“Hire a team, scale fast, never stop growing.”

That’s the advice we’ve all heard. But what if that isn’t your dream? What if building a business that actually supports your life means not hiring a big team?

This week, Maggie Patterson joins me to talk about her new book, Staying Solo, and why more business owners are choosing to stay lean, profitable, and in control—without sacrificing growth. We get real about the myths of solo business, the financial numbers people avoid, and the very real pressure to “look legit” online.

If you’ve ever felt weird about staying small, this one’s for you.

In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:

• Why staying solo is a valid long-term business model
• The real cost of growing too fast
• What most business owners aren’t tracking
• How Maggie marketed her book with a private podcast
• Why solo businesses are often more human

…And More!

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside 

Maggie Patterson is the creator of BS-Free Business® and the author of Staying Solo®. With 20 years of experience as a successful entrepreneur in client services, Maggie helps service business owners build what she proudly calls a “boring business”—strategically small, sustainable, and designed to fit their lives without the constant hustle.

A podcaster and writer, Maggie is a vocal advocate for humane business practices rooted in respect, empathy, and trust. She hosts two podcasts, Staying Solo and Confessions of a Micro Agency Owner, and co-hosts the consumer advocacy podcast Duped: The Dark Side of Online Business.

Website: www.bsfreebusiness.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bsfreebusiness/  Threads: https://www.threads.com/@bsfreebusiness 

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/359

Threads isn’t just another X clone—it’s a community builder.

If you’ve been wondering how to use Threads to grow your business and actually connect with people, Laura Sinclair is here to share how she’s done exactly that.

We talk about how she approaches the platform differently, why her community keeps showing up, and how she’s built real relationships—all without the “salesy” energy we’re all so tired of.

Ready to use Threads to build real community? Start here.

In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:

• How Laura uses Threads to grow her community
• Why Threads is different from other platforms
• Creating low-pressure, high-connection content
• The secret to making real invitations that feel good
• How Threads led to 38 podcast invitations

…And More!

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside 

Laura Sinclair is a strategic business mentor, podcast host, and founder of This Mother Means Business. A former marketing agency owner turned mentor for entrepreneurial mothers, Laura helps women build profitable, fulfilling businesses without sacrificing their family—or themselves—in the process. Known for her no-fluff guidance, smart strategy, and deep belief that burnout is not a badge of honour, Laura is the go-to guide for ambitious women who want success that actually feels good.

Website: www.laura-sinclair.com, www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/itslaurasinclair, www.instagram.com/thismothermeansbusiness 

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/358

Do you really need another social media app?

If you’re still figuring out if Bluesky deserves a spot in your strategy, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down everything you need to know—from its launch and user experience to the real differences between Bluesky, Threads, and X (formerly Twitter).

You’ll hear my thoughts on its underground, community-focused vibes, the pros and cons of joining early, and who I think should skip it entirely.

In this episode of the podcast, I talk about: 

• What Bluesky is and how it compares to Threads and X
• Who’s actually hanging out there (and who’s not)
• Why Bluesky feels like early-days Twitter
• Key features that make it stand out—or fall short
• How to decide if it’s worth your time

...and more!

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside 

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/357

If you’ve ever woken up and thought, “what if I just didn’t post today?”—this one’s for you.

Because sometimes the problem isn’t the strategy. It’s that you’re tired. Life is lifing. Your season is heavier. And marketing feels like too much.

In this episode, I’m sharing the real story behind my current season of business, why burnout hit hard, and what I’ve learned about showing up online when energy is low. 

From data-backed trends to practical repurposing and a little pumpkin spice, this one’s part therapy, part strategy.

In this episode of the podcast, I talk about: 

• Why more content isn’t the answer
• Posting less (and smarter) for better results
• Why 94% of marketers repurpose content
• What AI can really help you with
• Creating a minimal viable marketing plan
• How to market through burnout, anxiety, and chaos

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside 

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/356

Posting more doesn’t require more confidence—it requires clarity.

And as today’s guest Natalie Bullen reminds us, showing up consistently isn’t just about marketing. It’s about choosing to stand in your values, serve your people, and build something sustainable—without letting fear or perfectionism slow you down.

In this episode, we talk about marketing unapologetically, building a personal brand that cuts through the noise, and how Natalie ended up managing a viral Facebook group she never wanted.

If marketing has felt harder than it should, this episode will help you refocus and reconnect.

In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:

• What a personal brand really means
• Why visibility is about service—not spotlight
• Creating content without second-guessing
• Why Natalie doesn't rely on Facebook groups to sell
• What metrics actually show your marketing is working

…And More!

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside 

Natalie Bullen is a wealth and identity coach helping affluent entrepreneurs expand their capacity for success. As the founder of Unapologetic Wealth®, she works with high-earning business owners to elevate their authority, shift their relationship with money, and build a legacy that matches their ambition. A former financial advisor, Natalie’s work goes beyond income—she helps leaders step into true wealth by mastering not just what they earn, but how they hold, grow, and embody it.

Connect with Natalie at unapologeticwealth.com

Website: https://unapologeticwealth.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ladylyricist06/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticwealth/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliebullen/

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/355

Sales and marketing should work together—but too often, they don’t.

Instead of collaborating, teams operate in silos and miss opportunities hiding in plain sight.

Victor Adefuye is here to change that. In this episode, we talk about how AI is bridging the gap between sales and marketing—by turning real sales conversations into actionable marketing insights, better customer experiences, and smarter strategies.

If you’ve ever felt like your marketing was disconnected from what your audience actually cares about, this one’s for you.

In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:

• How to use AI to analyze sales calls
• Why transcripts are a goldmine for marketers
• Tools to improve messaging and conversion
• AI for personalization at scale (without losing trust)
• The future of sales prep, follow-up, and content creation

…And More!

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside 

Victor, the founder of Dana Consulting, pioneers the integration of AI with proven B2B sales methodologies. After founding Dana Consulting in 2015, he led the firm to notable success—training hundreds of teams and increasing close rates across startups and Fortune 500 companies. Following Dana Consulting’s acquisition by Winning by Design in 2019, Victor has returned to relaunch the company with a revolutionary focus: Superintelligent Sales, a framework that combines AI capabilities with human expertise to transform B2B sales performance.

A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Victor draws on his unique background as a former attorney and his track record of driving measurable sales improvements to help organizations thrive in the age of AI.

Website: https://www.dana-consulting.com/ Superintelligent Sales: https://superintelligentsales.ai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoradefuye/ 

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/354 

Big followings don’t guarantee sales. Connection does.

Because it’s not about how many people see your content—it’s about how many feel something from it.

Brooke Adams joins me to break down the real difference between having an audience and building a community. We dig into what keeps people around, how to create belonging (without burning out), and what makes someone go from casual follower to repeat client.

If your audience isn’t converting like you expected, this might be the shift you’ve been missing.

In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:

• The difference between followers and community
• What small, connected audiences do better than big ones
• How strong communities drive sustainable sales
• Why some communities fizzle—and how to revive them
• Building community without burning out

…And More!

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside 

Brooke Summer Adams is a Mindset Coach and Business Mentor for new and aspiring coaches. With a 1st Class Honours Degree in Psychology, international accreditations in Transformational Coaching and NLP, and recognition as a Yahoo Finance Top 10 Female Life Coach, she has built a multiple six-figure coaching business from the ground up.  

Starting with nothing but a dream (and a laptop that barely functioned), Brooke went from a council estate in England to total financial, location, and time freedom. She knows firsthand the fears, doubts, and challenges new coaches face—because she’s been there. Now, she’s on a mission to help others break through fear, build their coaching businesses, and create the freedom-based life they desire. If you know you were meant to be a coach and are ready to go all in, Brooke is here to show you how.

Website: https://brookesummeradams.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachesCoach   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookesummeradams/

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/353

Let’s talk about scrappy content.

That low-effort, high-impact content that doesn’t look perfect—but still gets the job done.

In this episode, I’m joined by Adam Constantine, founder of Ace Creatives, to talk all about the power of creating content without the studio setup. We dive into what makes scrappy content work, how to stay consistent with only 2 hours a week, and why authenticity still wins on social media.

If content creation has felt overwhelming lately, this episode is your permission to keep it simple.

In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:

• What scrappy content is (and isn’t)
• Adam’s journey from basketball to creative agency
• How to post consistently with limited time
• Why “bad” posts usually just disappear (and that’s a good thing)
• Practical formats to try: green screen, text-first, and more

…And More!

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside 

From a professional basketball player to (probably) the world’s tallest social media guru, Adam Constantine has been a creative pioneer for over a decade in various industries. He has consistently created dynamic, unique, inspiring, and humorous digital content that engages audiences, keeps them talking, and builds successful brands. Serving as a resource to connect a brand’s social media with their external audience. This led to the launch of ACE Creatives, a social media, and full-scale production agency. 

With clients from Top global content creators to Fortune 500 companies and a variety of other verticals, his goal for each is to effectively position them in front of their audience to maximize ROI and brand affinity. He’s been on the national speaking circuit for several years, teaching the importance of storytelling in the digital age and hosting workshops on building a dynamic social media presence; serving as an event MC and social media thought leader, his unique skill set of simultaneously entertaining while educating a crowd is rivalled only by his 6’8″ frame, impressive beard growth, and ever-growing collection of shoes.

Website: https://www.acecreatives.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hashtagacecreatives, https://instagram.com/theycallmeac   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamconstantine32/

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/352

Think your LinkedIn profile is doing its job? After auditing 10 accounts during the annual LinkedIn Challenge in the Mindful Marketing Lab, I found clear patterns—some great, others... not so much.

In this episode, I’m walking you through the most common profile mistakes, the kinds of content that actually work, and the one thing almost everyone is overlooking when it comes to engagement.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your LinkedIn game, these insights can help you show up more strategically without burning out.

In this episode of the podcast, I talk about: 

• What your profile banner really needs to do
• How to write a headline that stops the scroll
• Tips for emotionally resonant About sections
• The post types that get the most traction
• Why your engagement strategy matters more than posting frequency

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside 

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/351

Influencer marketing isn’t what it used to be. Brands are shifting from chasing big names to working with highly engaged niche influencers. So how do you find the right influencers and create partnerships that actually drive results?

I’m joined by influencer marketing expert Sherri Langburt, who’s breaking down what’s working now and how brands can maximize their influencer partnerships.

If influencer marketing is part of your strategy, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:

• How to measure real influence beyond just follower count
• Why nano & micro influencers are outperforming big names
• What’s working in UGC & brand partnerships right now
• How AI is shaping the future of influencer marketing

…And More!

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside 

Sherri is the founder and CEO of BabbleBoxx, an influencer marketing agency that helps brands mix influencer strategies into their marketing plans for a true omnichannel experience. Early in Sherri's career, she created one of the first SaaS-based influencer marketing platforms, which eventually led to what would become BabbleBoxx. Her approach to marketing invites a 'slow the scroll and engage audiences' strategy by connecting hand-picked influencers across categories with companies of all sizes to execute co-sampling and signature “boxx” marketing strategies largely dependent on social content. 

Sherri is an excellent and experienced speaker who has received outstanding reviews for content and delivery. Sherri was the Keynote speaker at the national 2022 AMA Digital Marketing Conference. Other speaking engagements have included the Path-to-Purchase Institute - Executive Network Conference, ANA Influencer Marketing Committee Conference, Digital Summit, and CEO Club of Baltimore. She is also an avid supporter of non-profit and educational organizations, including Feeding America, G.L.A.D.D, UJA, The Ronald McDonald House, U.C.L.A., and Seton Hall University, where she lends expertise and is often a guest speaker at events. Sherri offers volunteer one-on-one business counseling to the Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Website: https://babbleboxx.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/babbleboxx/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babbleboxxofficial/ 

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/350