The BS-Free Service Business Show

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)

Recent Episodes

Episodes loading...

Recent Reviews

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.
Linsey L.

Simple and helpful

Maggie is very experienced in small business and gives really great advice and insights into the small business world. I really enjoy that she does not simply talk crap about people, but offers solutions to how we can be more transparent, honest, and authentic in our businesses while still making money. We don't need to use tricks to get people to trust us and buy from us.
Atb275

Refreshing! Definitely a must-listen for online business owners

I love Maggie’s no-BS approach, and how she’s actually “in the trenches” as an agency owner and service provider.
Morgan Fielder (SIG)

Real talk about online marketing

A refreshing alternative to the rah rah girls
indiefeed review

Maggie doesn’t waste a second

She always speaks from experience, is super generous, and no filler/fluff. Great show!
mmb3180617

Great info but please slow down!!

The information given here is stellar business advice! But the one critic I would say is please please please slow down your pace of speaking. I get out of breath just listening to you on the podcast and get increase in anxiety just trying to keep up with everything that you’re saying. Please take a breath, pause, just like we are taught with public speaking. I often take notes during the podcast but the pace at which you are going results in me having to rewind 20 times during an episode. I feel as though we would be able to absorb and reflect on the information given more effectively if the pace was slowed down. I’m not sure if you naturally speak very quickly or if it is for the sake of time with recording the podcast but I believe we would all be better served with a slower pace taking a breath and allowing the consumer to absorb the information. But I love the content! Very helpful
crystalee6

Amazing Insights

Maggie's experience and expertise are evident in the content she shares in this podcast. Here honest and "bs-free" is a real breath of free air in the market. I highly recommend listening in!
StevieNikki

Totally loving this podcast! So glad I found it!

I am a newbie to this podcast, so I’ve been binge listening the past week. :) I love the fabulous dynamic between you two! It is not only helpful info, but it feels so natural like I’m just chatting with my bff. All I can say is please keep doing what you’re doing, and I can’t wait to soak up all the goodness. Thank you!!
Katie Joy B.

Small Business Bliss!

Maggie and her incredible guests WILL help you take your business to the next level! You’ll get tons of actionable advice and tangible tips, but you’ll also get heaps of inspiration from truly engaging individuals that have been where you are and genuinely want to see you succeed. Thanks so much for putting out such a spectacular show Maggie - keep up the great work!
Obinna M.

Good information

I listened to the episode about collaboration and will try this instead of social media. This is definitely helpful information in just 28 minutes. Will bookmark to keep listening. Thanks.
sarathesurfer

Really great advice

After several growth years, my business hit a slump and now I’m reinventing my strategy. These tips are great and the topics are exactly what I’m looking for
Hussar Engraving

Cross Country Drive

Started at episode 148 (playing backwards) and now I’m on episode 79... in two and a half days. Loving this podcasts, so much useful information, as I am considering starting a small art based business (and so much of this info is transferable) and have had SO many of my questions answered. Also educated me on so many things I had not thought of. Helps I’ve listened to about 26 hours of the program in the last few days. Thank you!
Crystal Lee Butler

Help, Authetic, Awesome

I have been listening to Maggie for years. The content she provides just keeps getting better and better. She's relatable, seasoned, and no fluff/BS is just what I love while I will continue to be a superfan.
KbeinsOTConsulting

Snippets that matter & Real Truth

This podcast is a go to for me and I appreciate the information that’s given on some very specific topics related to running a small business. I find something helpful every time I listen and usually multiple things, and it’s often something you don’t normally find resources about anywhere else. It truly is a podcast that makes the sometimes daunting task of running a small business, seem slightly more doable! Thanks for continuing to provide this podcast!!
All "nicknames" taken

Pure Gold

Oh my gosh, I feel like I’ve hit a gold mine with this podcast. These ladies (and lady) are real and so knowledgeable. I am currently embarking on opening my own Virtual Assistant business and I have learned so much from these ladies. I can’t get enough of it. From budgeting to creating an “About Me” page. I view running a service based/ online business completely different. Love it!
SamieWinker

A Real Thinker

Owning your own business is hard work and finding your way through the rough days isn't easy. This podcast helps me stay focused and think about things I haven't gotten to yet. Thanks!
serifarrell

This is the show I’ve been waiting for!

After many years doing this boss thing on my own (figuring it out as I go) I love listening to two women who relate and freely share their best practices for success. Maggie and Brit are down-to-earth, entertaining, and deliver a positive lift every week. I always look forward to my Mondays with Small Business Boss!
VeraNOLA

They gave me a roadmap for my business

I’m a yoga teacher and a life coach, and Brit & Maggie have literally given me a roadmap to build my business. I’m an accidental entrepreneur, and my learning curve was WAY steep when I quit my day job to be a full tile teacher. I knew there was a HUGE amount I didn’t know... but I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Maggie and her marketing work, and ever since I have devoured everything Scoop has produced. They’re my touch point for down-to-earth, REAL business advice. They’re generous, clever, and maybe most importantly — they’re real humans. Truly, I couldn’t have built my business as quickly and efficiently as possible. Brilliant!
StacyFriesen

Smitten with Brit & Mag!

The Small Business Boss podcast is my go-to podcast as I'm prepping for my day. I love the authentic, tell-it-like-it-is vibe of both Brittany and Maggie, and having worked alongside Brittany with a former client I can vouch from personal experience that's she is the real deal—brilliant, dedicated, honest and insightful. If you want honest, down-to-earth, quality content for your small business that's got just the right amount of wit and attitude, this podcast is for you.
Amanda Biccum

Real and Relatable Tools for Your Biz

Loving your insights and personal journeys in the entrepreneurial world. Thanks for being real and relatable when it comes to sharing with your audience. I've gotten some really great motivation and inspriation form listening to you ladies, I especially like the podcast on service based industries. Keep it up ladies this world needs you!
JThies77

Do your business a favor and subscribe to this podcast!

Seriously, if you are running a small business or thinking about it – do yourself a favor and subscribe. They’ve done the startup and growing of a service-based business. They share what they’ve learned from the proposal process to closing the deal. They tell you how to keep your clients happy and coming back for more. Their discussion on their process and tools they use will save you time and money. Thank you Maggie & Britt for taking the time and sharing!
Melisa @letsgetyouorganized

Pure Gold

Brit & Maggie have helped me soo much in launching and scaling my small biz in San Diego, CA. I love when new episodes of Small Business Boss pop up in my feed because they're ALL filled with nuggets of gold. I just completed the FREE "5 Steps to $5k Months" online course and it definitely lit a fire under my behind! I've since raised my prices and I'm on track for a $3k month with goals set to get me to $5k months by mid 2018. This podcast is a lifesaver!
2sparrowstudio

Serious good stuff!

I've been a big fan of Maggie and Brit for a long time. This podcast is a great balance of inspiration and realities of running a successful small business. They don't sugar coat anything, they get to the point, and they give great actionable advice. Whether you are just thinking about starting a business or have been in business for years they've got something for you.
keltic985

The best business podcast around!

I love that these ladies love what they do and have a passion for helping service based businesses. It’s a refreshing change from all the make “6 Figures in 6 Weeks while you sleep!” style. These ladies have great advice, actionable steps, provide support every step of the way!
Jackbrody_

Meh

I can tell they love what they do but it's not my cup of tea. If I went into detail on why one might confuse my critique with sexist intentions which is none at all. But I wish this channel and all channel best of luck !
mievans425

Love this actionable advice

Great podcast by 2 veteran entrepreneurs who tell it like it is. Love listening every week. Thanks for a great show!
Rvgirl42

Great except

I just cannot get past the Valley Girl accent of one of the hosts. I always pick up fake or exaggerated ways of speaking and it sounds very immature. Stop talking like you did in high school and use your real voice. Not everyone listening is your age.
Heather Ryan

Fantastic podcast for entrepreneurs!

I loved Maggie's other podcast, so of course I love this podcast too! Maggie and her co-host don't just tell you what you want to hear, but they tell you the actual realities of running a business online. Thank you for the practical tips and sound business advice!
Stcy12345

A new favorite

Love it!! Love the real talk. Started listening because I followed Maggie on Marketing Moxie. I love how this show is grounded in reality. Great topics, great conversation. New fan. (Love, Stacy Barnes -- my real name never shows up in reviews...)
Courtney J | The RBC

What can I say? These ladies know their stuff.

I’ve become a bit jaded when it comes to online business stuff but after working with Maggie and Brittany first hand I can say these ladies are the real deal. Do you want to know what it’s really like to run a business? This is the podcast that you should listen to. Together, they’ve got more than the full package.
CarolMorganCox

Getting real about online business

This is a fantastic new podcast. Maggie and Brittney tell it like it is with real talk, not hype, about what it’s like to run an online business. I can really relate to their stories and appreciate their emphasis on honesty and integrity. Looking forward to more episodes!
Natalie~BizChix.com

Get the truth about online biz from this dynamic duo!

Maggie and Brittany are experts who have had the backseat view of numerous online businesses (their clients). They call out the liars out there who tell you that launching a course will make you 6 figures in a weekend, and give the hard core truth of what it means to make it online. Get ready to binge listen!
jesskupferman

BEST EVER

Maggie and Brittany are literally two of the smartest online marketers I’ve ever come across. If you don’t love this show and it’s content, then you don’t like honesty, practical tips and brilliant business advice. This show is the BESTEST!
Lysa Greer

The inside scoop indeed!

Entrepreneurship can be a very isolating experience, especially in the first few years. These two ladies have created a wonderful podcast that is perfect for any entrepreneur- those starting out, and who have been in business a while; those who need more clarity and, yes, inside scoops! Do yourself a favor - take the 'learning curve' out of your entrepreneurial experience and have a listen... You'll be hooked!
megpclarke

Fluff Free Tips

I love Maggie + Brittney’s Fluff Free style. They break down the ins and outs of how to run a business.
VKtheVA

Epic Business Knowledge

I can't get enough of these two women. They both are incredibly experienced + fantastically honest about what it takes to run a modern online business. I love the fact that the first season is all about service-based businesses because as a VA + OBM, I can never get enough tips + advice :)
Dr. Michelle M

It’s the straight up TRUTH about running a business

Maggie & Brittany - you had me at “not digging the 6-figure terminology.” If you’re looking for the straight up scoop about what it’s like to run an online service based business then you MUST listen to this podcast. You’ll get actionable strategies and not fluffy marketing jargon about growing your service based business.
Amanda Genther

Digital Strategist

These ladies are amazing. If you’re looking for the down and dirty on running a service-based online businesses, you’re in the right place. They skip the fluff and go straight to the point. If you’re looking for B.S. marketing tactics, this isn’t the podcast for you.