403 episodes

The BS-Free Service Business show takes you behind the scenes of running a business as a freelancer, creative, or agency owner, focusing on fluff-free lessons to help you grow your business and get paid. You're in the right place if you work with clients and want to create a simple AND sustainable service business.

Your host is Maggie Patterson, the creator of BS-Free Business, a content production agency owner, and a self-employed writer and consultant for nearly 20 years.

You can learn more about the podcast and BS-Free Business at http://www.bsfreebusiness.com and subscribe to never miss an episode.

The BS-Free Service Business Show Maggie Patterson

    • Business
    • 4.8 • 67 Ratings

The BS-Free Service Business show takes you behind the scenes of running a business as a freelancer, creative, or agency owner, focusing on fluff-free lessons to help you grow your business and get paid. You're in the right place if you work with clients and want to create a simple AND sustainable service business.

Your host is Maggie Patterson, the creator of BS-Free Business, a content production agency owner, and a self-employed writer and consultant for nearly 20 years.

You can learn more about the podcast and BS-Free Business at http://www.bsfreebusiness.com and subscribe to never miss an episode.

    The State of “Ethical” Business 2024

    The State of “Ethical” Business 2024

    This week, we're sharing our most recent Duped episode, where we break down what's going on in the world of "ethical" business.
    _____________

    Is the state of ethical business actually improving in 2024? Are we actually making some progress?
    Well, it’s a good news/bad news kind of story.
    The good is that we’re finally starting to see more and more people reject the status quo business practices, including manipulative marketing and scammy sales practices. 
    The bad is that this industry is very fickle, and while it’s good to hear more discussions about ethical business, certain topics have fallen off the radar. And whether these conversations translate into change still remains to be seen.
    In this episode, we’re digging into the state of ethical business in 2024 and having a raw conversation about where things really stand. 
    We discuss: The monetization of burnout and why hustling isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.
    The sudden pivot from people who used to talk about “the right way to market” to now preaching the opposite. 
    The predictable patterns in the industry and why it’s often easy to see what’s coming as things shift.
    What we recommend you watch for in the coming months.

    For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online.

    For more Duped, including monthly bonus episodes, join the Patreon.

    • 55 min
    The Real Cost of Bad Boundaries with Clients

    The Real Cost of Bad Boundaries with Clients

    Real talk about working with clients: Whether you’re battling scope creep or sacrificing your personal time and energy to meet client demands, you can easily end up feeling tired and resentful.

    Having boundaries with clients is essential or our business dreams can turn into a full-on nightmare.

    In this episode, we’re looking at the real cost of “bad” boundaries with clients and how to build healthier, more sustainable client relationships. 
    Topics discussed in this episode include:
    What are client boundaries really?
    How you can be your own worst enemies when it comes to not enforcing) client boundaries. 
    The sneaky ways that bad boundaries with clients may show up in your business.
    How much do shaky boundaries with clients really cost?
    The long-term personal impact of our client boundaries and how it can lead to burnout. 
    How to set boundaries with your clients and stick to them. 

    For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com.

    To stay in the loop by email, sign up for updates at https://bsfreebusiness.com/newsletter/

    • 19 min
    The Real Cost of Content Creation

    The Real Cost of Content Creation

    Are you holding your business back if you don’t blog, podcast, and post on social media?
    The reality of content creation is that it costs precious time, money and so much more.
    But is it actually worth it? The answer? It depends!
    In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the real cost of content creation. Get ready to uncover the truth behind the price tag of online visibility.
    Topics discussed in this episode include:
    The role of content creation for many service businesses and if you really need it or not. 
    Exploring the value of content marketing and how you don’t really need to be everywhere. 
    How much time it takes me to create this podcast and other types of content, along with industry averages? 
    How much money you can expect to spend on content creation: DIY vs. outsourcing, tools, and skills/training.
    The cost of producing this show every year. 
    Assessing if content creation is delivering the results or if it’s a waste of time.
    For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com.
    To stay in the loop by email, sign up for updates at https://bsfreebusiness.com/newsletter/

    • 20 min
    The Real Cost of Building Multiple Streams of Income

    The Real Cost of Building Multiple Streams of Income

    You’re busy and booked but looking for ways to make more money.

    Welcome to the service business owner’s dilemma!

    In this episode of the ‘Real Cost Of’ series, I’m cutting the BS by debunking myths and unveiling the real costs of adding new income streams. 
    Topics covered in this episode include:
    The challenges of trying to grow your revenue when you’re booked out.
    Why the one-to-many model for courses and programs is so enticing?  
    The hidden costs of adding income streams. 
    My personal experiences with launching one-to-many offers.
    How adding this kind of offer is like starting another business. 
    How much marketing do you need to make one-to-many offers work. 
    The potential costs for the tech and skills you need for creating these new revenue streams. 
    The financial implications and opportunity cost.
    Alternative ways to add income streams without switching up your business model. 

    For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com.

    To stay in the loop by email, sign up for updates at https://bsfreebusiness.com/newsletter/

    • 19 min
    The Real Cost of Creating an Agency

    The Real Cost of Creating an Agency

    Have you ever wondered what creating an agency costs?

    If you’re wondering if it’s the right move for your service business, you’ll definitely want to listen to this episode. 
    In this installment of the 'Real Cost Of' series, I’m taking you behind the scenes and spilling the tea on the real costs of agency ownership, including the financial realities, the rollercoaster of leadership, and more. 
    Topics covered in this episode include:
    Answering the common question of transitioning from a solopreneur to a micro agency.
    The appeal of creating an agency and why the real cost is more complex than expected.
    The shift from solo CEO to team leader and what’s involved. 
    Managing client expectations as you go from me to we. 
    What you need to know about the potential personal costs of agency ownership. 
    The highs (and lows) of working with a team. For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com.

    To stay in the loop by email, sign up for updates at https://bsfreebusiness.com/newsletter/

    • 10 min
    The Real Cost of Tech and Tools for Solopreneurs

    The Real Cost of Tech and Tools for Solopreneurs

    Ready to uncover the must-haves and money pits in your solo business tech toolkit? 
    In this episode of the 'Real Cost Of' series, we'll dig deep into the world of tech and tools for solopreneurs. Discover what's essential, what's extravagant, and the red flags to watch out for!\
    Topic covered in this episode include:
    How the tech stack used by solopreneurs varies based on business size and stage.
    The essential tech tools for solopreneurs.
    How to choose tech tools based on individual business needs, services offered, and skill level.
    The risk of getting lured into buying unnecessary tools due to celebrity endorsements.
    Yearly costs for different tech stacks.
    How to consider both the financial and non-financial costs of tech tools.
    A cautionary tale of investing in expensive tools without the necessary expertise to use them effectively.
    The importance of tools enabling time-saving and simplicity rather than adding complexity and stress.

    For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com.

    To stay in the loop by email, sign up for updates at https://bsfreebusiness.com/newsletter/

    • 16 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
67 Ratings

67 Ratings

Amanda Haley ,

Worth a Listen!

Maggie shares extremely insightful advice for business owners and breaks things down in a fun and digestible way! Definitely a great podcast for anyone looking to improve their business.

MI Music Studio ,

Refreshingly honest!

It is so refreshing to hear someone talk about online practices in an open and honest way! It has helped me avoid pitfalls for sure!

Mayra W. ,

Real talk that is helpful!

Enjoyed listening to the show, like how Maggie gives real insightful advise on how to have a sustainable business.

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