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The BS-Free Service Business Show

The 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.
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Mar 25, 2024

It’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 resulting in a potential need for change? 

  • The relentless cycle of reinvention in online business and how trends/ tactics come and go. 

  • Some of my exits and evolutions over the years. 

  • The different factors that can drive change in business — market trends, tech advances, changing customer expectations, personal needs, economic conditions, etc.

  • What can you expect in some future episodes in this series.  

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/

Mar 18, 2024

This week, we're sharing our most recent Duped episode, where we break down what's going on in the world of "ethical" business.

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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 is very fickle, and while it’s good to hear more discussions about ethical business, certain topics have fallen off the radar. And whether these conversations translate into change still remains to be seen.

In this episode, we’re digging into the state of ethical business in 2024 and having a raw conversation about where things really stand. 

We discuss:
  • The monetization of burnout and why hustling isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.

  • The sudden pivot from people who used to talk about “the right way to market” to now preaching the opposite. 

  • The predictable patterns in the industry and why it’s often easy to see what’s coming as things shift.

  • What we recommend you watch for in the coming months.


For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online.

For more Duped, including monthly bonus episodes, join the Patreon.
Mar 11, 2024

Real 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:

  • What are client boundaries really?

  • How you can be your own worst enemies when it comes to not enforcing) client boundaries. 

  • The sneaky ways that bad boundaries with clients may show up in your business.

  • How much do shaky boundaries with clients really cost?

  • The long-term personal impact of our client boundaries and how it can lead to burnout. 

  • How to set boundaries with your clients and stick to them. 


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/

Mar 4, 2024

Are 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 if you really need it or not. 

  • Exploring the value of content marketing and how you don’t really need to be everywhere. 

  • How much time it takes me to create this podcast and other types of content, along with industry averages? 

  • How much money you can expect to spend on content creation: DIY vs. outsourcing, tools, and skills/training.

  • The cost of producing this show every year. 

  • Assessing if content creation is delivering the results or if it’s a waste of time.

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/

Feb 26, 2024

You’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 personal experiences with launching one-to-many offers.

  • How adding this kind of offer is like starting another business. 

  • How much marketing do you need to make one-to-many offers work. 

  • The potential costs for the tech and skills you need for creating these new revenue streams. 

  • The financial implications and opportunity cost.

  • Alternative ways to add income streams without switching up your business model. 


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/

Feb 19, 2024

Have 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 a solopreneur to a micro agency.

  • The appeal of creating an agency and why the real cost is more complex than expected.

  • The shift from solo CEO to team leader and what’s involved. 

  • Managing client expectations as you go from me to we. 

  • What you need to know about the potential personal costs of agency ownership. 

  • The highs (and lows) of working with a team.

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/

Feb 12, 2024

Ready 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 business needs, services offered, and skill level.

  • The risk of getting lured into buying unnecessary tools due to celebrity endorsements.

  • Yearly costs for different tech stacks.

  • How to consider both the financial and non-financial costs of tech tools.

  • A cautionary tale of investing in expensive tools without the necessary expertise to use them effectively.

  • The importance of tools enabling time-saving and simplicity rather than adding complexity and stress.


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/

Feb 5, 2024

To 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 price in business.

  • Why the "real cost" is about way more than the money you spend. 

  • The myth of "client attraction" and why you can’t just wait for clients to come your way.

  • The emotional and energetic costs of dealing with clients and the importance of setting boundaries.

  • The personal trade-offs you make for freedom and flexibility when running a service business.

  • How you can protect against the emotional, energetic and physical costs of growing a service business. 


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/

Be sure to subscribe to ensure you don’t miss the next episode in this series.

Dec 18, 2023

The 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.

Dec 11, 2023

2023 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/

Dec 4, 2023

There 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.com

To stay in the loop by email, sign up for updates at https://bsfreebusiness.com/newsletter/

Nov 27, 2023

The 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 now and what you should be watching for in the coming months.

For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online.

Nov 20, 2023

Do 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/

Nov 13, 2023

Simplicity 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

Nov 6, 2023

Building 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

Oct 30, 2023

Every 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

Oct 23, 2023

Like 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

Oct 16, 2023

If 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 more at: bsfreebusiness.com/agency-or-solo

Oct 9, 2023

It’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

Oct 2, 2023

It 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

Sep 25, 2023

This 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.

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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 industry manage to fly under the radar while operating with an “anything goes” attitude?

That’s why I decided it was time to go deep into the underbelly of the online business world and start unpacking WHY this industry is so seriously messed up. 

More importantly, I wanted to see what can be done to start moving the needle back towards creating an ethical and honest approach to doing business online.

In this podcast and post, I’m putting a spotlight on the dark side of the online business industry, and sharing why now is the time for the status quo to change dramatically. 

Learn more at: https://bsfreebusiness.com/the-dark-side-of-online-business/

 

 

 

Sep 18, 2023

Systems 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

Sep 11, 2023

One 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? The answer is complicated, and that’s what we’re going to dive into in this essay and episode, along with some specific and proven ways to break the income ceiling.

Learn more at bsfreebusiness.com/income-ceiling

Sep 4, 2023

Solo 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

Aug 28, 2023

Most 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 bsfreebusiness.com/rethinking-planning

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