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

Maggie Perotin
  • 5.0 (15)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 2D AGO

    The Power of Showing Up: Everyday Leadership & Finding Your Voice Online with Mike G. Guthrie - EP # 238

    In this heartfelt episode, Maggie sits down with Mike Guthrie—community connector, philanthropist, and daily LinkedIn video creator. Together, they explore how authentic engagement and simply showing up (online and in real life) can spark unexpected friendships, inspire positive change, and help you find deeper purpose in your work.  Whether you’re a business owner, leader, or just someone looking to make a difference, Mike’s story will remind you that impact starts with small, consistent actions and genuine connection. Episode Highlights How a single thoughtful comment on LinkedIn led to a meaningful friendship and this inspiring conversationMike’s journey from “quiet observer” to daily video creator and community connectorThe surprising impact of small, consistent actions—both online and offlineWhy leadership isn’t about titles, but about showing up for yourself and othersStories of philanthropy, kindness, and using your voice for goodThe role of social media in building real relationships and amplifying positive changeTips for overcoming tech overwhelm and growing into your own authentic online presenceHow giving back and supporting causes can bring deeper fulfillment to your work and life Connect with Mike; LinkedIn: Mike G. GuthrieInstagram handle @mike.gibsonguthrieCharities mentioned: Phoenix Foundation (mental health) https://thephoenixfoundation.ca/home Red M (human trafficking) https://joinredm.ca/  Little Warriors (child abuse prevention) https://littlewarriors.ca/whiskeyinateacup/  Moose Hide Campaign (indigenous women’s safety) https://moosehidecampaign.ca/ Episode Quote “Leadership isn’t about your job title—it’s about how you show up for others, every single day.”

    37 min

  2. 6D AGO · BONUS

    How to Think Like a CEO (Not Just a Service Provider) - MM 238

    In this Maggie’s Moment, Maggie breaks down the 3 big shifts that separate true CEOs from overwhelmed technicians: Creating and leading with a clear visionBuilding a team to expand your impactInvesting in your own growth to move the business forward Ready to step into your CEO role and scale your business? Tune in for actionable inspiration and your next step.Ready to step into your CEO role and grow faster? Book a complimentary consult and I’ll help you build the skills and strategy to scale -  https://calendly.com/maggie-s2l/discovery-call-1

    5 min

  3. JAN 23

    Why Lack of Clarity Is Costing Your Business Growth (and How to Solve it Fast as a CEO) - EP # 237

    Stuck, Overthinking, or Spinning? How Clarity Helps Business Owners Move Faster Are you caught in a cycle of overthinking, indecision, or second-guessing every move in your business? You’re not alone. In today’s episode, Maggie Perotin dives deep into why so many service-based business owners feel stuck—and reveals the clarity strategies that help CEOs move forward with confidence and speed. Inside this episode: The real reasons business owners lose clarity (and how it silently stalls your growth)How too many options and endless “shoulds” lead to overwhelm, wasted time, and lost momentumThe exact questions to ask yourself to break free from analysis paralysis and get back on trackMaggie’s proven “decision filter” method for making faster, smarter choices—without the guilt or second-guessingReal-life examples of how clarity transformed her clients’ results (and how it can do the same for you)Simple, actionable steps to regain focus, prioritize what matters, and finally make progress—no matter how busy or overwhelmed you feelIf you’re tired of spinning your wheels and ready to lead your business like a true CEO, this episode is your roadmap to clarity, action, and real growth. Ready to move from stuck to unstoppable? Tune in now and discover the clarity edge your business needs.

    23 min

  4. JAN 16

    Is Social Media Still Worth It in 2026? How Service Businesses Get Found (and Chosen) Online - EP # 236

    In this episode, Maggie answers two questions service-based business owners keep asking online: Is social media still worth it in 2026, or are clients searching elsewhere?How do I convert website/online traffic into paying clients?You’ll get a fresh, practical perspective based on current consumer behavior (including Google’s “messy middle” buying journey) and real examples that show why visibility isn’t enough — your Google profile, website copy, and follow-up process are what turn interest into booked clients. What you’ll learn How clients actually choose service providers in 2026 Why social media is still worth it — but only if it matches where your ideal clients exploreThe 3 essentials that convert online trafficWhy “marketing tactics” don’t work well in isolation — and how to build an ecosystem insteadKey takeaways Your client’s buying journey is rarely one search → one decision. It’s a “messy middle” of research.Social media supports the exploration phase. Google + reviews support the evaluation phase.Conversions often break at the follow-up stage: slow replies, unclear next steps, or inconsistent communication.The goal is a smooth client journey from discovery → trust → contact → conversion.Work with Maggie If you want help looking at your marketing holistically — from your ideal client’s perspective — and turn your online presence into a consistent stream of paying clients, book a complimentary consultation - HERE - https://calendly.com/maggie-s2l/discovery-call-1 Timestamps 00:00 Why this episode: answering real questions service business owners ask online02:00 The “messy middle”: why the buyer journey isn’t linear (streaming, scrolling, searching)03:00 Why video content matters more than ever in the exploration phase04:00 Evaluation phase: why clients check Google profiles + reviews before deciding06:00 Where social media fits: it’s part of discovery (and you need to be where your client explores)09:00 The 3-step conversion checklist for turning traffic into paying clients11:00 Real story: searching for kids’ drama classes (what went wrong in the follow-up)18:00 What a smooth conversion journey looks like (examples from Maggie’s client inquiries)23:00 The big mistake: treating marketing in silos vs building a client journey ecosystem

    28 min

  5. JAN 12 · BONUS

    Marketing Channels for Small Business that Convert in 2026 - MM 236

    Ever wonder which channel is “best” in 2026 — Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, email, networking, or cold outreach? In this quick bonus episode, Maggie shares the truth: there’s no magic platform. Any channel can convert when you choose it based on your ideal client and back it with the right positioning + messaging. You’ll learn how to: Pick channels based on where your clients actually look for answersMake the channel convert by speaking in your client’s language (not industry jargon)Stop chasing trends and start building a simple, repeatable approachPress play and choose your channel strategically — then make it work.

    4 min

  6. JAN 9

    How to Build a Consistent Client Pipeline Organically in 2026 (No-Ads Lead Generation) - EP # 235

    Get Your FREE Resource - 59+ Ways to Make Your Business More Visible Want consistent leads for your service business without spending huge amounts on paid ads? In this episode, Maggie breaks down why organic marketing is the smartest place to start (especially on your way to your first six figures) and shares the 3 pillars that create a steady, predictable client pipeline. What you’ll learn Why organic marketing should come before paid ads (and when paid ads make sense so that you don't spend a huge amount to make them work)The 3 pillars of organic lead generation that work for most service businessesWhy there’s no one-size-fits-all marketing tactic—and how to choose what fits your businessThe 3 pillars of no-ads lead generation Strategic partnerships: Build win-win relationships that generate referrals.Online lead generation + conversion: Google Business Profile with a website + a focused social presence that includes sales content.Stay connected: Nurture past clients and warm leads through email + social so you stay top of mind.Marketing is an ecosystem. Your best results come when these strategies support each other—rather than running random tactics in isolation. Work with Maggie Want help building a reliable client acquisition engine organically?  Book a complimentary consultation here to talk details.  Next steps: Subscribe to the Diamond Effect PodcastLeave a review (it helps more than you know)Share this episode with a fellow business owner who wants consistent leads without paid adsKeywords No-ads lead generation, organic marketing for service businesses, consistent leads without ads, client pipeline, strategic partnerships, Google Business Profile, email nurturing, client acquisition engine

    24 min

  7. JAN 5 · BONUS

    3 Steps to Consistent Referrals

    Referrals shouldn’t feel like luck.  In this quick Maggie’s Moment, Maggie shares a simple 3-step approach to generate more consistent client referrals so it happens every time (bonus: automate what you can).  If you want referrals to become predictable, this is your starting point.

    4 min

  8. JAN 5 · BONUS

    Why Smart Business Owners Don’t Hit Their Goals (And the Fix That Actually Works) - MM 235

    Behavioral research shows 3 key reasons business goals slip: lack of structure, shallow motivation, and relying on willpower instead of systems. Maggie shares how to build a simple plan and weekly rhythm that keeps you consistent. What You'll LearnHow to turn vague goals into clear targets + weekly actionsWhy your WHY matters more than hypeThe simple systems that create consistency (calendar, weekly review, accountability)Join a complementary online event - Design Your Success 2026 (Jan 13-14, 2-5 pm EST) to build an actionable plan for your goals. Message Maggie - maggie@stairwaytoleadership.com for more details and to secure your spot.  And if you want expert eyes on your business, plus the structure and support system to stay consistent, book a complimentary consultation with Maggie here.  We'll map your next best steps to achieve or even exceed your goals. Quote"Don't lower the goal. Upgrade the structure behind it."

    5 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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