The BS-Free Service Business Show

This week, we’re sharing our most recent Duped episode where we discuss understanding the risks of payment plans in online business. _______________________________________ Have you ever bought something on a payment plan and quickly realized you’re unsatisfied, but there’s no way out? The fact is, not all payment plans are created equal. While they can be an excellent way to pay for something over time, the flip side is that they can also be weaponized by celebrity entrepreneurs and used to handle sales objections. So, what risks should you, the consumer, know about before buying a course or program using a payment plan? In this episode, we’re equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about what you buy and how you pay for it. We discuss: The pros and cons of payment plans. How payment plans can be weaponized to handle objections. How much is a reasonable markup on a payment plan? The possible pitfalls of extended payment plans. Why incentives for paying in full can be problematic. How third-party payment services can make payment plans more questionable. Questions to ask before you buy. 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.

Running a business can be a rollercoaster. One minute, you’re up; the next, you’re down; some days, it can feel like you’re hanging on for dear life. While the ride can sometimes feel invigorating, other times it can feel downright terrifying. So, how do you learn to adapt and roll with the changes as they come? In this episode, we're wrapping up our exits and evolutions series, looking at the theme that change is the only constant in business. Topics discussed in this episode include: Why change can be hard and the psychology behind it. Change management: the 4 Cs and why it helps make business decisions. Reasons you may want to make changes or not in your business including changes you absolutely want to avoid. The role of our feelings in changes and what you need to watch for. Why you don’t want to chase trends. 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/

Have you ever daydreamed about chucking it all in and leaving your business behind for something new? While this daydream isn’t uncommon, it’s often hard to conceptualize how (or why!) you’d walk away from a thriving business. In the last Exits and Evolution series interview, I interviewed fractional integrator and operations strategist AdeOla Fadumiye. Adeola boldly shut down a business that worked for her as she wanted different challenges and opportunities. Topics discussed in this episode include: Why AdeOla shut down her podcast production agency and what led to that gut-driven decision. What’s she been doing since sunsetting her agency and how has she figured out what’s next? How consulting gigs have helped her clarify what she wants to focus on moving ahead. Why she’s looking for a 9-to-5 role as she builds up her new venture. AdeOla’s advice for anyone wanting to make a big move in their business. 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/

As a service business owner, have you ever wondered if adding products would be a solid revenue-generation strategy? The reality is that despite being told that creating courses and other products is a fast path to passive income, it’s far easier said than done. In this episode, Zoe Linda shares how she blended products and services and adapted her offerings over time to meet her needs. Topics discussed in this episode include: Zoe shares how she’s built her business with digital products, courses, and client work, including insights into what worked and what didn’t. The ongoing battle of prioritizing and executing ideas while juggling client demands. How she’s used products to reach more people and build community. The important role of market research and validation and provides valuable tips on how to ensure you’re creating things people actually want. Exploring pricing and scheduling for day rates, and how Zoe has learned to set boundaries and stay motivated on those days. The different types of clients that Zoe works with and how creating a productized service impacted her business. An honest look at managing capacity and not compromising your values for revenue. 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/

Do you ever feel like keeping up with social media is impossible? Or maybe you don’t even care to try in the first place? With social media constantly evolving, and as a business owner, it can be hard to gauge what actually matters and how much time and effort you “should” be throwing behind it. In this episode, Andréa Jones, a mindful marketing strategist, discusses her evolving approach to social media and her desire to have deeper conversations about its impact. Topics discussed in this episode include: The importance of aligning your work with your values for long-term satisfaction and fulfillment. Setting boundaries and privacy in the digital age, including what Andréa shares and doesn’t share. How Andréa’s business and viewpoint have been evolving, and why she made a point of sharing them publicly as she thought them through. Her focus is on conversations and conceptual topics over tactical strategies as part of social media. Andréa’s transition from a solo business to an agency and why having a team was essential when managing social media. The social media landscape is evolving in specific ways, and content creation is no longer the sole focus. Why is evolving and adapting your approach to social media crucial, and why is there no one-size-fits-all solution? Why transparency and authenticity are key in building trust with your audience and standing out in a crowded online space. What’s in Andréa’s future vision as a facilitator and shining a light on other experts. 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/

To keep the conversation going about Exits and Evolutions, we have our first guest of this series: Jules Taggart. She’s gone from being a solo business owner to an agency owner and is back to being solo again. In this episode, Jules, a fractional CMO and the founder of Wayward Kind, shares how she built an agency and transitioned back to a solo business. Topics discussed in this episode include: The financial and mental health challenges of agency ownership, the importance of considering profitability, and the impact on your team. Hiring the right people is crucial for an agency's success, and it is important to assess the profitability of each client engagement. How she intentionally built her agency and made hiring decisions as she tripled the size of her team. What happened when Jules decided to shut down her agency and what she considered as part of the decision-making process. How she told her team and clients, and how everyone received it. The interesting ways her role changed when she moved from agency owner to fractional CMO. Our thoughts on whether you should hire someone to do sales for your agency and the different types of sales approaches. The critical importance of a personal brand and your client's relationships as you navigate major changes in your business. 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/

It’s easy to think making changes to your business will magically solve your problems. But let’s be honest. Change can be HARD, so when do you know when it’s the right time to make a change? In this episode, I’m sharing how to recognize when to adapt, whether keeping up with trends, using new tech, or meeting customers’ changing needs. (And when maybe the smarter choice is to stick with what you’re doing.) Topics discussed in this episode include: What’s currently happening that’s resulting in a potential need for change? The relentless cycle of reinvention in online business and how trends/ tactics come and go. Some of my exits and evolutions over the years. The different factors that can drive change in business — market trends, tech advances, changing customer expectations, personal needs, economic conditions, etc. What can you expect in some future episodes in this series. 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/

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.

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/

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/

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/

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. 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/

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/

To kick off 2024, we’re back with a fresh new series called "The Real Cost Of”. Because let’s be real, we’re all tired of the smoke and mirrors. In this series, I’m giving you the unfiltered truth about the REAL costs of building and growing a service-based business. (And it’s not just about the money, it’s about everything else this journey can cost us.) In this first episode, I’m sharing the surprising costs of growing a service business including: The distinction between cost and price in business. Why the "real cost" is about way more than the money you spend. The myth of "client attraction" and why you can’t just wait for clients to come your way. The emotional and energetic costs of dealing with clients and the importance of setting boundaries. The personal trade-offs you make for freedom and flexibility when running a service business. How you can protect against the emotional, energetic and physical costs of growing a service business. 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/ Be sure to subscribe to ensure you don’t miss the next episode in this series.

The BS-Free Service Business show will be taking a break through the holidays, so please enjoy this new episode of Duped - Schemes on Your Screens: A 2023 Recap and 2024 Predictions. As 2023 comes to a close, we wanted to reflect on the year that was and make some predictions about what lies ahead in 2024. For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online.

2023 is nearly over, so it’s time for my annual look back at the year. In this episode, I will share my high and lowlights, what I really think about this weird year, and what’s on deck for 2024. 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/

There are two types of service business owners I encounter when I talk about marketing. First, there’s the marketers. They’re always happy to be testing things out in their own business. Then, there are the rest of the service business owners who would rather do anything but marketing. In this episode, I’m sharing my guide to marketing a service-based business, no matter how you feel about it. 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/

The BS-Free Service Business show will be taking a break this week, and you can expect a new episode next week. This week, please enjoy a new episode of Duped: The Dark Side of Online Business, to celebrate it's kickoff! We wanted to start off this season with a state of the industry, a state of the nation, if you will, on what's going on with online business as we head towards the end of 2023. In this episode of Duped, we’re giving you a rundown on the state of online business right now and what you should be watching for in the coming months. For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online.

Do you need a coach? To buy a program? Or just a regular massage? Support comes in many different forms for our business, but do you figure out what kind of support you need? In this episode, I’m digging into the different types of support for entrepreneurs and how to figure out what’s right for you. 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/

Simplicity and sustainability are the cornerstones of having a business without the BS and that works for you. But it’s far too easy to make plans and decisions that can overcomplicate everything. In this episode, I’m sharing six specific things to check in on before you start making big plans. Learn more at: bsfreebusiness.com/simple-and-sustainable-business