Ep 101: The Offer Suite Reset: What You Think You Need vs. What Actually Works with Maggie Patterson
Courses. VIP days. Retainers. Templates. Digital products. Group programs. 🙄
If your offer suite feels more like a chaotic to-do list than a sustainable business strategy, you’re not alone. And you’re definitely not doing anything wrong.
In this episode of the podcast, I sat down with Maggie Patterson, creator of BS-Free Business®, author of Staying Solo®, and someone who’s been running a client-based business for 20 years, to talk about what it actually takes to make consistent income without chasing trends or building a personal brand empire.
We’re calling out the myths, unpacking the pressure, and sharing what works for real service providers with real lives and real limited capacity.
Let’s talk about what to stop offering, what to simplify, and how to build something that actually fits your life.
Why Your Offer Suite Might Be Overcomplicated
Most business advice assumes you have a big team, a massive audience, and 40 hours a week to work. But as Maggie pointed out:
“80% of businesses in the U.S. are solo-run, but most of the advice out there is geared toward big teams or seven-figure dreams. It’s not made for people with limited capacity, like moms, caregivers, or anyone with a real life.”
Instead, we get told:
You need a signature course
And a low-ticket product
And a membership
And a high-ticket offer
And a custom funnel to sell it all
Spoiler: you don’t.
Especially if you’re building your business during nap time or preschool hours.
What a Sustainable Offer Suite Looks Like
Maggie and I are on the same page here- less really is more.
A profitable, low-stress business often starts with services you’re already good at. It grows from simple, clear offers that you can actually deliver without draining your time and energy.
1. Start With What Works for You
How much time do you really have to work each week? Build your offers around that. Not around someone else’s idea of success.
Your business should support your life. Not swallow it.
2. Price the Thinking, Not Just the Doing
So many service providers undercharge because they’re only pricing for deliverables. But your strategic brain? That’s the magic.
Start charging for the strategy you bring to the table, not just the tasks you complete.
3. Simplify and Stick With It
One clear, high-value offer can do more for your income and sanity than five disconnected ones. As Maggie said:
“Complexity is the enemy of sustainability.”
If you’ve been making a few sales here, a couple there—it might be time to stop spreading your energy across five things and go all in on one that actually works.
The Truth About Low-Ticket Offers
I know the $37 product dream is tempting. Create once, sell forever, passive income. But here’s what actually happens:
You still need a big audience
You still need strong messaging and marketing
You still need time to update, promote, and deliver
You still only make $37 per sale
It’s not a quick win. And if you’re juggling business with parenting or caregiving or just life in general, you probably don’t have time to play the volume game.
Focus on offers that give you the most return for your time and energy.
What Business Freedom Really Looks Like
Forget the “make money while you sleep” promises. Freedom in business doesn’t mean you’re never working.
It means:
You control your schedule
You set your boundaries
You don’t need to respond to every message within 30 seconds
You don’t feel guilty for logging off when your kid is sick or you need a break
As Maggie put it:
“Freedom is being able to say ‘I don’t take calls after 3 PM’ and having your clients be totally fine with it.”
That’s the kind of flexibility most of us actually want. And that’s the kind you can build—without scaling to infinity.
If You’re in Hustle Mode and It’s Not Working
It might not be you. It might just be your offers.
Instead of adding more, try subtracting. Get clearer. Get simpler. And give yourself permission to build slower if it means building better.
If you want more of this kind of support, Maggie’s work is packed with honest, non-fluffy advice to help you create a business that pays you and fits your real life—not someone else's highlight reel.
Mentioned In This Episode:
Grab Maggie’s Book (seriously, it'll change your life):
www.stayingsolobook.com
Listen to the Staying Solo Podcast
www.bsfreebusiness.com/solo
Get Access to Staying Solo Stories (Private Podcast):
www.bsfreebusiness.com/sydney
This one’s full of behind-the-scenes stories from real solo business owners building businesses that actually fit their lives.
Check out Duped: The Dark Side Of Online Business (my new fav podcast)
https://duped.online
Grab Your Copy of the Buyer Journey Content Map
https://sociallyyours.biz/buyerjourneycontentmap
