If you’ve worked in the online biz world for more than a hot minute, you’ve probably noticed something —Nothing is quite like it seems. You buy a template, a course, mastermind or hire a coach, and once you’ve handed over your hard earned money you quickly realize you are definitely NOT getting what you thought you paid for. Turns out you’ve fallen prey to the old “bait and switch”. And trust us when we say, so have we.  It was with these sorts of questionable tactics in mind that we decided to do this limited series podcast as a way to explore some of the most pressing and concerning issues we see in online business. In our inaugural episode, we’re tackling the massive bait and switch problem that’s rampant in this industry and sharing ideas on how you can protect yourself. More details at duped.online.

NEW PODCAST: Duped - The Case of the Bait and Switch

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.

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Have you ever started your Monday morning with a strong sense of existential dread and wondered how you could get all of your client work done… let alone any work ON your business?  Next thing you know, the week has flown by, and it feels like the to-do list is just as long—if not even longer—than when you started.   The overwhelm is real and it’s time for something to change, starting with getting a handle on what you can actually do in a week.   In this episode, we’re talking about managing your capacity in a realistic way that doesn’t mean firing all your clients or starting an entirely new business. (And yes, I know that bookstore/coffee shop idea is appealing!)  Topics discussed in this episode include:   Why working with clients can be so challenging.    What is capacity planning why you need to stop ignoring it, even if it feels tricky to manage.   An easy, no BS way to figure out your capacity.   Why you should track your time even if you don’t want to and hate doing it.    Questions for every service business owner to answer about their capacity.   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 Antidote to Overwhelm and Overwork When You Work With Clients

2023 was a wild ride for the economy, with countless twists and turns that left many business owners unsure how to price their services. The good news? We’re still here, running our businesses and making it work.  The tricky part is staying flexible enough to weather whatever the economy throws our way next.  As we continue our series on the number you need to know in your business, this episode is all about pricing and the key numbers you need to work with to ensure your pricing makes sense…without falling for the BS advice of “just raise your prices” or “charge your worth”.  Topics discussed in this episode include:   The current economic climate and what you may be experiencing as a service business.    Why we can’t price based on vibes or magical thinking despite what the coaches on IG may tell you.    How inaccurate pricing can mess up your business.    What do you do if clients say they can’t afford your services?   Getting real about your current pricing structure.   Practical steps for pricing your services now and in the future, regardless of the economy.   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/

Pricing Survival Guide for a Messed-Up Economy

When it comes to bad business advice, some of the worst I’ve ever received was about my financials.  And even if you’re pulling in good money, following lousy advice can leave you underpaid and constantly feeling like you're scrambling for every dollar.   You’re working for your money, but your money definitely isn’t working for you.  In this episode, I’m kicking off a new series about the numbers you need to know in your business. We'll start with a fresh look at your financials so your math adds up and gets you paid.  Topics discussed in this episode include:   What to do if you’ve been derailed by BS financial advice.   Why your numbers provide critical data to make good business decisions.   How can you get to know your numbers better and become comfortable using them as a strategic tool in your business?   How to analyze your numbers and spot trends.    Managing expenses and effective budgeting.   Understanding your profit margin.    How to pay yourself a consistent salary.    Practical things to go away and implement in your business related to your financials.    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/

Making the Math “Math” for Your Service Business

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. 

Consumer Caution: Understanding the Risks of Payment Plans in Online Business

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/

NEW PODCAST: Duped - The Case of the Bait and Switch

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