:53
Reimagining Your Culture | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 28

Reimagining Your Culture | Coronavirus and the Independent Retailer Ep. 28

This pandemic is challenging us all in new ways, but it also giving us opportunities we've never had. In this episode, Bob talks about how you have a unique opportunity to rebuild your culture and come back stronger than ever.   

We've consolidated all of our coronavirus related content on our website! https://whizbangtraining.com/coronavirus  

We'd love to connect with you on Social Media! FB: www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining Instagram: @whizbangtraining LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/whizbang-training/ Twitter: @WhizBangTrain

Apr 22, 202017:35
My BIG Mistake | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Ep. 27
Apr 21, 202012:59
Three Critical Perspectives | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Ep. 26

Three Critical Perspectives | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Ep. 26

In today's episode, Bob reminds us all that everything is about perspective, even during a pandemic. He goes through three important perspectives to keep in mind while moving forward with your business and your life during these times.   


We've consolidated all of our coronavirus related content on our website! https://whizbangtraining.com/coronavirus


We'd love to connect with you on Social Media! FB: www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining Instagram: @whizbangtraining LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/whizbang-training/ Twitter: @WhizBangTrain

Apr 20, 202016:41
 Getting The Most From Every Customer | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Ep. 25

Getting The Most From Every Customer | Coronavirus and The Independent Retailer Ep. 25

Today Bob builds on yesterdays podcast and talks about why it's so important to get the most out of every customer during this pandemic. He also gives you some ideas for how to give every customer an exceptional experience -  even during a quarantine. 


We've collected all of our coronavirus resources on one page on our website: www.whizbangtraining.com/coronavirus

We'd love to connect with you on social media!

FB: www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining

Instagram: @whizbangtraining

Twitter: @WhizBangTrain

Apr 17, 202020:11
Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 24 - April 16, 2020

Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 24 - April 16, 2020

How Do You Do Business During a Pandemic?  Even during these crazy times business owners continue to hustle and provide amazing experiences for their customers. In episode 24, Bob talks about an awesome experience he had, and how you all can learn from it.

If you would like to listen to the podcast live, join us weekdays at 9:30 am EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/

If you are an independent retailer and want to join the discussion, please come join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangRetail/

For more information, please visit us at https://whizbangtraining.com/coronavirus

Apr 16, 202015:02
Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 23 - April 15, 2020

Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 23 - April 15, 2020

Your Secret Marketing Weapon.  Retail expert Bob Negen discusses the secret marketing weapon that everyone has but no one talks about in episode 23 of the Coronavirus and Independent Retailers Podcast.

If you would like to listen to the podcast live, join us weekdays at 9:30 am EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/

If you are an independent retailer and want to join the discussion, please come join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangTraining/a

For more information, please visit us at https://whizbangtraining.com/

Apr 15, 202009:30
Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 22 - April 14, 2020

Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 22 - April 14, 2020

The Rightsizing of Retail...and what it means for you.  In episode 22 of the podcast, retail expert Bob Negen talks about the natural "self-correction" that is occurring as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.  It's painful, but it also represents an opportunity.

If you would like to listen to the podcast live, join us weekdays at 9:30 am EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/

If you are an independent retailer and want to join the discussion, please come join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangTraining/a

For more information, please visit us at https://whizbangtraining.com/

Apr 14, 202011:20
Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 21 - April 13, 2020

Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 21 - April 13, 2020

The New Normal.  In episode 21, Bob reflects on the importance of being present and proactive during this new experience with the pandemic.

If you would like to listen to the podcast live, join us weekdays at 9:30 am EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/

If you are an independent retailer and want to join the discussion, please come join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangTraining/a

For more information, please visit us at https://whizbangtraining.com/

Apr 13, 202015:34
Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 20 - April 10, 2020

Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 20 - April 10, 2020

When you feel like giving up...Bob asks you, the retailers, to ask yourself some tough questions in episode 20 of the podcast.  Once you answer those questions, and if you are still determined to get through to the other side of this pandemic, start with these 3 things...

If you would like to listen to the podcast live, join us weekdays at 9:30 am EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/

If you are an independent retailer and want to join the discussion, please come join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangTraining/

For more information, please visit us at https://whizbangtraining.com/

Apr 10, 202018:54
Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 19 - April 9, 2020

Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 19 - April 9, 2020

Build Your Dream Business.  In episode 19, Bob follows up on yesterday's episode about vision and discusses the next step...putting your vision to work in your retail business.

If you would like to listen to the podcast live, join us weekdays at 9:30 am EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/

If you are an independent retailer and want to join the discussion, please come join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangTraining/

For more information, please visit us at https://whizbangtraining.com/

Apr 09, 202009:12
Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 18 - April 8, 2020

Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 18 - April 8, 2020

Build a better tomorrow.  In episode 18, Bob Negen shares why "visioning" is such a powerful technique to build a better future.

If you would like to listen to the podcast live, join us weekdays at 9:30 am EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/

If you are an independent retailer and want to join the discussion, please come join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangTraining/

For more information, please visit us at https://whizbangtraining.com/

Apr 08, 202012:38
Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 17 - April 7, 2020

Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 17 - April 7, 2020

It is going to end!  Retail expert Bob Negen talks about focusing on the fundamentals and preparing for the end of the coronavirus pandemic in episode 17 of the Coronavirus and Independent Retailers Podcast.

If you would like to listen to the podcast live, join us weekdays at 9:30 am EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/

If you are an independent retailer and want to join the discussion, please come join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangTraining/

For more information, please visit us at https://whizbangtraining.com/

Apr 07, 202012:49
Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 16 - April 6, 2020

Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 16 - April 6, 2020

Must know strategies! The Paycheck Protection Program has begun, but it has come with a whole new set headaches. In episode 16 of the podcast, Bob talks about patience and due diligence being key in dealing with the frustrations of the day.

If you would like to listen to the podcast live, join us weekdays at 9:30 am EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/

If you are an independent retailer and want to join the discussion, please come join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangTraining/

For more information, please visit us at https://whizbangtraining.com/

Apr 06, 202014:52
Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 15 - April 3, 2020

Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 15 - April 3, 2020

Beating Burnout!  In episode 15 of the podcast, Bob discusses dealing with stress and burnout during this pandemic when you are probably working harder than you've ever had too for every single dollar.

If you would like to listen to the podcast live, join us weekdays at 9:30 am EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/

If you are an independent retailer and want to join the discussion, please come join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangTraining/

For more information, please visit us at https://whizbangtraining.com/

Apr 03, 202017:39
Podcast Bonus Episode: Bob interviews Marc Weiss from Management One about how the best retailers are preparing now for the end of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Podcast Bonus Episode: Bob interviews Marc Weiss from Management One about how the best retailers are preparing now for the end of the Coronavirus pandemic.

In this special bonus episode, Bob interviews CEO of Management One (https://www.management-one.com/), Marc Weiss about what the best retailers will be doing to help position themselves for success when these uncertain times end. They talk supply chain management, store sales statistics, and negotiations

If you would like to listen to the podcast live, join us weekdays at 9:30 am EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/

If you are an independent retailer and want to join the discussion, please come join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangTraining/

For more information, please visit us at https://whizbangtraining.com/

Apr 02, 202037:04
Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 14 - April 2, 2020

Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 14 - April 2, 2020

Unforeseen Benefits of a Crisis.  In episode 14 of the podcast, retail expert Bob Negen discusses the importance of looking at the upside, and taking advantage of the circumstances created by the coronavirus pandemic.

If you would like to listen to the podcast live, join us weekdays at 9:30 am EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/

If you are an independent retailer and want to join the discussion, please come join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangTraining/

For more information, please visit us at https://whizbangtraining.com/

Apr 02, 202011:47
Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 13 - April 1, 2020

Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 13 - April 1, 2020

Don't let the haters bring you down!  In episode 13, Bob dives into dealing with the haters during this pandemic when all aspects of your business may be in flux.

If you would like to listen to the podcast live, join us weekdays at 9:30 am EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/

If you are an independent retailer and want to join the discussion, please come join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangTraining/

For more information, please visit us at https://whizbangtraining.com/

Apr 01, 202015:28
Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 12 - March 31, 2020

Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 12 - March 31, 2020

Do Good Now, Be Great Later.  Episode 12 of the podcast is all about supporting your community and generating goodwill.

If you would like to listen to the podcast live, join us weekdays at 9:30 am EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/

If you are an independent retailer and want to join the discussion, please come join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangTraining/

For more information, please visit us at https://whizbangtraining.com/

Mar 31, 202015:28
Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 11 - March 30, 2020

Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 11 - March 30, 2020

Moving Forward As The World Falls Apart.  In episode 11 of the podcast, Bob explores how to keep moving forward when it feels like the whole world is falling apart.

If you would like to listen to the podcast live, join us weekdays at 9:30 am EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/

If you are an independent retailer and want to join the discussion, please come join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangTraining/

For more information, please visit us at https://whizbangtraining.com/

Mar 31, 202008:08
Podcast Bonus Episode: Bob interviews Crystal Vilkaitis of Crystal Media about Social Selling
Mar 30, 202045:20
Special Episode: Bob talks with Canadian Retail Store Owner Bob Zechel from Cloud Nine Pajamas
Mar 27, 202037:08
Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 10 - March 27, 2020

Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 10 - March 27, 2020

You can't "get" from a tightened fist.  In episode 10, retail expert Bob Negen talks about the importance of being a good person, both personally and professionally, during the coronavirus pandemic.  The rewards from which will come when this epidemic is over.

If you would like to listen to the podcast live, join us weekdays at 9:30 am EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/

If you are an independent retailer and want to join the discussion, please come join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangTraining/

For more information, please visit us at https://whizbangtraining.com/

Mar 27, 202015:56
Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 9 - March 26, 2020

Coronavirus and Independent Retailers - Episode 9 - March 26, 2020

In episode 9, Bob continues the discussion on dealing with staff and employees in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

If you would like to listen to the podcast live, join us weekdays at 9:30 am EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/

If you are an independent retailer and want to join the discussion, please come join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangTraining/

For more information, please visit us at https://whizbangtraining.com/

Mar 26, 202012:15
Special Episode: Bob Interviews Certified Small Business Advisor, Eric Seifert
Mar 25, 202017:19