Storefront Strategies

About Storefront Strategies

Welcome to 'Storefront Strategies,' the essential podcast for bricks and mortar business owners. Hosted by Lee Midlane, tech industry leader and advocate for women in business, this podcast simplifies the complexities of running a physical store in today's digital age. Lee offers actionable insights and practical advice on everything from business planning to marketing, all while emphasizing authenticity and values-driven leadership. Whether you're about to launch your dream cafe or looking to expand your retail store, this show is your source for inspiration, strategy, and a community of support. Dive into a mix of expert guidance and inspiring success stories to help you build a thriving, enduring business. Join us to transform your bricks and mortar venture into a success story.

Publisher

Lee Midlane

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 May 2024

Latest episode

25 Feb 2025

Latest episodes

39 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Feb 2025

   I Survived 7 Days of CHAOTIC Business Challenges

   This week was a wild mix of stress and progress! From supplier issues and unexpected costs to exciting new opportunities, I take you behind the scenes of what it really looks like to run multiple businesses at once.✔ Prepping for the Leavers Hoodies orders – Why efficiency is key. ✔ Shop renovations – Delays, last-minute deliveries, and keeping momentum. ✔ Funding challenges – The reality check of moving costs. ✔ IT Central staffing struggles – Almost having to shut down for the first time in 9 years. ✔ Big wins – A TikTok influencer order, a singer-songwriter sample, and seeing my book cover for the first time.If you’ve ever had a week where everything happens at once, this one’s for you!📌 Key Takeaways✅ Business is a constant juggling act—staying adaptable is everything. ✅ Supplier and contractor delays are inevitable—keep the momentum going. ✅ Funding challenges can pop up out of nowhere—always have a backup plan. ✅ Teamwork matters—staffing gaps can make or break operations. ✅ Celebrate the wins—no matter how chaotic the week gets!⏳ Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction – The chaos and wins of a business owner: supplier delays, funding roadblocks, staffing gaps, and last-minute problem-solving. [02:10] Leavers Hoodies Production Prep – Why I’m printing ahead, the challenge of working in a half-ready space, and how efficiency leads to better customer experiences. [05:00] Shop Renovations – The decorator is done, heating is installed, shop fittings finally arrived (at the last minute!), and flooring delays throw off the schedule. [08:10] The Funding Challenge – The move is way more expensive than expected—where do we find the money? Navigating grants, funding, and alternative solutions. [10:40] IT Central Staffing Chaos – When half the team is out, and we nearly had to close for the first time in nine years. Why staying connected to frontline operations is so important. [13:30] Big Wins! – A TikTok influencer places an order, a singer-songwriter receives a sample, and my book cover draft is finally here!📢 Let’s Chat!💬 What’s the biggest unexpected business cost you’ve had to deal with? Or your biggest win this week? Drop me a message—I’d love to hear your story!📚 Pre-Order My Book! It’s packed with real experiences, business lessons, and the truth about running a business. Be part of the launch team! 👉 www.leemidlane.com/books🎧 Next Episode: More shop updates, production progress, and how the influencer order turns out!

2. 

   18 Feb 2025

   Business Curveballs & Problem-Solving Under Pressure

   This week on Storefront Strategies, we’re diving into the chaos of running a business when nothing goes to plan. From contractors ghosting us to supply chain issues with shop fittings and Leavers Hoodies, it’s been a week of quick decisions, unexpected challenges, and figuring it all out on the fly.We’ll cover: ✅ The contractor crisis—when your renovation plans fall apart. ✅ Shop updates—the painting is done, but the fittings aren’t what we expected. ✅ The Leavers Hoodies saga—when stock issues force last-minute solutions. ✅ Why supplier relationships matter—how a visit from Kyle at AWDis saved the day. ✅ The bigger picture—how this all ties into the launch of my new book.Plus, I’ll share what this whirlwind of a week taught me about decision-making under pressure, adapting on the go, and why resilience is a business superpower.👉 Pre-order my book today at www.leemidlane.com/books!Timestamps⏳ [00:00] Introduction – A week of business chaos: contractor issues, supply chain challenges, and last-minute problem-solving. ⏳ [02:00] The Contractor Crisis – When a key contractor ghosted us and how we pivoted to keep the project on track. ⏳ [05:40] Shop Progress – Painting is finished, but it’s all white! The shop fittings drama and finding a better solution. ⏳ [08:20] The Leavers Hoodies Saga – Discovering a stock shortage and solving it fast with strong supplier relationships. ⏳ [10:50] Supplier Relationships Matter – Why meeting Kyle from AWDis made a huge difference in handling the hoodie crisis. ⏳ [12:40] The Reality of Running a Business – Decision-making under pressure and why real entrepreneurship isn’t just about strategy. ⏳ [13:50] The Book Launch – Why this week's challenges tie directly into the lessons shared in my book. Pre-order now! ⏳ [15:00] Call to Action – What’s the biggest business challenge you’ve solved on the fly? Share your story!Key Takeaways🔹 Always have a backup plan – Whether it’s suppliers, contractors, or business strategy, flexibility is everything. 🔹 Supplier relationships matter – A simple industry connection can make or break a project. 🔹 Problem-solving is a skill – Business isn’t about avoiding challenges, it’s about handling them effectively. 🔹 Resilience is key – Even when everything goes wrong, keeping a level head will get you through.Resources & Links📖 Pre-order my book! – www.leemidlane.com/books 📧 Get in touch – Have a business question? Email me at [Insert Email] 🎙️ Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Storefront Strategies on [Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube]Join the Conversation!What’s the biggest on-the-fly business decision you’ve had to make? Let me know in the comments or on social media!🚀 Next Week: More shop updates, hoodie progress, and what’s next for the book launch!🔔 Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!

3. 

   11 Feb 2025

   This New School Program Is Creating Young Entrepreneurs!

   This week on Storefront Strategies, we’re diving into the Leavers Hoodies Enterprise Project—an initiative that gives students across the UK hands-on business experience without the barriers of production. Schools are responding positively, and we’ve already seen incredible success stories, like Elgin Academy’s 75 hoodie orders generating £450 in commission!We’ll discuss how this program aligns with experiential retail, why it’s a game-changer for students, and how it fosters real-world business skills like marketing, finance, and leadership. Plus, we’ll explore how the mentorship from Box Brand ensures students are fully supported throughout the project.Whether you're an educator, entrepreneur, or small business owner, this episode will inspire you to make business more meaningful.Timestamps⏳ [00:00] Introduction – How experiential learning is changing the way students approach business. ⏳ [01:10] Shop Update – The latest on Box Brand’s new space (hint: it’s still mostly white paint!). ⏳ [02:30] Why Experiential Learning Matters – The difference between traditional education and hands-on learning. ⏳ [04:15] The Leavers Hoodies Enterprise Project – How it works, key milestones, and what makes it unique. ⏳ [07:00] Real Impact: Elgin Academy’s Success – 75 hoodies sold, £450 earned, and how it benefits students. ⏳ [08:40] The Ripple Effect: Beyond Business – Confidence, teamwork, entrepreneurial thinking, and real-world skills. ⏳ [10:15] The Role of Mentorship – How Box Brand supports students throughout the project. ⏳ [12:00] Lessons from the Project – What students (and businesses) can learn from hands-on experience. ⏳ [13:45] Call to Action – How you can get involved and make your business more meaningful.Key Takeaways✅ Hands-on experience beats theory – Learning by doing helps students develop confidence and adaptability. ✅ This project is unique – No production barriers, so students focus on marketing, sales, and business strategy. ✅ Schools benefit, too – Meaningful fundraising with real-world learning opportunities. ✅ Mentorship matters – Box Brand supports students every step of the way. ✅ Business is about impact – Whether in a shop or a classroom, meaningful experiences matter more than just transactions.Resources & Links🔗 Learn more about the Leavers Hoodies Enterprise Project – [Insert Link] 📧 Get in touch – Have questions? Interested in bringing this to your school? Contact us at [Insert Email] 🎙️ Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Storefront Strategies on [Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube]Join the Conversation!What’s one way you are making your business or life more meaningful? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media!🚀 Next Week: A behind-the-scenes look at Box Brand’s new shop progress and other exciting projects in the works!🔔 Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

82,503

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Podcast Authority Score: 63 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

96

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

0

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.