
Staying Solo
Growing a solo service business is tough. It’s even harder when you’re bombarded with BS advice that steers you away from your values and why you started your business in the first place.
This is the podcast for solo creatives and consultants who want to remain as a team of one and have zero interest in the hustle and grind of typical business teachings.
Most podcasts for solopreneurs and freelancers, hosted by out-of-touch celebrity entrepreneurs who haven't offered one-to-one services in years, miss the mark on today's market realities.
Maggie Patterson, a service business owner for 20 years, understands that to stay solo, you need to know what matters to you, what works for you, and what you should completely ignore.
In each episode, she examines one piece of conventional business advice to discover how it may hurt your business or be completely wrong for you as a solo business owner.
Join Maggie for real talk to help you avoid burnout or the desire to entirely burn down your business to open a flower shop, book store, or cat cafe. (Because those cats won’t pay the bills.)
(Formerly the BS-Free Service Business Show)
Latest episodes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Feb 17, 2025 • 15min
The Truth About Your Offers (And How to Get Them Right)
Most offer advice is a ticking time bomb—created for businesses nothing like yours by people who haven’t worked with an actual client in years. It’s overhyped, overcomplicated, and entirely out of touch. From the mythical signature offer to the never-ending offer ladder, this advice isn’t built for solo service providers but for mass-market, one-size-fits-all business models. How do you create offers that actually work for your business in 2025? Topics discussed in this episode include: Why the advice about offers is so out of touch. The trap of the signature offer and why you need to steer clear. Using The Strategy Stack to create offers people will buy. The O.F.F.E.R.S. Audit and how to do one for your service business. 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.

Feb 10, 2025 • 23min
The Strategy Stack: How to Actually Sell Your Services
As a solo service provider, you’ve heard it before—nail the basics, then keep growing. But business isn’t static, and neither is your strategy. As you evolve, so should your foundation. Meet the Strategy Stack—a framework to help you refine and strengthen your business, one layer at a time. In this episode, I’m breaking down the Strategy Stack—what it is, how each layer fits together (because they have to), and how to keep your business on track, no matter what changes. Topics discussed in this episode include: Why we often skip the basics and overcomplicate things. What is the Strategy Stack? Breaking down all 5 layers (in order) and why they matter to your business. The biggest mistakes people make with these fundamental, strategic parts of your business and how to avoid them. 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.

Feb 3, 2025 • 28min
Enough Already: Making Money with Meaning for Solo Service Business Owners
Everyone's chasing six or seven figures like it's the ultimate goal—but is it really? The truth is that revenue without purpose can leave you overworked, overwhelmed, and wondering if you’ve built a business or a burden. Success isn’t just about making more money. It’s about making money that actually supports your life and goals. So, how do you break free from the revenue rat race and build a business that serves YOU? In this episode, we’re breaking down how you can approach business in a way that gets you out of the trap of constantly doing more and making more. Topics discussed in this episode include: What it means to make money with meaning. Why do so many of us get caught in the constant cycle of hustling? How to recognize when you’re chasing the wrong goals. Three specific steps to make money with meaning. What happens when you make money with meaning? 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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