
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

May 8, 2023 • 10min
Sustainable Systems for Your Service Business
What if there was a way to do less of the things that drag you down and more of what you enjoy doing in your business? What if what you’ve been taught about systems is way too complicated for what you actually need? In this episode, we’re talking about creating sustainable systems for your service business, including why it can be so much simpler than you may think. Learn more at: bsfreebusiness.com/sustainable-systems

May 1, 2023 • 37min
The Realities of Burnout and Your Business with Brittany Berger
We’re all familiar with the idea of being burnt out, especially over the last few years. Many of us have experienced burnout firsthand. But why is burnout so pervasive in online business? And should we trust the people peddling burnout solutions who used to sell us hustle culture? In this episode, I explore the realities of burnout and your business with my guest Brittany Berger. Find out more at bsfreebusiness.com

Apr 24, 2023 • 14min
How We Closed for 57 Days in 2022
Back in late 2021, I made a decision that changed my business. I decided that starting in January 2022, our office would be closed on Fridays. This decision was made in addition to our two annual office closures in July and September, closing our office for 57 work days. In this episode, I’m sharing how exactly I did it and what you need to consider before you take the plunge. Find out more at: bsfreebusiness.com/closed-for-57-days

Apr 17, 2023 • 34min
What You Need to Know About LinkedIn for 2023 with Andréa Jones
Social media is constantly changing, and what you may have been doing a year ago may not work today. This is resulting in alot of people taking a hard look at LinkedIn as a way to market and build a community for their business. In this episode, we’re diving into what you, as a service business owner, need to know about LinkedIn for 2023. Find out more at: smallbusinessboss.co/LinkedIn-for-2023

Apr 10, 2023 • 33min
The 2023 Online Business Investment Survey
In early 2021, I released the first edition of the Online Business Investment Survey to understand why people made the investments they did and what their experiences were really like. In a market with very little open discussion of people’s experiences, this survey helped shed light on how people were manipulated and what they wanted from their investments. Fast forward to 2023, and I’m still here banging my drum about the BS in the online business world, so I decided to do the survey again to explore how things have evolved over the past two years. What I share in this podcast episode is a tiny snapshot of a much bigger industry problem where there’s a massive disconnect between what’s being sold and what’s being delivered. Learn more at bsfreebusiness.com/2023-online-business-investment-survey

Apr 3, 2023 • 40min
DUPED SEASON 4: The Manipulation of Manifestation
*This week, we're sharing a new episode of Duped season 4 for your listening pleasure.* Online business is steeped in manifestation talk, especially regarding money. But should you believe what your coach tells you about how investing in their high ticket mastermind is a way to accomplish your goals by betting on yourself? Are you missing some secret way of making money and making your dreams come true? In this episode, we’re digging into manifestation, including the gaslighting and grifting that’s everywhere. Want more? Join us on Patreon for bonus and behind-the-scenes content. Find us at patreon.com/duped Learn more on our website at duped.online

Mar 27, 2023 • 22min
The Power of Retainer Clients
If there’s one tried and true way of delivering services to clients, it’s the retainer model. While it’s often overlooked for project engagements or VIP days, a retainer with the proper structure can be incredibly powerful. In this episode, we’re exploring everything you need to know about retainer clients. Find out more at bsfreebusiness.com/retainer-clients

Mar 20, 2023 • 20min
Should You Offer VIP Day Services?
Everyone is talking about VIP days, but are they right for you and your business? In this episode, we’re looking at everything you need to know to answer the question of whether you should offer VIP day services or not. Find out more at bsfreebusiness.com/VIP-days

Mar 13, 2023 • 19min
How to Sell More Strategy in 2023
Maybe you’re selling strategy, and you want to sell more of it in 2023. Maybe you’ve been thinking about selling strategy, and now it’s time to start. In this episode, we’re digging into everything you need to know to sell more strategy in 2023 with a BS-free look at what you may be missing or need to do next. Find out more at bsfreebusiness.com/sell-more-strategy

Mar 6, 2023 • 26min
Selling Your Services: Myth Busting 2023 Edition
Confused about the latest trends or advice on selling your services? You’re not alone in that, as there’s so much advice out there, that is confusing and contradictory. In this episode, we’re looking at myths about selling your services with a dose of my signature BS-busting. A new season of the BS-Free Service Business show starts now. Find out more at bsfreebusiness.com/sell-your-services