What if the most human decision in your business is your offer structure?

In this episode, Jessica and Meg are joined by Nick Bennett and Erica Schneider, the duo behind Duo Consulting, for a conversation about business models, burnout, and what’s really behind scale. They trace their journey from the course boom and “productized” advice back toward deeply human, high-touch service work—and the freedom that came with doing less, but better.

They talk about what happens when you stop selling one-time solutions and solve recurring problems, how to rethink retainers, and why “selling like a human” is still the most powerful business strategy. The group also digs into the false hierarchy between consulting, coaching, and implementation—and how being hands-on can actually create more impact, more fulfillment, and better outcomes for clients.

Tired of the “retainers” vs. “courses” vs. “productized services” debates on LinkedIn about the best business model? Learn how we’re all building the kind of business that fits our energy, our brains, and our lives.

* Nick and Erica’s evolution from solo operators to partners at Duo Consulting

* Why they retired their successful course and community in favor of 1:1 work

* Why most “passive income” models still require constant marketing

* How to match recurring problems with recurring offers

* The debate between retainers, projects, and sprints—and why none are one-size-fits-all

* How to sell like a human instead of hiding behind funnels and scripts

* Why client success—not volume—is the real measure of scale

* The false hierarchy between coaching, consulting, and done-for-you work

* How standardization, automation, and selective delegation create sustainable growth

The reason we’re so passionate about helping our clients move to solving an ongoing problem is that in that retainer model you get to drag your clients to glory. Because then you can say, “look at all of this awesome success that my clients have working with me”. I would rather my clients work with five people a year and have those five people be massively successful than work with 50 people a year and have no clue or help them achieve nothing.” - Nick Bennett

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Meg Casebolt

Jessica Lackey

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aggressivelyhuman.substack.com

Jeana Ripple: Architecture, materials, technology and equity.