
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

Jun 17, 2019 • 28min
Meg Casebolt on Adding Value with Collaborations
When you want to find clients, it’s easy to focus on tried and true tactics, like referrals, but what happens when those tactics run out of steam or you need to do something new? In this episode of the Small Business Boss podcast, guest Meg Casebolt is going to take us behind-the-scenes of her business and show us how she’s used collaborations to build her client roster. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, or Stitcher.

Jun 10, 2019 • 12min
Taking Control of Your Summer Schedule
FACT: I take my summer very seriously. If you just read that and thought “I wish!” or “I don’t know how” — it’s not too late! In this episode of the Small Business Boss podcast, I’m sharing what you can do right now, as in today, to take control of your schedule and get the freedom you’re after this summer. Get the scoop here: https://smallbusinessboss.co/control-of-your-summer-schedule/

Jun 3, 2019 • 29min
Nevica Vasquez on Finding Your Biz Besties
When you work in an office, it’s easy to form friendships and relationships to help you weather the ups and downs. But when you work from home, it’s a totally different ballgame, and it’s easy to feel disconnected. In this episode, guest Nevica Vasquez shares how to find your business besties and why they’re so critical to your business success. Get the inside scoop right here: https://smallbusinessboss.co/finding-your-biz-besties/

May 27, 2019 • 12min
The April Recap
The April recap is here, and I’m dishing up a lot of things that happened in the month — most of which could be filed under “unexpected.” You can get the behind-the-scenes of Small Business Boss and Scoop Studios in the April recap episode which is now available. Get the scoop here: https://smallbusinessboss.co/april-2019-recap/

May 20, 2019 • 19min
Ashley Gartland on Running a Full-Time Business on Part-time Hours
Over the years of running my business, I’ve been through cycles of working too many hours to count and then others where I was making great money but not working all that much. Amid the hype of working from the beach or only four hours a week, it’s easy to feel completely cynical that the freedom you started your business in search of is even possible. And while it’s all about seasons in business, I want you to know that the flexible, freedom-filled schedule you may be seeking is possible. In this new episode of the Small Business Boss podcast, guest Ashley Gartland shares a realistic map to getting to that part-time, flexible schedule you’re dreaming of. Get the scoop here: https://smallbusinessboss.co/full-time-business-on-part-time-hours

May 13, 2019 • 9min
Are you Managing or Leading?
The idea of managing versus leading is nothing new, but it’s something I’ve personally been working on a lot. The truth is, I’m VERY comfortable as a manager. I’m great at managing clients, budgets and all the strategies and tactics. I’m comfortable in the day-to-day, and it’s very tangible, so it’s an easy default place for me to operate from. Sound familiar? In this episode, I’m breaking down managing vs. leading and how that’s changing my business, with some takeaways for you to apply to your business — even if you’re a team of one! Get the scoop here: https://smallbusinessboss.co/managing-or-leading/

May 6, 2019 • 23min
Tara Newman on Being a High Performer
Are you always looking for ways to be more productive? To get more done? I know I sure am, but this week’s guest on the Small Business Boss podcast, Tara Newman, turns this quest for productivity on its head. Mind blown. If you’re all about accomplishments and to-do lists, you’ll want to give this a listen to hear Tara break this down and share how other people’s blueprints for success simply aren’t the answer. Get the scoop here: https://smallbusinessboss.co/being-a-high-performer/

Apr 29, 2019 • 9min
How to Find Potential Clients Online
Oh, magical Internet with all your superpowers, surely you can help me find allllll the clients without breaking a sweat. If only it was that easy! In this new episode of the Small Business Boss podcast, we’re getting real about how to find potential clients online. And this episode isn’t about funnels or email lists. Instead, we’re going to break down some of the best tactics to help you find clients online that don’t involve you creating mounds of content and killing yourself to try to become an Instagram superstar. Get the scoop here: https://smallbusinessboss.co/how-to-find-potential-clients-online

Apr 22, 2019 • 10min
How to Get Clients FAST in 2019
You need a new client...like yesterday. So what’s a boss to do? I’ve definitely been there, and in this episode, I’m sharing the fastest ways to get clients in the door here in 2019. These are practical, proven and exactly what you need to put into action the next time you have a spot to fill on your client roster. You can listen on the Small Business Boss website here → https://smallbusinessboss.co/how-to-get-clients-fast/

Apr 15, 2019 • 10min
The Recap - March 2019
March was full of ups...and quite a few downs, but in the name of keepin’ it real, I share them with you in my latest episode of the Small Business Boss podcast. You can listen now where you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.