Diamond Effect - Strategies to Scale Your Service Business as a Sellable Asset

Maggie Perotin
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Diamond Effect - Strategies to Scale Your Service Business as a Sellable Asset

This podcast helps service-based entrepreneurs and business owners scale their businesses in any economy without overworking or overwhelm. The goal is to create an asset you can sell while enjoying life as you build it. Here, you turn your business into a client-attracting gem and become a high-performing CEO. About the Host:Maggie Perotin is the founder of Stairway to Leadership. As an international business and leadership coach, Maggie helps service-based business owners start, grow, and scale their businesses without overworking or being overwhelmed.   With her DREAM-PLAN-DO coaching model, her clients scale while transforming into high-performing CEOs of their businesses.This is what USA Today wrote about this model in the article titled: "How Stairway to Leadership is turning small businesses into high-profit ventures.""(...) her DREAM-PLAN-DO coaching model, she helps her clients align their mindset, business strategy, and high-performance habits to transform their businesses from an unreliable source of income to a super-productive client-attracting gem. Maggie adds that she uses all her knowledge and experience to help her clients grow their businesses in a strategic and innovative way while supporting them in building a successful business that consistently attracts their ideal clients. She specializes in helping them build a brand that showcases their uniqueness to reach their full potential, becoming the powerful CEO they’re capable of being."      Maggie has over 15 years of experience in corporate leadership in various business domains and coaching. She holds an executive MBA from the Jack Welch Management Institute.   Maggie lives in Toronto, Canada, with her blended family with four kids. She loves spending time in nature, traveling, reading, dancing, good food, and giving back. To learn more, head to www.stairwaytoleadership.com To work with Maggie and gain break-through clarity on why your business isn't scaling- schedule a free 50-min consultation https://calendly.com/maggie-s2l/discovery-call

  1. 3D AGO · BONUS

    MM 210 - Summer Guilt is Real - How to Stop Choosing Between Business and Family

    Send us a text Feeling torn between growing your business and being present for your family this summer? You're not alone. In this quick bonus episode, Maggie tackles the "summer guilt" that plagues so many women entrepreneurs and shares the mindset shift that changes everything. What You'll Learn: ✅ Why "summer guilt" isn't really about time - it's about the story you're telling yourself ✅ The mental trap keeping you stuck between "good mom" and "successful CEO" ✅ The 3-step action plan to create intentional summer boundaries Key Takeaway: "You don't have to choose between being a present mom and a successful CEO. You just need to be intentional about both." Your Action Step: What's one summer boundary you're going to set this week? Block it in your calendar right now - treat it like a non-negotiable client appointment. Ready to Stop the Summer Struggle? If you're tired of feeling guilty about working in summer OR stressed about taking time off, let's create a plan that works for your business and your family. Book your complimentary strategy call at https://www.stairwaytoleadership.com/ Perfect for: Women entrepreneurs struggling with summer work-life balance

    5 min

  2. 6D AGO

    EP 209 - Breaking Through: How to Do the Uncomfortable Things That Grow Your Business

    Send us a text Have you ever felt resistance to a business decision you knew would be good for growth? You're not alone. In this episode, Maggie delves into why our brains resist the very changes that could transform our businesses—and more importantly, how to overcome that resistance. Using real examples from her own wellness journey and a client's staffing challenges, Maggie reveals the science behind why change can be so challenging and shares her proven 5-step framework for overcoming discomfort to achieve breakthrough results. What You'll Learn: Why your brain is wired to resist business growth (it's not your fault!)The 3 core functions of your brain that create resistance to changeReal-world examples of resistance in action - from workout routines to staff realignment5 practical tools to overcome resistance and take action on important decisionsHow to plan and implement systems that make difficult changes easierWhy courage is the antidote to fear in business growth Key Takeaways: ✅ Resistance is normal - Your brain is designed to conserve energy and avoid the unknown ✅ Have a strong why - Connect your actions to your bigger vision and long-term goals ✅ Know the cost of not changing - What will staying the same cost you? ✅ Accept the discomfort - Fighting the resistance only creates more resistance ✅ Build self-belief - You can learn anything and figure out any problem ✅ Make it easier - Create systems and support to ensure consistency Featured Examples: Personal Story: Maggie's journey building a consistent workout routine despite resistanceClient Case Study: A production facility owner overcoming resistance to necessary staffing changes for business growth Quote to Remember: "Sometimes when we feel that knot in the stomach, that we really don't want to do something, you just need to take a breath and "gag and go".  "We all have courage inside of us to do the things that feel scary, that feel impossible, that feel difficult." Ready to Break Through Your Own Resistance? If you're confronting a major change in your business and find yourself resisting the very things you know you need to do, Maggie can help. Book your complimentary strategy call with Maggie here - https://www.stairwaytoleadership.com/

    21 min

  3. JUL 7 · BONUS

    MM 209 - A Key Skill Every Entrepreneur Needs (But No One Talks About)

    Send us a text In today's Maggie's Moment, Maggie dives into the critical but overlooked skill of expanding your emotional capacity—the key to navigating uncertainty, avoiding self-sabotage, and achieving 10X growth.  Backed by neuroscience and 2023 studies, she reveals why traditional "hustle" fails and how to rewire your brain to thrive in the unknown. Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Why Emotional Capacity Matters The brain’s amygdala treats uncertainty as a threat, triggering fight/flight/freeze.Entrepreneurs with high emotional capacity are 3x more likely to hit big goals (2023 Entrepreneurial Psychology study).2️⃣ The “Pivot Protocol” Reframe failure as data (not identity) to recover 42% faster.3️⃣ How to Train It Recognise and name the fear (e.g., “I’m scared I’ll look stupid”) to disarm its power.Use the Dream-Plan-Do method to act before you feel “ready.” Featured in This Episode: 🔹 Study: "Cognitive Flexibility in Entrepreneurs" (2023) – How emotional agility predicts long-term success. Join the 10X Expansion Retreat Ready to stretch your emotional capacity and lead from calm confidence? 🌿 July 25th at Rising Spirit Retreat Centre (near Toronto). Register via the link below. If you have questions, please reach out to Maggie at maggie@stairwaytoleadership.com  https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/10x-expansion-retreat-for-female-entrepreneurs-registration-1424847099029?aff=oddtdtcreator

    4 min

  4. JUL 4

    EP # 208 - The Strategic Speed Advantage: Making Million-Dollar Decisions in Minutes, Not Months

    Send us a text In this episode, you'll discover: The critical difference between fast action and rushed decisions that separates successful entrepreneurs from those who get left behindWhy taking 3 months to decide on a business name is costing you more than you thinkThe two powerful business concepts that will transform how you launch new services: MVP and LVCHow to make strategic decisions with courage while being willing to be imperfectReal examples of entrepreneurs who acted fast and scaled their businesses quickly Key Takeaways: 🚀 Speed vs. Rush: The Game-Changing Difference Rushed = Reactive decisions without analysisFast = Quick analysis followed by immediate implementationYour competition is moving while you're perfecting💡 The Two Concepts Every Service Business Owner Needs: Minimal Viable Product (MVP) - Launch the core of your idea to early adopters, then improve based on feedbackLifetime Value of Customer (LVC) - Think beyond single transactions to maximize client relationships🎯 What It Takes to Make Strategic Decisions Fast: Courage to face uncertaintyWillingness to be imperfectWillingness to fail and adjustTrust in your decision-making ability Real-World Examples Shared: The entrepreneur who spent 3 months on a business name (and why this kills momentum)How Maggie tested her 10X Expansion Retreat concept with existing clients firstA designer who created recurring income by testing one idea with one client Action Steps: Identify one decision you've been sitting on for weeks/monthsApply the MVP concept to test your next service ideaAnalyze your customer lifetime value to spot new opportunitiesSet a decision deadline for yourself and stick to itReady to stop overthinking and start scaling? Book your complimentary Strategic Growth Consultation with Maggie to identify the opportunities in your business and learn how to execute them fast. 📅 Book Your Free Consultation Related Episodes: Episode 124: Making More Money in the Service Business With Better DecisionsEpisode 90: Breaking Free from All or Nothing Thinking That Leads to Better DecisionsConnect with Maggie: Website: stairwaytoleadership.comEmail: maggie@stairwaytoleadership.comLinkedIn: Connect with Maggie

    20 min

  5. JUN 30 · BONUS

    MM 208 - The Hidden Motivation Hack. The Neuroscience Secret to Hitting Your Biggest Goals

    Send us a text Key Points Covered in Today's Maggie's Moment 1️⃣ The Motivation Hack You’re Missing Why discipline alone fails (and what Stanford research says works instead).Hershfield’s finding: People connected to their future selves 2X success rates.2️⃣ How to “Meet” Your Future Self The VR study reported a 42% reduction in procrastination.Why most entrepreneurs see their future self as a stranger (and how to fix it).3️⃣ The Retreat as Your “Mindset Time Machine” How immersive experiences accelerate change (vs. solo journaling).What you’ll take home: Clarity, community, and a 10X action plan. Ready to meet her? Join the 10X Expansion Retreat on July 25th, 2025: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/10x-expansion-retreat-for-female-entrepreneurs-registration-1424847099029?aff=oddtdtcreator Limited to 25 women.

    4 min

  6. JUN 27

    EP # 207 - How to Build a Business That Runs Without You (Even on Vacation)

    Send us a text Here's the reality: Most business owners are trapped in their own success.  You've built something that depends entirely on you being present, available, and "on" all the time. But what if I told you that the most successful, scalable businesses are designed to run seamlessly whether the owner is in the office or on a beach in Bali?  In this episode, I'm sharing the framework that transforms owner-dependent businesses into systematic, profitable operations that actually give you the freedom you started your business to achieve. What You'll Learn: • Why separating your personal identity from your business operations creates exponential growth • The systematic approach to building predictable revenue streams (with real client case studies) • How to train your clients to follow your processes from day one • The framework for creating team independence that reduces your daily workload • Why 90% structure + 10% flexibility is the sweet spot for scalable operations • The connection between documented processes and building a sellable business asset Key Insights: Professional Boundaries: Clear processes prevent you from making emotional business decisions that compromise resultsRevenue Predictability: Systematic client management creates consistent cash flow patternsClient Education: Establishing expectations upfront eliminates pushback and creates smoother operationsTeam Empowerment: Documented processes build confident, independent team membersAsset Building: Structured operations create tangible business value beyond just revenueReal Business Transformations: • Home services entrepreneur who learned why skipping proven processes costs time and money • Virtual assistant who stabilized unpredictable income through systematic client renewals • Team leader who reduced daily interruptions by implementing clear operational guidelines Your Strategic Next Steps: Audit one key business function where you're currently improvingDocument your actual process (not your ideal process)Test and refine with your next client interactionMeasure the consistency of resultsProfessional Insight: "The freedom you're seeking as a business owner isn't found in flexibility—it's built through intentional structure and systematic processes." Ready to implement freedom systems in your business and start scaling sustainably? Book a  complimentary consultation with Maggie here - https://www.stairwaytoleadership.com/

    19 min

  7. JUN 23 · BONUS

    MM 207 - Why We're Scared to Dream Big (And Why We Should Anyway)"

    Send us a text In today's Maggie's Moment, You'll Learn: The real reason women scale back their dreams (hint: it's not lack of drive)Why fear of being seen as "greedy" or "mean" holds us back from successHow going big actually inspires others and creates a ripple effectWhy you can build the business you want while staying true to your valuesKey Takeaway: When women stop playing small and start dreaming big, we don't lose our kindness or values - we become examples that permit others to do the same. Your Action Step: Reflect on one big dream you've been scaling back. What would change if you knew that pursuing it could inspire another woman to go boldly after her dreams too? Ready to Go Bigger? Join me at the 10X Expansion Retreat on July 25th, 2025, in person, where we'll dive deep into overcoming these barriers and creating the bold, values-aligned business you deserve. Spots are limited. Secure yours here -  https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/10x-expansion-retreat-for-female-entrepreneurs-registration-1424847099029?aff=oddtdtcreator

    4 min

  8. JUN 20

    EP # 206 - Beyond Marketing: The 10 Client Retention Mistakes Costing You Thousands

    Send us a text EPISODE OVERVIEW: Marketing brings clients in, but what if your business is like a leaky balloon?  No matter how much water (leads) you pour in, it keeps leaking out. In this episode, Maggie reveals 10 non-marketing ways service-based businesses lose clients and leave money on the table, especially crucial for businesses scaling past six figures. KEY TOPICS COVERED: The 10 Ways You're Losing Clients: Not Offering Next Appointments - Make rebooking easy at service completionMissing Email Marketing - Nurture relationships between visitsPoor Sales Skills & Process - Transform 30% conversion to 80% like Maggie's home services clientTransactional Mindset - Focus on experience, not just transactionsWrong Staff Hiring - Look beyond technical skills to attitude and culture fitInadequate Staff Training - Align team with mission, vision, and brand valuesNo Cancellation Policy - Professional policies show structure and professionalismPoor Follow-Up Systems - Reminder systems and rebooking processesLack of Relationship Building - Connection creates loyalty beyond price competitionMissing Upsell Opportunities - Proactively identify and address additional client needsFEATURED SUCCESS STORY: Home services business owner increased conversion rate from 30% to 80% through improved sales process and discovery conversations. KEY FRAMEWORKS MENTIONED: T.O.P. CEO Formula - Maggie's signature scaling systemThe Leaky Balloon Analogy - Why marketing alone isn't enough for sustainable growthGOLDEN NUGGETS: • "When you live and breathe your mission and vision, and your team does too, that's when you stay aligned and grow the fastest" • "It's not just about helping with back pain or glowing skin - it's about how clients feel when they interact with your brand" • "Connection creates loyalty - clients won't leave for cheaper prices when they feel like you're almost friends" ACTION STEPS: Audit your client journey from discovery to post-serviceImplement next-appointment booking at service completionReview your sales process and conversion ratesEvaluate staff training on brand values and client experienceCreate systematic follow-up processes for cancellations and rebookingCONNECT WITH MAGGIE: Ready to plug the holes in your business and scale sustainably?  Book a complimentary consultation to discuss what's stopping you from scaling without burning out -https://www.stairwaytoleadership.com/

    21 min
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5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

This podcast helps service-based entrepreneurs and business owners scale their businesses in any economy without overworking or overwhelm. The goal is to create an asset you can sell while enjoying life as you build it. Here, you turn your business into a client-attracting gem and become a high-performing CEO. About the Host:Maggie Perotin is the founder of Stairway to Leadership. As an international business and leadership coach, Maggie helps service-based business owners start, grow, and scale their businesses without overworking or being overwhelmed.   With her DREAM-PLAN-DO coaching model, her clients scale while transforming into high-performing CEOs of their businesses.This is what USA Today wrote about this model in the article titled: "How Stairway to Leadership is turning small businesses into high-profit ventures.""(...) her DREAM-PLAN-DO coaching model, she helps her clients align their mindset, business strategy, and high-performance habits to transform their businesses from an unreliable source of income to a super-productive client-attracting gem. Maggie adds that she uses all her knowledge and experience to help her clients grow their businesses in a strategic and innovative way while supporting them in building a successful business that consistently attracts their ideal clients. She specializes in helping them build a brand that showcases their uniqueness to reach their full potential, becoming the powerful CEO they’re capable of being."      Maggie has over 15 years of experience in corporate leadership in various business domains and coaching. She holds an executive MBA from the Jack Welch Management Institute.   Maggie lives in Toronto, Canada, with her blended family with four kids. She loves spending time in nature, traveling, reading, dancing, good food, and giving back. To learn more, head to www.stairwaytoleadership.com To work with Maggie and gain break-through clarity on why your business isn't scaling- schedule a free 50-min consultation https://calendly.com/maggie-s2l/discovery-call

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