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

Maggie Perotin
  • 5.0 (15)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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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. 20H AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. JAN 2

    The Mindset That Helps You Follow Through and Achieve Your New Year Goals in 2026 - EP # 234

    Happy New Year, Diamond Effect Podcast listeners. In today’s first episode of 2026, we’re talking about goals—but not in the fluffy, “new year, new you” way. We’re focusing on the mindset that actually helps you follow through past January… and definitely past February. Because setting goals isn’t just about writing down a number. It’s about becoming the kind of leader who can stay consistent, make better decisions, and keep moving forward even when the plan gets messy. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the New Year is a powerful moment to set goals (even if you don’t “wait for the perfect time”)The 3 categories of goals that keep you motivated and groundedHow to stop letting timelines sabotage your belief and momentumWhy progress goals (KPIs) are the real secret to achieving big outcomesHow to build the habits, systems, and mindset that make consistency easier The 3 types of goals to set (and how to think about each): Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs) Your 3–10 year vision that fuels you. These goals help you focus less on “how” and more on who you need to become.Short-Term Goals (Annual goals) Your 12-month target (revenue, number of clients, etc.) that should feel ambitious—but still believable enough that you can stand behind it and take action.Progress Goals (KPIs) The weekly/daily actions that keep you on track—so you can measure what’s working, adjust quickly, and celebrate consistent progress. A mindset shift I want you to take into 2026: If you don’t set goals because you “just want to see what happens,” you’re leaving your future to chance. And if you don’t set goals because you “don’t want to be disappointed,” that’s not protection—it’s avoidance. The real work is building a healthy relationship with goals: using them to guide you, not judge you. Mentioned in this episode: EP # 231 (Dec 12, 2025) - From Idea to Action: The Small Business CEO’s Guide to Making Things Happen in 2026EP # 213 (Aug 1, 2025) - Stop Playing It Safe with Your Dreams: Why 10-Year Goals Should Scare You Into ActionEP # 130 (Jan 5, 202$) - How to Achieve Your Goals Want help planning your 2026 goals? If you’re listening before January 13, I’d love to invite you to my complimentary online event: Design Your Success 2026 Jan 13–14, 2:00–5:00 PM EEST We’ll set your 2026 goal, identify your top 3 focus areas, and map out the actions you’ll take weekly and monthly to make it real—without overwhelm. To join, email me at: maggie@stairwaytoleadership.com

    30 min

  8. 12/29/2025 · BONUS

    MM 234 - Why Giving Value Is the Best Business Strategy (2026 Edition)

    In this Maggie’s Moment, Maggie shares one of her biggest lessons from 2025: the more value you create, the more it comes back—often in unexpected ways. She also reminds you not to rush into 2026 on autopilot, and invites you to join Design Your Success 2026 on Jan 13–14 (because planning in January is still better than not planning at all). 🎧 For the full breakdown of her 2025 lessons, listen to the latest Diamond Effect Podcast episode # 233 - Reflect, Reset, Scale - 5 Powerful Lessons to Close 2025 and Start 2026 Strong. To join her in the Design Your Success 2026 Event on Jan 13 and 14th (virtual and complimentary) - message Maggie at maggie@stairwaytoleadership.com

    4 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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