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Staying Solo

Maggie Patterson, BS-Free Business

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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 y ...
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The Brassy Broadcast is an exploration of ways we create, engage, and communicate more effectively using the technology, social media, and platforms available to us. We're living through a revolution in how content is created. AI tools can now help with every aspect of content creation - from ideation to research, copywriting, editing, creating graphics, and beyond. These tools can save you hours of work and help you produce more polished content than ever before, but there's a darkside to t ...
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Ever feel like summer turns your business brain to mush? One moment you’re laser-focused, the next you’re chasing distractions, half-replying to Slack, and wondering why everything feels… off. That’s not a productivity problem—it’s fragmentation. And it hits hardest when we try to run our businesses like it’s any other season, even when everything …
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Where can you use AI to streamline your podcast and content creation, without losing the secret sauce that makes you and your message stand out? If you’re anything like me, you want deeper connections with clients, not just more “content.” But as AI shakes up our creative world, how can we work smarter with AI, while staying true to ourselves and k…
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If your sales have slowed and your offer isn’t landing, it’s probably not your pricing—it’s your positioning. In a tight market, buyers aren’t gambling on vague promises or “kinda-sorta” solutions. They’re choosing clarity, confidence, and specialists who solve specific problems. This episode is your wake-up call to stop blending in. We’re breaking…
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What if your best ideas aren’t gone…they’re just buried under a packed calendar and constant noise? If every idea feels stale and your creativity’s running on fumes, this episode is your permission slip to slow down. In this episode, we’re unpacking the myth of “always-on” creativity, why overcommitment is killing your best ideas, and how to build …
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Ever tried a “simple” recipe only to end up with a kitchen disaster? That’s how most business owners run their businesses—turning something straightforward into a chaotic mess. The truth? Overcomplication is a scam. More income streams, endless platforms, and 57-step sales funnels won’t save you—they’ll sink you. In this episode, we’re breaking it …
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What is AI really costing you when you hand over your creative control? If you’re a solo or small business owner creating content to grow your business, you already know the pressure to keep up. Between SEO demands, audience expectations, and new AI tools promising shortcuts, it’s tempting to hand over control and “let the robot do it.” But will yo…
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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 …
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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 …
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What if the real secret to getting better results with AI isn’t finding the “perfect” tool, but learning how to work with the tools you already have to create the results you want? In this episode, I’m joined by Sonya Sigler, an executive coach, attorney, and someone who’s been working with AI technology inside businesses long before AI became the …
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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 su…
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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 wa…
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What if using AI in your business isn’t just a tech decision—but a values decision? That’s the question I’ve been wrestling with as I try to figure out how to incorporate AI into my business in a way that supports my creativity and integrity. This is the first episode in a new series in which I’m exploring how solo and small professional services p…
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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 garbag…
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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 c…
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Have you ever found yourself standing at the crossroads with your podcast? That quiet, empty intersection where the path forward isn't clear? The road stretches in three directions. One road continues the miserable soul-sucking journey of producing your podcast even though the spark is gone. Another veers toward a pivot - changing direction while k…
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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 w…
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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…
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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 fo…
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Is hopping onto the video bandwagon necessary for your podcast success or just an overhyped distraction? This episode has some key considerations to get you thinking about strategically adding, or not adding, video as a podcast format. Chapters (00:00) Are you feeling pressured to add video to your podcast? (01:53) Questions to ask yourself BEFORE …
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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…
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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-si…
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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…
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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 br…
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You’re burnt out from the grind, drowning in noise, and questioning whether the version of success we were all sold was ever worth it. Sound familiar? Hustle culture promised us freedom, but all it delivered was stress, overwork, and businesses that feel more like a trap. We’ve been told that bigger is always better, that scaling is the only way fo…
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How do I grow my podcast audience? First, you ask a different question. If you're tired of "experts" selling you magic bullet solutions, SEO tricks, and social media hacks that promise the world but deliver nothing – this episode is for you. I'm about to give you a 3 part growth strategy that has nothing to do with trying to please an algorithm. Ye…
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 How do you make a podcast that stands out?  How do you position your podcast in the minds of your target listeners? Learn how to differentiate your podcast, make it stand out from all others in your niche, and position it as the go-to podcast for your ideal audience. As always, we will wrap it up with a challenge at the end to help you put what yo…
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Is your podcast intro killing your podcast? Your intro makes or breaks the episode. This is where your listener decides if this episode is worthy of their time. If you're losing listeners or viewers in the first couple of minutes of an episode, you need to fix your intro.  In this episode of the Basic Broadcast Series, you are going to learn the fi…
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Are you attracting the RIGHT clients with your podcast? Are you creating content for people who are never going to hire you? Stop wasting your time! Don't make the same mistake I almost made with this podcast series. Learn three practices to clarify the content you need to create to attract the right clients for you. Connect with Jen Download Your …
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Starting a podcast for your business this year? A big frustration for small business owners after they start a podcast is that they aren’t seeing “results.” The root is this frustration is caused by a lack of clarity. They didn’t take time in the planning phase to get clear on the purpose of the podcast and how they wanted to use it in their busine…
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The Basic Broadcast Podcast series launches on December 27th. So what? In this upcoming series, we are diving into the essentials of podcasting, focusing on clarity, consistency, and connection. These three core elements impact every area of your podcast. Forget about tips, tricks, and growth hacks; this podcast is all about foundational practices …
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Adaptation is key if you want to run a sustainable service business as a team. What worked a year (or even a month) ago may be ineffective in the current market. What your clients want may have evolved, and your personal goals may have changed. The tricky part can be understanding when it’s time to change things up or when it’s best to stay on your…
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Traditional planning often fails solo business owners… Yet, everywhere you look, it’s the same old thing: big, bold goals, detailed action plans, and endless hype about setting yourself up for your “best year ever.” The problem? You don’t have endless resources to make all these big, lofty goals a reality. You’re a team of one, meaning your time an…
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It seems like people are talking about AI everywhere you turn these days. As a result, many of us are trying to figure out how AI fits into our business. And if it does have a place in what you do, what about those legit legal and ethical concerns? How can we use it in a way that doesn’t strip us of our creativity? In this episode, I’m breaking it …
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Here’s the deal: packaging your services doesn’t have to be overcomplicated. Forget the endless “value ladders” and 15-step sales funnels, your clients just want something simple and easy to understand. In this episode, we discuss how to package your services so they’re simple, clear, and—most importantly—sellable. Topics discussed in this episode …
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Monday morning. You’re feeling motivated and ready to tackle the week. Your to-do list is set, and you’re ready to CRUSH IT. And then… Friday rolls around, and you’re wondering where it all went wrong. Despite your “best-case scenario planning,” reality had other ideas. How do you avoid this trap so you aren’t setting yourself up to fail? This epis…
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Trust is the bedrock of every great client relationship, so imagine what it would be like if every single client trusted you implicitly without hesitation. The question is — how do you create that? It starts with avoiding sketchy marketing and the pushy sales gimmicks often promoted by celebrity entrepreneurs. In this episode, I show you why stayin…
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"Always be closing!" "Overcome objections!" "Push for the deal!" These are just a few of the familiar refrains we often hear when it comes to selling. It’s all pushy, and for many solo service business owners, the idea of sales already feels uncomfortable. After all, you didn’t start your business to become a salesperson, did you? The truth is that…
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This week, we’re sharing our most recent Duped episode, where we discuss Master Resell Rights. _____________________________ Have you ever seen an offer on social media claiming you can make big bucks in no time at all if you sell something created by someone else? Welcome to the world of Master Resell Rights, where you allegedly can get rich from …
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Have you ever worked with a client who, despite hiring you for your expertise, just won’t listen to what you tell them? The idea that the client is wrong goes against everything we’ve been taught, so it’s a hard habit to break. But the reality is that, yes, sometimes the client IS wrong. In this episode, I’m sharing how to handle those moments when…
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Do you ever feel like all the marketing advice you hear from celebrity entrepreneurs always ends up being far more work than you ever imagined — and rarely gets the results you’re looking for? The reality is that these folks are doing you dirty with their one-size-fits-all marketing playbooks. In this episode, I explain why celebrity entrepreneur a…
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Do you feel caught in a cycle of working more to make more money but melting down because you’re overwhelmed and overworked? While you can run this loop for a while, it’s not sustainable. You’re more than our work; you need a life while tending to your health and mental well-being. In this episode, I’m diving into how to create your Capacity Code—a…
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Feeling trapped in a rinse-and-repeat cycle where you work more, make more, get exhausted, recover, and then do it all over again? Listen to this quick training that I wanted to share with you, which includes: What the time vs. money trap is Why you may be feeling stuck The key levers you have to break out of it Tune in to discover how to grow your…
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Do you ever feel like you work work work and yet never get ahead with your salary? Celeb entrepreneurs love to tell us we need to spend money to make money, but that toxic myth often leads us to make decisions that aren’t in our best interests. In this episode, I will show you how to pay yourself first, grow your salary, and build a business that w…
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The reality of being a solo business owner is that there are only so many hours in the day. You want to make more money, but you also want not ultimately to burn out. So what’s a solo biz owner to do? In this episode, I’m breaking down the myth of scaling and showing you how to use strategy to grow your business without burning out. Topics discusse…
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Ever been told that when it comes to your business, bigger is better? As solo business owners, we’re constantly inundated with advice telling us we “need” to grow and scale. But is that really the case? (Spoiler: it’s not!) In this episode, we’re unpacking why the pressure to scale often backfires and leaves service business owners stressed, overwo…
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In a world of celebrity entrepreneurs pedalling generic business advice unsuitable for SERVICE or SOLO business owners, I’ve spent years separating fact from fiction. That’s precisely why we’re announcing some exciting changes to this podcast. Here’s what you need to know. With our next episode, the BS-Free Service Business show will rebrand as the…
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If you’re anything like me, you love it when people let you peek behind the curtains of their business so you can see what's really going on. In today’s episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of my businesses and sharing my halfway highlights now that we’re halfway through 2024. Topics discussed in this episode include: What’s been going on econ…
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What if I told you that the key to a sustainable business (that you don’t want to burn to the ground once a week) ISN’T doing more? It's about doing LESS — but doing it better. In this episode, I’m flipping the script on your default “hustle hard” programming and sharing what really matters when growing a service business as a solopreneur. Topics d…
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This time of year gives us a natural time to pause and take stock of what’s happening in our businesses. Think of it this way: it’s about curiosity, not comparison, and finding joy, not judgment. In this episode, I’m sharing a simple way to reset and recharge your business for the rest of 2024. Topics discussed in this episode include: Why pausing …
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The sun is shining, summer is right around the corner and for many of us, we’re ready to get outside and play. The problem? Hustle culture tells us that we need to work work work. Otherwise, our business will crumble. And even if we DO take some time off, we should still be available to our clients. But those are just a few of the many lies we’ve b…
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