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Staying Solo

Latest episodes

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May 5, 2025 • 12min

The Follow-Up Fix: How to Follow Up with Clients Without the Cringe

Feel like a clingy ex every time you follow up with a client? You’re not needy—you’re leading. Clients aren’t ignoring you, they’re busy. Following up isn’t desperate—it’s part of your job. In this episode, we’re getting real about following up with clients without feeling needy or annoying. I’ll show you why follow-up feels so awkward, how to fix that mindset, and break down the four most common types of follow-up so you can put this into practice. Topics discussed in this episode include: Why we feel weird about following up  Four ways you can follow up without feeling pushy Following Up with Leads After a Call  Proposal Follow-Up Existing Client Follow-Up The Post-Project Follow-Up Tips for making your follow-ups feel natural and effective For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com. Be sure to subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode, and you can get Staying Solo updates by email by signing up here.
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Apr 28, 2025 • 14min

No Sleaze, No Cheese: Discovery Calls That Actually Work

Tired of discovery calls that feel like free coaching sessions and awkward sales scripts? You’ve been sold a lie—overdeliver, be the “helpful expert,” and somehow close without selling. That doesn’t work. Not for Done-For-You service providers. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to do discovery calls in a straightforward, honest, and effective way. And the best part? It’s way simpler than you’ve been led to believe. Topics discussed in this episode include: What is a discovery call? What you want to achieve on a discovery call The challenges with discovery calls Tips for turning a discovery call into a meaningful discussion Tips for rethinking how you execute on your discovery calls For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com. Be sure to subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode, and you can get Staying Solo updates by email by signing up here.
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Apr 21, 2025 • 12min

Staying Solo Series - Maggie’s Story

This week I’m sharing my story from my new private podcast series, Staying Solo Stories.  Staying Solo Stories is a private podcast where we dig into the real, unfiltered stories of business owners who’ve chosen to stay intentionally small—people who are proving every single day that you don’t need a big team or a complicated business model to be successful. In this episode, I share how I went from a freelancer with a baby at home to a business owner who’s still here, 20 years later—without scaling, without burning out, and without playing by the usual rules. Topics discussed in this episode: Starting a business out of necessity, not ambition. How I built my business via relationships. Experimenting with online business and learning some hard lessons. Choosing to stay small and sustainable on purpose. Sign up to hear the rest of the Solo Stories series episodes: www.stayingsolostories.com Get your copy of the Staying Solo book now: www.stayingsolobook.com For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com. Be sure to subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode, and you can get Staying Solo updates by email by signing up here.
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Apr 14, 2025 • 12min

Behind the Scenes of the Staying Solo Book

You know what’s wild? I’ve been podcasting for 11 years, writing even longer—but the moment I decided to write a book, I completely freaked out. Why? I’ve shared my words for years, but somehow, a book felt different.  In this episode, we’re going beyond the book—what it took to write Staying Solo®, how I got it done, and what I learned along the way.  Topics discussed in this episode include: The Staying Solo® book origin story. The good, bad and ugly of the writing process. The editing and publishing experience. What I wish I’d known before I started.  How to join in the Staying Solo movement.  Get your copy of the Staying Solo book now. Sign up here for Staying Solo updates by email. For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com. Be sure to subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.
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Apr 7, 2025 • 10min

You’re Not Playing Small (The Staying Solo Book is Here!)

What if the advice on growing a business isn’t just wrong—but hurting you? We’re told success means scaling, hiring, and going bigger. But what if that’s holding you back from a profitable, sustainable business that works for you? Staying Solo isn’t settling; it’s a strategy. Topics discussed in this episode include: My frustrations with hot garbage business advice. The disrespect for people who choose to stay solo. The problems the book solves and why it’s just not another business book.  How to get involved in the book launch. Get your copy of the Staying Solo book now. Sign up here for Staying Solo updates by email. For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com. Be sure to subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.
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Mar 24, 2025 • 20min

Set Your Business Boundaries: Stop Letting Clients Walk All Over You

You built your business for freedom, not to be on call 24/7. So why are you still checking emails at night and saying yes when you mean no? Ignoring boundaries leads to chaos, stress, and clients pushing limits. And no, charging more or “manifesting better” won’t magically fix it. The real solution? Boundaries. They turn a frantic business into a calm, profitable, and predictably boring one—in the best way. In this episode,  we’re talking about why boundaries aren’t optional, how to set them without guilt, and how they’re the key to building a peaceful, profitable business. Topics discussed in this episode include: Why boundaries aren’t optional for service businesses. How excuses keep you stuck and what consider if you’re a people pleaser.  Tangible ideas for setting boundaries and sticking to them.  The long-term benefits of having good boundaries in your business that you may not expect.  For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com. Be sure to subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode, and you can get Staying Solo updates by email by signing up here.
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Mar 16, 2025 • 21min

The Real Deal: What It’s Like to Work With Me

Have you ever joined a business coaching program that promised to be the only system you’ll ever need—only to wish for a time machine to get your money back? Same. That’s why I do things differently. If you want the real, no-fluff experience of working with me, you’re in the right place. In this episode, I’m giving you the real deal on how I work with clients, why I’m not here to sell you a cookie-cutter formula, and how BS-Free Business is different.  Topics discussed in this episode include: Why there’s so much cookie-cutter business advice.  Determining what you need: coaching vs consulting. What real people have to say about working with me. The importance of community and working with people that understand your needs and capacity. Why accountability can be the backbone of business growth How to work with me in 2025. For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com. Be sure to subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode, and you can get Staying Solo updates by email by signing up here.
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Mar 10, 2025 • 18min

Increase Your Income: No Sleazy Shortcuts, Just Solid Strategy

Predictable revenue may not be flashy, but it’s the foundation of a business that lasts. While others chase trends and burnout, you’ll have steady income, reliable clients, and peace of mind. Because a business that pays you consistently isn’t boring—it’s profitable, sustainable, and stress-free. In this episode, we’re discussing how to trade chaos for consistency, stop chasing quick wins, and start building income you can count on.  Topics discussed in this episode include: Why chasing trends won’t save you. Why predictable income is the holy grail of a boring business. Steps to make a predictable income including:  Retainers and recurring revenue. Making longer commitments. Productizing your services. Setting clear payment terms Building long-lasting client relationships.  For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com. Be sure to subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode, and you can get Staying Solo updates by email by signing up here
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Mar 3, 2025 • 15min

Why Core Values Are Important: Land the Right Clients, Lose the Wrong Ones

Ever wonder why some clients feel like a dream while others make you question everything?  Spoiler: It’s not just bad luck—it might be misaligned values. If your core values are buried on your website, you risk attracting the wrong clients who ignore boundaries and drain your energy.  But when your values are front and center, they act as a filter for you.  In this episode, we’re talking about how to put your values to work so you land the right clients and lose the wrong ones—before they drain you dry. Topics discussed in this episode include: Why your business needs to lead with values. How core values act as a built-in filter. Tips for defining your business values.  Key questions to ask yourself when defining values. How to make your values clear to everyone. Why your values always need to come first.  For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com. Be sure to subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode, and you can get Staying Solo updates by email by signing up here.
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Feb 24, 2025 • 15min

The Power of a Micro Niche (Because "Just Pick a Niche" is Lazy Advice)

Ever had someone nod blankly when you explain what you do? That’s the problem with a broad niche—people don’t get it, and if they don’t, they won’t hire you. In 2025, specificity isn’t optional—it’s the key to standing out.  A broad niche means more competition and fewer ideal clients. But when you zero in on the right people, the right problem, and the right positioning? Everything clicks. In this episode, we’re breaking down why broad niches don’t work anymore, how micro niching simplifies marketing, and what it takes to carve out a profitable, sustainable space for your business. Let’s get into it. Topics discussed in this episode include: Why picking a niche isn’t that simple. What is a micro niche? Why micro niches work for today’s market. How to choose your micro niche. A step-by-step example of how a micro niche can work.  Why micro nicheing is  For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com. Be sure to subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode, and you can get Staying Solo updates by email by signing up here.

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