Staying Solo | Business Strategy for Service Providers, Creatives and Consultants

When I started Scoop, I really had no idea what I was in for as an agency owner when it came to making and managing money. Talk about a learning curve! Over the last four years, I've had to master new money management skills, which is why I wish I'd heard everything that guest Christina Sjahli shares about budgeting, cash flow, and other fundamentals in this new interview.

Get the scoop here: https://smallbusinessboss.co/christina-sjahli/

Have you ever thought it would be nice to have someone to be the peanut butter to your jelly as a business owner? The Rory to your Lorelai? That's exactly what we're talking about in this episode of the Small Business Boss podcast where my integrator, my trusty #2, Sara Freeburn, dishes up everything about her role, what it's really like to work with me, the challenges and growing pains we've had, and much more.

Get the scoop here: https://smallbusinessboss.co/working-with-an-integrator/

This week, I'm bringing you another behind-the-scenes look at an agency. In this episode of the Small Business Boss podcast, we're taking a peek into Tressa Beheim's boutique agency, where she and her team provide a full range of services to female entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Tressa shares how she's gone from a tentative entrepreneur to the boss of a full-service boutique agency, how she built her team slowly, and how she's constantly looking for ways to optimize. Get the scoop here: https://smallbusinessboss.co/tressa-beheim/

It's time for another recap, and September was ALL SYSTEMS GO around here. In this episode, I talk about lead gen, landing new clients, and how all that activity didn't necessarily result in an immediate bump in revenue, as well as a tough decision about Small Business Boss.

Get the scoop here: https://smallbusinessboss.co/recap-september-2019/

Nothing, and I mean, nothing beats a real-life behind-the-scenes look at how a business is run. So in this episode of the Small Business Boss podcast, Kate Ahl from Simple Pin Media joins us to share how she's grown her agency, her team, and her client list. In this episode, Kate drops so much knowledge that will inspire you as an agency owner, or any type of service business owner, on culture, letting your team fly, and the realities of being the boss. Get the scoop here: https://smallbusinessboss.co/kate-ahl/

New month = a new theme here on the Small Business Boss podcast, and this month we're going deep into the agency model. We hear about agencies as THE way to scale a service business all the time, but there's a lot more to it than hiring some people, getting some clients and being well on our way to multiple 7 figures. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what you need to grow an agency business based on my years of experience owning one, working in one, and partnering with many more. If you're interested in growing an agency OR already running one, this episode is for you.

Get the scoop here: https://smallbusinessboss.co/building-an-agency/

We all know the stereotype of a slimy salesperson who manipulates people into buying their product or service. And that stereotype is something many of us buy into as we sell our own services. We simply don't want to be seen as greedy, pushy, aggressive, or manipulative. So, instead, we fear sales, or worse yet, avoid selling at all. I'm here to tell you in this week's episode of the Small Business Boss podcast, that sales is a skill you must master, and you can do it in a way that's helpful to your potential clients. I'm dishing up practical strategies for streamlining your sales process AND getting rid of the stress for good.

Get the scoop here: https://smallbusinessboss.co/sales-as-a-freelancer/

Nearly two years ago when I started doing recap episodes, I did it as a way to share what was really happening behind-the-scenes at Small Business Boss and at my content marketing agency, Scoop Studios. After all, aren't we all a bit tired of income claims and all sorts of other BS that's just smoke and mirrors? In the August recap, I'm sharing a peek into 2020 plans, how things are going money-wise, and how I need to get my booty in gear if I'm going to meet Q3 revenue goals. Get the scoop here https://smallbusinessboss.co/recap-august-2019/

When it comes to pricing, there's a million different models and strategies, and it can feel pretty freakin' overwhelming. In this episode of the Small Business Boss podcast, guest Matt Baker from Freshbooks shares how to get started with value-based pricing, how to make sure you're pricing so you get paid appropriately, and why pricing should be something you experiment with. You can listen to the show on the Small Business Boss website on your podcast platform of choice including Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, OverCast and others.

Get the scoop here: https://smallbusinessboss.co/value-based-pricing-for-freelancers/

Back in 2005, when I decided to quit my job and start my own business, little did I know how much owning my own business would push me as a person and teach me countless lessons. As a freelancer, a lot of those lessons were hard, uncomfortable, and at times, incredibly stressful, so in this episode of the Small Business Boss podcast, I share 10 lessons I learned the hard way. Consider this my gift to you as a boss — no matter where you are on your journey — to help save you the suffering. Get the scoop here: https://smallbusinessboss.co/lessons-for-freelancers/