The Real Deal: What It’s Like to Work With Me

Have you ever signed up for one of those business coaching programs that promises to be “the only system you’ll ever need”—only to realize that you only needed a time machine to get your money back?

Or worse, you ask for help and get hit with “What do you think?”—as if you weren’t already paying them to tell you that?

Yeah. Same. And that’s exactly why I do things differently.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s actually like to work with me—the real, no-fluff, this is what you’re getting experience—you’re in the right place.

Today, I’m giving you the real deal on how I work with clients, why I’m not here to sell you a cookie-cutter formula, and how BS-Free Business is different.

Why This Cookie-Cutter Bullshit Exists

Before we talk about how I work with clients and how I make sure you don’t get sucked into bad advice, let’s talk about why so much of the business world is drowning in generic, useless BS.

It’s simple: Marketing loves a tidy package.

It’s way easier to sell a “proven system” than to admit that business is nuanced and that the best approach depends on, you know, you.

Now, I get it. We all need some structure. I have my frameworks that I use with clients—but here’s the difference:

• They don’t box you in. Instead of forcing you into a rigid model, they help you navigate your own path.
• They’re specifically designed for solo service businesses—not some vague, one-size-fits-all “business model.”
• They account for who you are—your skills, strengths, values, and identity. Because what works for a loud extrovert who thrives on visibility is not the same as what works for someone who prefers deep, one-on-one work. And a pricing strategy that works for a white dude with generational wealth isn’t necessarily the right fit for a woman or someone from a marginalized background—context matters.
• They give you enough flexibility to adapt to your business, clients, and way of working. A business that works for you is the one that will be sustainable in the long term.

Unfortunately, much of what’s available is designed for everyone without regard for industry nuances. It assumes that all businesses operate similarly (spoiler: they don’t). It’s built by people who haven’t worked with actual clients in years, yet they sell “proven” systems like they’re universal truths.

The cult of scale strikes again—because apparently, if you’re not obsessed with scaling, you’re doing business wrong.

We keep hearing the message: “You can’t keep offering services! You’ll burn out! You have to SCALE!”

Translation? They want you to stop doing services and start selling a course or a group program—because that’s the only way these people know how to make money. 

If you want to move away from services, that’s fine. But do it because it makes sense for your business, not because some coach with zero service business experience told you that you have to.

Which brings me to my next point: Coaching vs. Consulting.

Coaching vs. Consulting: What Do You Need?

I want to clarify something because it’s a huge reason so many business owners feel burned by the support they’ve invested in.

There is a vast difference between coaching and consulting, and most people don’t realize which one they need.

Coaching Is…well, coaching.

Some fantastic coaches are out there, but many people call themselves coaches with zero qualifications.

At its core, coaching is about facilitation and helping you find your own answers.

• It’s a space for exploration and reflection, often centered around questions like “What do you think?” and “Let’s explore that.”
• It’s highly effective for mindset work, helping you overcome internal blocks related to pricing, visibility, and leadership.
• Coaching can be a powerful tool for those who need help gaining clarity, shifting perspectives, or building confidence.

But if you’re looking for someone to help you make a specific business move? That’s where consulting comes in.

When you work with a consultant, you’re not just getting support—you’re getting strategy.

• You get clear recommendations, not endless questions.
• You get actual expertise, not just cheerleading.
• You get direct, customized advice tailored to your business.

That’s why working with me is not just another coaching experience. You’ll get actionable advice that moves your business forward. I’m a consultant, not a coach.

The Real Experience: What Clients Say

Let’s talk about what it’s actually like to work with me. Because if I say it’s different, I better back that up.

My work isn’t just about giving advice—it’s about helping service business owners cut through the noise, make confident decisions, and build businesses that actually work for them. And that means real strategy, practical tools, and a community that gets it.

But don’t just take my word for it. Here’s what real clients have said about working with me and the BS-Free Business community, including my sister and Community Director, Sara.

Nuanced, Personalized and Practical Guidance

Most business advice is too vague to be practical or so rigid that it doesn’t fit your reality. The truth is, what works for one solo service business owner won’t necessarily work for another.

That’s why working with BS-Free Business isn’t about handing you a pre-set formula—it’s about figuring out what works for you based on your strengths, goals, and business model.

• “I’ve been able to cut through the noise and get clarity on my business challenges.”
•  “I love the direct access to Maggie and the team for honest, no-fluff feedback.”

I’m not here to give the same advice to everyone. Instead, I help you navigate the realities of running a solo service business without assumptions, hype, or advice that doesn’t apply to your situation. We do nuance. We understand the complexities of pricing, client relationships, capacity, and positioning when you’re the one delivering the work.

Here, you don’t get generic business rules or cookie-cutter frameworks. You get insights, real solutions, and strategic guidance tailored to your work and the kind of business you want to run.

More Money, Less Work with No Bro Tactics Needed

The goal isn’t just to grow for the sake of growth—it’s to make more money while working sustainably. What’s the point of running your business if it feels like another exhausting job?

• “I’ve improved my income while working more stable (and fewer) hours.”
• “I have a game plan to pay myself more consistently.”

And yet, the “life-first” business crowd loves to sell the dream of freedom while secretly pushing hustle culture in disguise. They promise balance, but their version of success still looks like working 24/7, constantly chasing more, and sacrificing your sanity in the name of “scaling.”

At the heart of what we do at BS-Free Business is the belief that you don’t have to: 

• Chase “passive income” schemes just to escape client work.
• Work more to make more.
• Sacrifice your evenings, weekends, or mental health. 
• Do anything that’s not in alignment with your values.

It’s about building a business that supports your life—not the other way around. That means making smart, strategic choices so you can earn well, work in a way that feels good, and enjoy the stability of a beautifully boring business. One that doesn’t require constant hustle, endless reinvention, or chasing the next big thing—just a steady, sustainable way to do great work, get paid well and have actual time to live your life.

Decisions Based on Logic, Not Hype

When surrounded by bad business advice, recycled online trends, and people selling you their “one proven method,” it’s easy to second-guess yourself. The internet is full of people who make bold claims but rarely stop to ask: Does this make sense for you?

My job? To help you cut through the noise and make decisions based on reality—not just what sounds good on Instagram. A strategy that works for a business coach running a $5K mastermind isn’t necessarily the right move for a solo service provider who works with clients.

• “It’s the sane corner of my business world where I get real, honest feedback.”
• “I feel really confident in my business foundations and make decisions based on goals and logic, not emotion.”

This is about having a clear, strategic way of thinking—one rooted in not hype, trends, or what some internet bro says you “should” be doing—no need to jump on shiny trends or overcomplicate things. 

At BS-Free Business, logic beats hype every single time. My job is to help you trust your decisions, not just follow what’s popular this week. Because running a business that works for you? That’s what matters.

We Meet You Where You Are

One of the biggest reasons people start businesses is to escape rigid, outdated systems that have never worked well.

Whether you’re disabled, neurodivergent, low-energy, or just done with the hustle-driven, productivity-obsessed nonsense that dominates business advice, we see you.

More importantly, we build our support around what works for you with all of your needs and identities. You don’t need another system that demands more than you have to give, and your energy levels, focus, and capacity will fluctuate, so that’s okay.

There’s no shame in needing slower seasons. I’m never going to be the one to tell you to “push through” when you need rest or to prioritize taking care of yourself.  Your energy isn’t a constant, and that’s completely normal. Your business should flex with you, and so should the guidance and support you receive.

Speaking of which, your brain works how it works. Whether you need structure, flexibility, or a mix of both, you must build a business strategy that fits how you think and operate.

Also, I’m a big believer that your way of working is valid, whatever that means. I’m a proud member of the I’m never going to be in the 5 a.m. club, and I’m doing just fine.

A Community That Gets You

Running a solo business doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Just because you’re the only person in your business doesn’t mean you have to be the only person figuring everything out.

Having a space where people understand your challenges, share real advice, and offer support without hidden agendas makes all the difference.

• “I don’t feel alone in my business anymore.”
• “It’s like having access to a whole lot of business brains, so I don’t have to solve everything myself.”

Because, let’s be honest—solo business ownership can be isolating. When you don’t have a team to bounce ideas off of, anyone to help you prioritize, or even just a co-worker to vent to, everything falls on you. And while that freedom is great, it can also be overwhelming.

That’s why this isn’t just some random online group where people drop links and disappear. This is a real network of business owners who understand the highs and lows of solo service businesses, share insights that apply to your business and want to see you succeed.

Accountability: The Backbone of Real Business Growth

Accountability is one of the most valuable and often overlooked—elements of business support. And not the kind that makes you feel guilty for not hitting arbitrary goals or forcing you into someone else’s system.

Real accountability is about giving you the tools, structure, and flexibility to make progress in a way that works for you.

For some, accountability means weekly check-ins and structured planning. For others, it’s about having a community that offers support when needed. We offer multiple ways to stay on track so you can engage at the level that makes sense for your energy, workflow, and capacity.

Here’s what clients have said about how accountability plays a role in their success:

• Staying on track, even when solo business life gets hectic. “Being part of Staying Solo Squad has given me the accountability to ensure I’m staying on track with my goals and responsibilities.”
• Having the right structure and support—without pressure. “The structure and accountability are exactly what I need—though I’ll admit, I could lean into them more. (Solo business owner life means juggling all the things, and sometimes, I drop the ball on investing in myself the way I should.)”
• Gut checks from people who know your business. “I’ve gotten continual support and gut checks from people who actually know me well and can point out when something I’m feeling influenced to do goes against how I like to work.”

For example, Inside the Staying Solo Squad, we provide multiple ways for community members to stay focused without feeling overwhelmed:

• Monthly planning calls to help you set goals that match your real capacity, not your “best-case scenario” energy.
• Coworking sessions so you can get things done with built-in accountability and community support.
• Weekly check-in threads help you track progress in a way that works for you.
• Slack support when you need quick feedback or a gut-check before making a big decision.

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How to Work With Me

If you’re looking for real, practical support that fits your solo service business—not just another cookie-cutter system or vague advice—there are multiple ways to work with me.

The Staying Solo Squad is for you if you’re done with business bullshit and want real, practical support. It’s built for experienced service providers—freelancers, consultants, and creatives—who want a sustainable, smart business, not just another hustle.

And it’s open for new members right now (the week of March 17 to 21st, 2025) for a limited time. (If you’re listening to this later, you can join the wait list for when we’re open again for new members.)

This program combines the best elements of a membership and a mastermind, offering:

• Staying Solo Business Assessment: Based on the six pillars of the Staying Solo Framework, identify where to focus your time and energy.
• Monthly Game Plan Calls: Map out your monthly plan with a blend of planning and accountability.
• Monthly Hot Seat Calls: Address questions or challenges with feedback from the BS-Free Business team and your peers.
• Deep Dive Workshops: Every other month, explore one of the Staying Solo pillars through live workshops, complete with replays, transcripts, and workbooks.
• Slack Community: Engage daily with fellow members, get your questions answered, and receive high-level feedback.
• Coworking Sessions: Attend regular sessions to work alongside other Squad members, which provides built-in accountability and community support.

Coming in April in the Squad is the Strategy Reset Event, a focused online workshop to help you pinpoint what’s working, what’s not, and where to focus next. You’ll assess your Strategy Stack and walk away with a clear three-step action plan to strengthen and sustain your business. No BS—just a practical strategy to set you up for the rest of the year.

Join us before doors close on Friday, March 21st. (If you’re listening to this later, you can use the same link to get on the waitlist.)

Also, I’m the first to admit that working with me isn’t for everyone—and that’s a good thing. Here’s how to know if we’re a match:

• You’re an experienced solo service provider—freelancer, consultant, or creative—who wants a simple, sustainable business. 
• You’re done with cookie-cutter business advice and need real, strategic guidance tailored to your business.
• You value honest, direct feedback over generic coaching questions.
• You love the idea of a community that gets what it’s like to run a service business without scaling for the sake of it.
• You’re here for a beautifully boring business—no unnecessary drama, no chaos, just a solid, profitable business that lets you live your life.

And if now isn’t the right time?

That’s totally fine, too. You keep listening, taking what you need, and jumping in when it feels right. When you’re ready, we’re here to support you.