The BS-Free Service Business Show
405 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 49 ratingsThe BS-Free Service Business show takes you behind the scenes of running a business as a freelancer, creative, or agency owner, focusing on fluff-free lessons to help you grow your business and get paid. You're in the right place if you work with clients and want to create a simple AND sustainable service business.
Your host is Maggie Patterson, the creator of BS-Free Business, a content production agency owner, and a self-employed writer and consultant for nearly 20 years.
You can learn more about the podcast and BS-Free Business at http://www.bsfreebusiness.com and subscribe to never miss an episode.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Building a Business by Blending Products and Services with Zoe Linda
April 15, 2024 05:00 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBAs a service business owner, have you ever wondered if adding products would be a solid revenue-generation strategy? The reality is that despite being told that creating courses and other products is a fast path to passive income, it’s far easier said than done. In this episode, Zoe Linda shares how she blended products and services and adapted her offerings over time to meet her needs. Topics discussed in this episode include: Zoe shares how she’s built her business with digital p...
Mindful Marketing: Andréa Jones Shares Her Social Media Evolution
April 08, 2024 05:00 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBDo you ever feel like keeping up with social media is impossible? Or maybe you don’t even care to try in the first place? With social media constantly evolving, and as a business owner, it can be hard to gauge what actually matters and how much time and effort you “should” be throwing behind it. In this episode, Andréa Jones, a mindful marketing strategist, discusses her evolving approach to social media and her desire to have deeper conversations about its impact. Topics discussed ...
From Solo to Agency and Back Again with Jules Taggart
April 01, 2024 05:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBTo keep the conversation going about Exits and Evolutions, we have our first guest of this series: Jules Taggart. She’s gone from being a solo business owner to an agency owner and is back to being solo again. In this episode, Jules, a fractional CMO and the founder of Wayward Kind, shares how she built an agency and transitioned back to a solo business. Topics discussed in this episode include: The financial and mental health challenges of agency ownership, the importance of consi...
Exits and Evolutions: Navigating Change in Your Service Business
March 25, 2024 05:00 - 10 minutes - 9.06 MBIt’s easy to think making changes to your business will magically solve your problems. But let’s be honest. Change can be HARD, so when do you know when it’s the right time to make a change? In this episode, I’m sharing how to recognize when to adapt, whether keeping up with trends, using new tech, or meeting customers’ changing needs. (And when maybe the smarter choice is to stick with what you’re doing.) Topics discussed in this episode include: What’s currently happening that’s ...
The State of “Ethical” Business 2024
March 18, 2024 05:00 - 55 minutes - 102 MBThis week, we're sharing our most recent Duped episode, where we break down what's going on in the world of "ethical" business. _____________ Is the state of ethical business actually improving in 2024? Are we actually making some progress? Well, it’s a good news/bad news kind of story. The good is that we’re finally starting to see more and more people reject the status quo business practices, including manipulative marketing and scammy sales practices. The bad is that this industry...
The Real Cost of Bad Boundaries with Clients
March 11, 2024 05:00 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBReal talk about working with clients: Whether you’re battling scope creep or sacrificing your personal time and energy to meet client demands, you can easily end up feeling tired and resentful. Having boundaries with clients is essential or our business dreams can turn into a full-on nightmare. In this episode, we’re looking at the real cost of “bad” boundaries with clients and how to build healthier, more sustainable client relationships. Topics discussed in this episode include: ...
The Real Cost of Content Creation
March 04, 2024 06:00 - 20 minutes - 19 MBAre you holding your business back if you don’t blog, podcast, and post on social media? The reality of content creation is that it costs precious time, money and so much more. But is it actually worth it? The answer? It depends! In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the real cost of content creation. Get ready to uncover the truth behind the price tag of online visibility. Topics discussed in this episode include: The role of content creation for many service businesses and ...
The Real Cost of Building Multiple Streams of Income
February 26, 2024 06:00 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBYou’re busy and booked but looking for ways to make more money. Welcome to the service business owner’s dilemma! In this episode of the ‘Real Cost Of’ series, I’m cutting the BS by debunking myths and unveiling the real costs of adding new income streams. Topics covered in this episode include: The challenges of trying to grow your revenue when you’re booked out. Why the one-to-many model for courses and programs is so enticing? The hidden costs of adding income streams. My p...
The Real Cost of Creating an Agency
February 19, 2024 06:00 - 10 minutes - 9.16 MBHave you ever wondered what creating an agency costs? If you’re wondering if it’s the right move for your service business, you’ll definitely want to listen to this episode. In this installment of the 'Real Cost Of' series, I’m taking you behind the scenes and spilling the tea on the real costs of agency ownership, including the financial realities, the rollercoaster of leadership, and more. Topics covered in this episode include: Answering the common question of transitioning from...
The Real Cost of Tech and Tools for Solopreneurs
February 12, 2024 06:00 - 16 minutes - 15 MBReady to uncover the must-haves and money pits in your solo business tech toolkit? In this episode of the 'Real Cost Of' series, we'll dig deep into the world of tech and tools for solopreneurs. Discover what's essential, what's extravagant, and the red flags to watch out for!\ Topic covered in this episode include: How the tech stack used by solopreneurs varies based on business size and stage. The essential tech tools for solopreneurs. How to choose tech tools based on individual b...
The Real Cost Of Growing a Service Business
February 05, 2024 06:00 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBTo kick off 2024, we’re back with a fresh new series called "The Real Cost Of”. Because let’s be real, we’re all tired of the smoke and mirrors. In this series, I’m giving you the unfiltered truth about the REAL costs of building and growing a service-based business. (And it’s not just about the money, it’s about everything else this journey can cost us.) In this first episode, I’m sharing the surprising costs of growing a service business including: The distinction between cost and...
Schemes on Your Screens: A 2023 Recap and 2024 Predictions
December 18, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 116 MBThe BS-Free Service Business show will be taking a break through the holidays, so please enjoy this new episode of Duped - Schemes on Your Screens: A 2023 Recap and 2024 Predictions. As 2023 comes to a close, we wanted to reflect on the year that was and make some predictions about what lies ahead in 2024. For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online.
End of Year Recap for 2023
December 11, 2023 06:00 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MB2023 is nearly over, so it’s time for my annual look back at the year. In this episode, I will share my high and lowlights, what I really think about this weird year, and what’s on deck for 2024. For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com. To stay in the loop by email, sign up for updates at https://bsfreebusiness.com/newsletter/
Your Guide to Marketing a Service Based Business
December 04, 2023 06:00 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBThere are two types of service business owners I encounter when I talk about marketing. First, there’s the marketers. They’re always happy to be testing things out in their own business. Then, there are the rest of the service business owners who would rather do anything but marketing. In this episode, I’m sharing my guide to marketing a service-based business, no matter how you feel about it. For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness....
The State of Online Business Right Now (Fall 2023 Update)
November 27, 2023 06:00 - 27 minutes - 50.4 MBThe BS-Free Service Business show will be taking a break this week, and you can expect a new episode next week. This week, please enjoy a new episode of Duped: The Dark Side of Online Business, to celebrate it's kickoff! We wanted to start off this season with a state of the industry, a state of the nation, if you will, on what's going on with online business as we head towards the end of 2023. In this episode of Duped, we’re giving you a rundown on the state of online business right no...
The Different Types of Support for Entrepreneurs
November 20, 2023 06:00 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MBDo you need a coach? To buy a program? Or just a regular massage? Support comes in many different forms for our business, but do you figure out what kind of support you need? In this episode, I’m digging into the different types of support for entrepreneurs and how to figure out what’s right for you. For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com To stay in the loop by email, sign up for updates at https://bsfreebusiness.com/newsletter/
Keeping Your Business Simple and Sustainable (A Check-In)
November 13, 2023 06:00 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBSimplicity and sustainability are the cornerstones of having a business without the BS and that works for you. But it’s far too easy to make plans and decisions that can overcomplicate everything. In this episode, I’m sharing six specific things to check in on before you start making big plans. Learn more at: bsfreebusiness.com/simple-and-sustainable-business
Leadership Fundamentals for a Successful Agency
November 06, 2023 06:00 - 10 minutes - 9.64 MBBuilding a successful agency requires a lot of different skills. Especially leadership skills. But which ones do you need to focus on? Which ones make the most difference? In this episode, I share the top six leadership skills every micro agency owner needs. Learn more at: bsfreebusiness.com/successful-agency
The Growth Path for Micro Agency Owners
October 30, 2023 05:00 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBEvery business owner knows that growth is never linear. Sometimes, it’s so far from a straight line that you wonder if you’re doing something wrong. In this episode, we’re looking at the messy and momentous growth path for micro agency owners. Learn more at: bsfreeebusiness.com/growth-path-for-micro-agency
Myths of the Microagency
October 23, 2023 05:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBLike every business model out there, the micro agency is subject to a wide variety of myths that are total and complete BS. In this episode, we’re going to look at what a micro agency is and dispel four common myths. Learn more at bsfreebusiness.com/microagency
Agency or Solo: What’s Right for You?
October 16, 2023 05:00 - 13 minutes - 11.9 MBIf you want to grow your service business, you may wonder what your options really are. Do you need to hire? Do you need a team? What’s really right for you? According to conventional business wisdom, there are only two paths to follow when growing a service business. (Don’t get me started on how this lacks nuance and is genuinely some oversimplified BS.) That’s why in this episode, I’m exploring what to consider when deciding whether you should stay solo or run a microagency. Learn m...
Getting Real: Tough Truths About 2023
October 09, 2023 05:00 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBIt’s been a weird year, and I know I’m not alone. Is it the economy? Is it something else? And WTF should we all be doing about it? In this episode, I will share my thoughts and some insights into what’s happening this year for so many of us business-wise. Learn more at bsfreebusiness.com/truths-about-2023
Practical Pricing for Service Business Owners
October 02, 2023 05:00 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MBIt impacts everything from the types of clients you work with to how much money you can pay yourself and even how you feel about your work. In this episode, I’m sharing a practical and proven approach to pricing for service business owners. Learn more at bsfreebusiness.com/pricing-of-services
The Dark Side of Online Business: A Call for the Status Quo to Dramatically Change
September 25, 2023 05:00 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MBThis is a re-release of an episode we recorded three years ago, but it is foundational to my work. It takes a look at the problems and the tactics and online business and while it's been a few years, unfortunately, it's still all very valid. So, I thought it was worth pulling out of the archives. ___ Have you ever looked around at some of the other businesses in the online business industry and thought “that seems shady as hell”? Or, have you ever wondered how some of the people in this ...
Staying Solo: Ditching Busy Work with Systems
September 18, 2023 05:00 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBSystems can be powerful for a solo business owner, but unfortunately, they can also totally derail you. In the final installment of the Staying Solo series, we’re looking at systems and their crucial role in helping you stay solo by ditching the busy work. Learn more at: bsfreebusiness.com/ditching-busywork-with-systems
Staying Solo: Using Strategy to Break the Income Ceiling
September 11, 2023 05:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBOne of the biggest frustrations faced by service business owners who want to stay solo is that they feel like they’re eventually going to hit an income ceiling. If you’re not familiar with the concept of an income ceiling, it’s essentially when you can’t make any more money because you’ve hit the maximum pricing you can charge and the number of clients you can serve. So the real question we need to explore is if there’s really an income ceiling for service business owners. The truth...
Staying Solo: What Support Do You Really Need?
September 04, 2023 05:00 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBSolo doesn’t mean alone. You don’t need to go it alone with your service business. In fact, you shouldn’t. But what kind of support do you need, and when? In this episode, we’re diving into just what kinds of support you need as a solo business owner…and it’s about way more than simply hiring a random coach or taking yet another course. Find out more at bsfreebusiness.com/solo-support
Staying Solo: Rethinking Planning to Focus on Seasons
August 28, 2023 05:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBMost of us start our businesses for more flexibility and freedom, but somewhere along the way find that we’re trapped in a cycle of hustling. To stay solo, you need a realistic planning process that works for you and keeps you from chasing things that simply don’t matter to you. In this episode of the Staying Solo series, we’re talking about planning with a focus on how to do it in a way that actually works not just for your business but your brain and your life. Find out more at bsfre...
Staying Solo: Carving Out Consistent Space
August 21, 2023 05:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBService business owners often think that the “service” part of the business model means they have to run themselves ragged serving their clients. Or that they need to work around the clock to reach their goals. Nothing could be further from the truth. In this episode, we’re digging into the need for “space” as a solopreneur, what that really means, and why it matters more than most of us realize. Find out more at bsfreebusiness.com/staying-solo-by-creating-space.
Staying Solo: Getting Your Salary Paid First
August 14, 2023 05:00 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBToo many solo business owners are underpaid (or not paid at all) as they fall into the trap of overinvesting in the business or pricing their services too low. And I’m not here for it. In this episode, we’re looking at the nuts and bolts of paying yourself a salary as a solo business owner as part of our Staying Solo series. Find out more at: bsfreebusiness.com/getting-paid
Staying Solo: Your Framework for a Simple, Sustainable Service Business
August 07, 2023 05:00 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBHave you ever been told you’re playing small? Or that for you to have a legit business, you need a team? Or that you must have a mindset issue if you’re not wanting to constantly grow? I definitely have, and in this episode, we’re having a heart-to-heart about the idea that “staying solo” means you’re playing small because nothing could be further from the truth. Find out more at: bsfreebusiness.com/staying-solo
The Summer Slow Down
June 05, 2023 05:00 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBIt’s the most wonderful time of the year…summer! It’s time for fun in the sun, beach reads, being by the water, and living it up. And now’s the time to prepare for the summer slowdown so you can make the most of it. In this episode, I’m sharing practical ideas for ensuring you have a summer slowdown, including getting your priorities in order, taking time off, downgrading your marketing, and more. Find out more at: bsfreebusiness.com/summer-slow-down
Does NLP Work for Coaching? What You Need to Know with Kathleen Oh
May 29, 2023 05:00 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBIn this episode, we’re exploring the world of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and its use in the online business and coaching world, with a focus on what you, as a consumer, need to be aware of. I’m joined by Kathleen Oh, a coach trained as a Master Practitioner in NLP, to get her perspective on its problems and the potential for harm. Learn more at bsfreebusiness.com/neuro-linguistic-programming
Sustainable Systems: Simple Sales for Every Service Business
May 22, 2023 05:00 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBDoes selling your services stress you out? Do you wish you could skip it entirely and focus on doing what you do best? You’re not alone in that I know many of you hate making sales because it sucks up so much time and energy. In this episode, we will ditch the stress and get your time back by diving into simple sales for every service business. Find out more at: bsfreebusiness.com/simple-sales
Sustainable Systems: Tame the Client Service Chaos
May 15, 2023 05:00 - 13 minutes - 12 MBWe’ve all been there. We’re overwhelmed and ready to burn it all down if one more client asks you one more question. It’s chaos, and you’re out of capacity for any of it. In this episode, we examine how sustainable client service systems can help you tame the client service chaos. Find out more at: bsfreebusiness.com/client-service-chaos
Sustainable Systems for Your Service Business
May 08, 2023 05:00 - 10 minutes - 9.29 MBWhat if there was a way to do less of the things that drag you down and more of what you enjoy doing in your business? What if what you’ve been taught about systems is way too complicated for what you actually need? In this episode, we’re talking about creating sustainable systems for your service business, including why it can be so much simpler than you may think. Learn more at: bsfreebusiness.com/sustainable-systems
The Realities of Burnout and Your Business with Brittany Berger
May 01, 2023 05:00 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBWe’re all familiar with the idea of being burnt out, especially over the last few years. Many of us have experienced burnout firsthand. But why is burnout so pervasive in online business? And should we trust the people peddling burnout solutions who used to sell us hustle culture? In this episode, I explore the realities of burnout and your business with my guest Brittany Berger. Find out more at bsfreebusiness.com
How We Closed for 57 Days in 2022
April 24, 2023 05:00 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBBack in late 2021, I made a decision that changed my business. I decided that starting in January 2022, our office would be closed on Fridays. This decision was made in addition to our two annual office closures in July and September, closing our office for 57 work days. In this episode, I’m sharing how exactly I did it and what you need to consider before you take the plunge. Find out more at: bsfreebusiness.com/closed-for-57-days
What You Need to Know About LinkedIn for 2023 with Andréa Jones
April 17, 2023 05:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBSocial media is constantly changing, and what you may have been doing a year ago may not work today. This is resulting in alot of people taking a hard look at LinkedIn as a way to market and build a community for their business. In this episode, we’re diving into what you, as a service business owner, need to know about LinkedIn for 2023. Find out more at: smallbusinessboss.co/LinkedIn-for-2023
The 2023 Online Business Investment Survey
April 10, 2023 05:00 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBIn early 2021, I released the first edition of the Online Business Investment Survey to understand why people made the investments they did and what their experiences were really like. In a market with very little open discussion of people’s experiences, this survey helped shed light on how people were manipulated and what they wanted from their investments. Fast forward to 2023, and I’m still here banging my drum about the BS in the online business world, so I decided to do the survey aga...
DUPED SEASON 4: The Manipulation of Manifestation
April 03, 2023 05:00 - 40 minutes - 73.7 MB*This week, we're sharing a new episode of Duped season 4 for your listening pleasure.* Online business is steeped in manifestation talk, especially regarding money. But should you believe what your coach tells you about how investing in their high ticket mastermind is a way to accomplish your goals by betting on yourself? Are you missing some secret way of making money and making your dreams come true? In this episode, we’re digging into manifestation, including the gaslighting and gr...
The Power of Retainer Clients
March 27, 2023 05:00 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MBIf there’s one tried and true way of delivering services to clients, it’s the retainer model. While it’s often overlooked for project engagements or VIP days, a retainer with the proper structure can be incredibly powerful. In this episode, we’re exploring everything you need to know about retainer clients. Find out more at bsfreebusiness.com/retainer-clients
Should You Offer VIP Day Services?
March 20, 2023 05:00 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBEveryone is talking about VIP days, but are they right for you and your business? In this episode, we’re looking at everything you need to know to answer the question of whether you should offer VIP day services or not. Find out more at bsfreebusiness.com/VIP-days
How to Sell More Strategy in 2023
March 13, 2023 05:00 - 18 minutes - 17 MBMaybe you’re selling strategy, and you want to sell more of it in 2023. Maybe you’ve been thinking about selling strategy, and now it’s time to start. In this episode, we’re digging into everything you need to know to sell more strategy in 2023 with a BS-free look at what you may be missing or need to do next. Find out more at bsfreebusiness.com/sell-more-strategy
Selling Your Services: Myth Busting 2023 Edition
March 06, 2023 06:00 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBConfused about the latest trends or advice on selling your services? You’re not alone in that, as there’s so much advice out there, that is confusing and contradictory. In this episode, we’re looking at myths about selling your services with a dose of my signature BS-busting. A new season of the BS-Free Service Business show starts now. Find out more at bsfreebusiness.com/sell-your-services
DUPED SEASON 4: Coaching, Consulting and the Current Chaos of Online Business
February 20, 2023 06:00 - 36 minutes - 49.6 MB*This week, we're sharing the first episode of Duped season 4 for your listening pleasure.* We’re back! And a lot has happened since our last season. In this episode, we’re digging into the world of business coaching and how things have gone seriously off the rails. Welcome to Season 4 of Duped. We’re back, and we couldn’t be more excited about what we have planned, as this season, we’ll be diving into the world of online business scams. In our first episode, we want to talk about how...
The State of Ethical Marketing and Online Business for 2023
December 12, 2022 06:00 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MB2022 is rolling to a close, and as I’ve done the last two years, I wanted to check in on the state of online business — especially as predictions I’ve made in 2020 and 2021 about ethical marketing and the use of trauma-informed language, along with other market conditions have come true. Here's what you need to know about the state of ethical marketing and online business as we head into 2023. Get the inside scoop right here: smallbusinessboss.co/ethical-marketing-and-online-business
The Rise of Trauma Informed Coaching
December 05, 2022 06:00 - 43 minutes - 40 MBYou’ve probably heard of the term trauma informed, but do you really know what it means? And should you trust coaches who are trauma-informed? In this episode, my guests Nicole Lewis-Keeber and Shulamit Ber Levtov join me to explore the rise of trauma-informed coaching. Get the inside scoop: smallbusinessboss.co/trauma-informed-coaching
Real Talk on Planning for 2023
November 28, 2022 06:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBPlanning season is upon us. Love it or hate it, it’s a whole thing for us as business owners. In this episode, we’re going to get real about planning for 2023. My goal for you is to help you nail down what will make the most difference for you in the coming year and not get sucked into things that waste your time, money, and energy. This isn’t about hating on planning, but instead skipping the hype. Get the inside scoop: smallbusinessboss.co/planning-for-2023
DUPED SEASON 4: The Racket of Recession Proofing Your Business
November 21, 2022 06:00 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MB**This week, we're sharing a sneak peek of Duped with the kickoff episode of season 4 for your listening pleasure.** Duped season 4 starts now! And in this first episode, we’re going to look at the impending recession, and how celebrity entrepreneurs are now using that to mess with us and try to get our money. Learn more at duped.online