No BS Agency Podcast

All this month, I’ve been getting real about the changes that are happening in my business.There have been so many decisions to be made about how to market, how to design offers, and how I can best help people really do the thing I’m teaching them to do. Here’s the thing, I don’t really think of myself as a coach, even though I’ve been in the coaching industry for years. I tend to think of myself as a consultant, a guide, or a teacher because I focus on tactics and strategies in our programs. And we have other people do a lot of the “real” coaching.But even though I don’t call myself a coach, I’m part of this industry. And I have a lot to say about what sucks about it and the big misconceptions people get sold about it.Today I dig into why coaching isn’t just showing up, giving advice, and collecting enrollment fees in your sleep. Helping people get what they want and achieve their goals is actually one of the hardest–but most rewarding–things I’ve ever done.Tune into this episode to hear:The behind-the-scenes practical and emotional labor that goes into coachingWhy coaching is extra challenging if you’ve got even the slightest control freak tendenciesHow the coaching industry can take teaching radical responsibility to toxic placesThe moments that keep me coming back to teaching, even with the industry’s issues Mentioned:The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. CoveyResources:No BS Clients LabNo BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

As we’re making big changes in the business, I’m reworking our marketing language and it is bringing up all sorts of feelings for me. I’ve internally struggled with marketing throughout my career. I want to give people all the nuance behind what I’m offering, but nuance doesn’t tend to fit into an attention-grabbing soundbite. And then I get into my head about it, worrying that I’m somehow adding the culture of crap marketing for snake oil even though I have tons of evidence that our methods really do get results for people.Sound familiar? You’re not alone. So let’s talk about it.Tune into this episode to hear:The challenge I had with Blueprint to 30K Months (and why it works)What I learned about getting people’s attention from my stint in real estateWhy I get tied up in knots about creating messaging that nuanced or punchyThe comments from trolls that still live rent-free in my headThe mindset that I’m working to carry forward through these big changesMentioned:Michelle Mazur (@drmichellemazur)Duped PodcastE. 25: What's Possible: Stop Trading Dollars For Hours And Start Scaling Your Business With Confidence And Clarity Featuring Rachael WonRachael Wonderlin (@cant_hustleanyharder)Resources:No BS Clients LabNo BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

Building a business is not always sunshine and roses. There are hard decisions and challenges, and sometimes the hardest part of all is dealing with the trash talk in our own heads.Last month, I told you about the No BS Clients Lab, but that’s not the only shift in our business that’s coming down the pipeline. I’m super excited about the direction we’re going, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t also really scared.Over the next few episodes, I’m going to share with you how the business is evolving and all the worries, fears, and challenges that come with it. I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what I’m working on and grappling with because even with a business that is, for all intents and purposes, successful, there are mindsets and habits of being that are hard to shake and I have them too.I hope it will be helpful for you to hear about some of the raw, unfiltered trash that still comes up for me, even after years of work. Because we all deal with this stuff and you’re not alone in your fears and struggles.Tune into this episode to hear:What we did wrong when creating our first course, the Brandup BootcampWhy we decided not to scale an online courseWhy I’ve hesitated to teach the No BS processes to business owners who aren’t doing brandingHow I’m expanding my nicheThe big fears about changing my business that I’m confronting, even as I’m excited Resources:No BS Clients LabNo BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

Today, I’ve got an amazing interview with someone who has built not one, but two businesses with us inside No BS Agencies Mastery.And she’s done it by jumping in and taking action quickly, even when it isn’t perfect, and being able to learn and pivot as she goes. If you’re hungry to shift your business in a short amount of time, Carly Jefferson sets an incredible example.Carly Jefferson is the Founder of Uncomplicated Brands, helping early-stage tech startups build brands that scale in just 2-4 days. With over a decade of experience in growth marketing and brand strategy, she works with pre-seed to Series A founders preparing to launch or fundraise, combining strategic branding with AI to support lean marketing teams. Based in London, she specializes in tech-for-good founders ready to launch with confidence.Tune into this episode to hear:How Mastery gave Carly the confidence to shutter her prior business and go soloThe biggest mindset shift Carly had to make when building Uncomplicated BrandsHow Carly landed on her niche in tech startups and how it has evolvedThe misconception about niching and how Carly proved it Carly’s biggest wins and where her business is headed nextLearn more about Carly Jefferson:Uncomplicated BrandsInstagram: @uncomplicatedbrandsConnect on LinkedInResources:No BS Clients LabNo BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

This month, I’ve been giving you a behind the scenes look at our new No BS Clients Lab.I’ve talked about why I decided to create a low-investment way for you to access our game-changing lead product process, who the Lab is for, and how it’s structured to help you find and close more premium clients so that you can have the profit in your business and the freedom in your life that you’ve always wanted.Today, I want to share how the Lab fits into the larger No BS ecosystem. While the No BS Clients Lab is valuable on its own, this episode will give you a better idea of where we might take you from there.Tune into this episode to hear:Why the lead product process works for anyone selling their expertiseThe next steps we teach in Mastery that give you profitability, freedom, and easeThe Mastery community and how it helps youResources:No BS Clients LabNo BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

This month I’ve been taking you behind the scenes of our new offer, the No BS Clients Lab. Over the last couple of episodes, I’ve dug into why I decided to make this big shift in my business and why I wanted to make this new program as accessible to as many people as possible.In this episode, I share the details of what you can learn inside this low-cost membership and the results we’re already seeing after just a few months of the No BS Clients Lab going live.I’m honestly astounded at the wins people are getting and I’m excited to keep seeing these incredible results for people who join the Lab.Tune into this episode to hear:Why finding better clients (and closing them faster) is the only strategy you should care about right now.The “short but mighty” training that gives you scripts, templates, and step-by-step instructions so you can start booking lead products within 24 hours.How our live calls, community, and monthly quick-hit trainings keep you focused, accountable, and moving forward.Resources:No BS Clients LabNo BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

In June, I made the executive decision to do something bold (and maybe a little crazy) with my business.In the previous episode, I dug into how the business has evolved from being an agency to teaching and supporting agency owners as they implement the model we developed. And I talked about when and how I realized that No BS Agencies Mastery needed to make a bold move.In this episode, I dive into the details of our new offer, why we designed the way we did, and why anyone who’s hustling to get more premium clients needs to come check out the No BS Clients Lab and join us.Tune into this episode to hear:The lightbulb moment when I realized I was teaching a process I wasn’t using for myselfThe fears I had to overcome about this my business decisionWhy I took the leap to share the LP process more widelyWho the No BS Clients Lab is for, what it teaches, and what’s includedHow this process builds skills and authority that AI can’t compete withResources:No BS Clients LabNo BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

Big changes are afoot at No BS Agency. Why mess with something that works? It’s a risk, and trying something new can be scary, but taking leaps and doing hard things is part of having a sustainable business. This month, I’m going to dive into the whys and hows of shifting our business model and our offerings. In this episode, I share the background and the thinking behind it at this stage of the business. Later in the month, I’ll dig into the details of the new program and how it fits into the larger context of No BS Agency and the systems we teach that help people get serious results.I hope this behind-the-scenes look at how my business is changing is a reminder that your business will shift and evolve and sometimes, you have to burn it down and build something new.Tune into this episode to hear:How the business has evolved and pivoted over the last 14 yearsGoing all-in on No BS Agency Mastery Why I believe in taking big swings for myself and my businessHow I developed and adjusted the program in real timeThe major changes in the industry and beyond that made me realize I needed to shake things upMentioned:E. 252: Carolyn Herfurth Helps High Achievers Break Their Own CeilingsE. 150: Amanda Dahler On The Mindset Shifts That Allowed Her To Grow Her Business Exponentially​​E. 261: Leslie Silverman and Daniel Sanders: How Firing Every Client Led to Their Best Year Yet E. 253: Back to Basics: The Lead ProductResources:No BS Clients LabNo BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupGet the FREE audiobook of Badass Your BrandStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

I’ve been revisiting some of my favorite and most-listened episodes, this month. And in this episode, I’m bringing back this conversation with Marsha Shandur. Just listening to her tell stories inspires me to dig deeper and I know she’ll make you want to be a better storyteller too.Marsha Shandur believes that storytelling is the KEY to ethically persuasive communication. A Storytelling and Persuasive Communication Coach and Trainer, she has taught thousands of individuals and groups of executives, entrepreneurs and professionals across the world, and has received rave reviews from clients like Meta, Royal Bank of Canada, HelloFresh, and Shopify.Before launching Yes Yes Marsha and her career as a Storytelling Coach, Marsha spent 15 years working as a Radio DJ, where she gained a powerful understanding of how to tell stories in a way that fosters connection, trust, engagement and loyalty. Her work has been featured in Forbes, BBC and Mashable.Tune into this episode to hear:How to use your clients’ own words to connect deeply Why the popular  “are you tired of…” sales copy falls flat and what to do instead.How tiny stories and emotions can make your copy unforgettable.The one thing every great opener needs (hint: it’s not “Hi, my name is…”).Learn more about Marsha Shandur:Yes Yes MarshaInstagram: @yesyesmarshaConnect with Marsha on LinkedInGet FREE resources from MarshaResources:No BS Clients LabNo BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

How do you set your pricing?This month, I’m revisiting my all-time most-listened episodes and in this episode, we’ve got one of my favorites. I break down why your current pricing strategy may not be giving you the profit and freedom you were after when you started your business. And I give you instead the formula that will let you hit your financial goals without working yourself into the ground.Tune into this episode to hear:Why focusing on revenue alone isn’t the way to goThe 50-25-25 formula that gives you the profit, lifestyle, and freedom you wantHow the formula accounts for client ebb and flowWhat you need to schedule time for (outside of client time)Resources:No BS Clients LabNo BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

This month, I’m rerunning some of my favorite and most listened-to episodes of all time. This conversation with Laura Belgray is such an inspiration. She’s a great storyteller and a shining example of the power of finding your unique voice so that your work is unmistakably you, no matter what.Laura Belgray is an award-winning copywriter, founder of Talking Shrimp, and author of Tough Titties: On Living Your Best Life When You're the F'ing Worst. She's written TV spots for clients like NBC, Fandango and Bravo; and she helps entrepreneurs find words that make buyers go bananas. Her course with Marie Forleo, The Copy Cure, helps you find your voice and sell your anything.Tune into this episode to hear:Where Laura took inspiration for her bookHow specificity and detail actually makes your writing more widely relatableWhy she shared some of her cringiest moments, and how she navigated writing about real peopleHow Laura learned to tap her own talent and spot opportunities to shine Learn more about Laura Belgray:Talking ShrimpTough Titties: On Living Your Best Life When You're the F-Ing Worst60-Minute Makeover Copywriting Mini-CourseResources:No BS Clients LabNo BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

How do I get the right clients?That’s the number one question I get from service business owners.  Which makes sense, because being able to attract and close clients is a fundamental part of any service business. If you can't do it, you won't have a business. So obviously it's one of the most important things that you need to know how to do. That’s why today, I’m returning to one of my most-listened episodes, because it is packed with practical short and long-term strategies that you can use to attract and land prospects who are the right fit for your business.Tune into this episode to hear:Why relying on referrals puts your business at riskThe short and long-term marketing strategies you need in your arsenalHow to network smarter to actively seek out referrals and new connectionsWhy content marketing is a long-term investment in your businessHow the No BS model stacks clients so you have built-in time to work on your businessResources:No BS Clients LabNo BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

The story of Leslie Silverman and Daniel Sanders of Hive180, shows what is possible when you fully commit to implementing the No BS model. Leslie and Daniel went “all-in” and the results have been incredible to witness.Leslie Silverman is the co-founder of Hive180, a brand transformation studio known for helping certified pros break away from their industry’s status quo. With 25+ years of experience across big brands, agencies, and entrepreneurial ventures, she brings sharp instincts, straight talk, and a refreshingly real approach to strategy. Leslie shows up with audacious authenticity — whether she’s leading a breakthrough or dropping truth bombs on the mic — helping experts finally sound like themselves: bold, clear, and unapologetically real.Daniel Sanders swapped Houston’s city life for Colorado’s peaks in 2010, diving headfirst into craft beers and fly fishing in Fort Collins like he was born to it. His career has morphed from multimedia guru to a web, AI, and strategic branding & design wizard, making Hive180 clients do double-takes with his digital sorcery. Known for his visual storytelling and occasional snark, Daniel’s the cool catalyst behind transforming the mundane into the memorable.Tune into this episode to hear:Why Leslie and Daniel fired their existing clients when they joined No BS Agencies – and how they rebuilt a list full of right fitsThe big mindset shifts about personal growth and money that Daniel and Leslie have madeHow the No BS model has brought freedom and ease to their business and their livesLearn more about Leslie Silverman and Daniel Sanders::Hive180Get the Hive180 Brand ToolkitInstagram: @lesliesilverman, @ds.photoConnect with Leslie on LinkedInConnect with Daniel on LinkedInResources:No BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

What if your job isn’t to solve a problem, but to cause one?I know, causing problems sounds like the last thing you want to do in your business or in your life. Most of us were taught to show up and help fix problems.But in this clip from our fireside chat with Seth Godin at the No BS Agencies Mastery retreat, Seth explains that the people who are really winning in business and in influence know how to create tension.Tension is what makes someone say, hey, I didn’t know this was a problem and now I need it solved! Which is where you come in.Seth Godin is an author, entrepreneur, and most of all, a teacher. In addition to launching one of the most popular blogs in the world, he has written 21 best-selling books, including The Dip, Linchpin, Purple Cow, Tribes, What To Do When It's Your Turn (And It's Always Your Turn), This is Marketing, and This is Strategy. Though renowned for his writing and speaking, Seth also founded two companies, Squidoo and Yoyodyne (acquired by Yahoo!). He is credited as the inventor of email marketing (the good kind) and has given five highly popular TED talks.By focusing on everything from effective marketing and leadership, to the spread of ideas and changing everything, Seth has motivated and inspired countless people around the world.Tune into this episode to hear:How do you introduce tension and then become the source of reliefWhy the real problem is rarely what the client thinks it isHow the Lead Product fills in the story, clarifies the problems, and positions you as the solutionLearn more about Seth Godin:WebsiteSeth’s BlogAkimbo PodcastFacebook: @sethgodinResources:E. 253: Back to Basics: The Lead ProductNo BS Clients LabNo BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

This month, I am sharing some of my favorite moments from my interview with Seth Godin that took place at our No BS Agencies Mastery retreat in May.Along with Seth’s incredible expertise and wisdom, I’m adding my reflections on how those truth bombs connect to the core strategies we teach inside Mastery.In this episode, we dive into why people actually buy (or don’t buy) your services. A lot of us–myself included–come into this business believing that the work should speak for itself. But here, Seth breaks down for us why that just isn’t true. Making the sale is about more than the work itself. Let’s talk about what actually closes the deal.Seth Godin is an author, entrepreneur, and most of all, a teacher. In addition to launching one of the most popular blogs in the world, he has written 21 best-selling books, including The Dip, Linchpin, Purple Cow, Tribes, What To Do When It's Your Turn (And It's Always Your Turn), This is Marketing, and This is Strategy. Though renowned for his writing and speaking, Seth also founded two companies, Squidoo and Yoyodyne (acquired by Yahoo!). He is credited as the inventor of email marketing (the good kind) and has given five highly popular TED talks.By focusing on everything from effective marketing and leadership, to the spread of ideas and changing everything, Seth has motivated and inspired countless people around the world.Tune into this episode to hear:Seth’s personal experience showing that a product won’t sell just because it’s greatWhat creates the best conditions for your customers to say yesHow the Lead Product creates trust and confidence in you for your prospectsLearn more about Seth Godin:WebsiteSeth’s BlogAkimbo PodcastFacebook: @sethgodinResources:No BS Clients LabNo BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

This month, I am sharing something very special with you.At our May 2025 No BS Agencies Mastery retreat in Brooklyn, I got the one and only Seth Godin to speak as our expert guest. In our private fireside chat with No BS Agency owners, Seth did what he does best, and dropped wisdom left and right.It was electrifying. Everyone in the room was furiously taking notes the whole time.So I’ve gathered some of my favorite moments–and trust me, it was so hard to narrow it down!–to share with you and my reflections on how they connect back to the core strategies we teach inside Mastery.This episode is all about how we make decisions in our businesses.Seth Godin is an author, entrepreneur, and most of all, a teacher. In addition to launching one of the most popular blogs in the world, he has written 21 best-selling books, including The Dip, Linchpin, Purple Cow, Tribes, What To Do When It's Your Turn (And It's Always Your Turn), This is Marketing, and This is Strategy. Though renowned for his writing and speaking, Seth also founded two companies, Squidoo and Yoyodyne (acquired by Yahoo!). He is credited as the inventor of email marketing (the good kind) and has given five highly popular TED talks.By focusing on everything from effective marketing and leadership, to the spread of ideas and changing everything, Seth has motivated and inspired countless people around the world.Tune into this episode to hear:What you have to remember about good decisions vs have good outcomesHow to evaluate your decisions A faulty thinking when making or evaluating decisionsLearn more about Seth Godin:WebsiteSeth’s BlogAkimbo PodcastFacebook: @sethgodinResources:No BS Clients LabNo BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

Heidi DeCoux is someone I’ve gotten to know pretty well while she’s been growing her AI-powered tech company, Cashflowy. We want to improve our business processes so that we can provide more quality and value to our clients in the most efficient manner, and AI tools like Cashflowy can be a huge step toward making that happen.Heidi DeCoux is a serial entrepreneur who’s built four businesses with 50%+ profit margins and sold three of them, one of which was a 7-figure exit.Her latest adventure is launching the tech startup, Cashflowy.ai, an elegant AI bookkeeping, client invoicing, and cash-flow management software for small businesses that eliminates the need for a bookkeeper.She’s appeared in Forbes and other publications and has become known as “The Optimizer” because she’s passionate about helping entrepreneurs optimize their businesses and lives.Tune into this episode to hear:Why most bookkeeping is only 70% accurate — and how AI is doing it betterHow Cashflowy was designed and trained specifically for solopreneursHow Cashflowy helps you make smarter decisions for your business right nowCashflowy features that reduces mistakes and allows for more efficient financial reportingWhy the future belongs to billion-dollar, one-person businessesLearn more about Heidi DeCoux:CashflowyInstagram: @heididecoux, @cashflowy.aiConnect with Cashflowy on LinkedIn Connect with Heidi on LinkedInFREE Guides and Templates from CashflowyResources:No BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

Jacob Kleinman Phillips is one student of the No BS Master program who I’ve been delighted to watch grow and blossom over the last few years. He is a shining example of our community in the way that he shows up full of energy, open and ready to share his wins, his challenges, to ask questions, and to support others. I am so excited for you to hear his story.Jacob is the founder of Touchpoint, a branding studio helping purpose-driven businesses and nonprofits turn their mission into a movement. Known for his strategic clarity and human-first approach. He blends storytelling with design to craft brands that don’t just look good, they move people.Tune into this episode to hear:How Jacob’s own commitment to giving back shows up in the work that he does and fuels his businessThe client experience that taught Jacob to lean in to his niche and good client fitsHow the LP interview has allowed him to incorporate unexpected, highly impactful details that perfectly align with clientsWhat dressing up in a chicken suit taught JacobJacob’s “aha” moment about the difference between a commodity and a transformationLearn more about Jacob Kleinman Phillips:Touchpoint DesignInstagram: @jacob.kleinmanphillipsResources:FREE GUIDE - Goodbye GenericNo BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

It’s every business owner’s dream: An email pops into your inbox from an excited prospect who is just dying to work with you. That doesn’t happen by accident.That only happens when you've put time and effort into building an entire ecosystem dedicated to attracting new people into your orbit. It’s called an Authority Machine. It attracts clients to you so that you’re responding to excited prospects who want your services. It’s what allows you to build a truly sustainable business for the long haul.This month, I’m taking it back to the basics and unpacking the fundamentals of building a No BS Agency. In this episode, we dive into the Authority Machine and how it gets your small agency off the where’re my next client coming from? treadmill.Tune into this episode to hear:How an Authority Machine is different from the social media content treadmillWhy building your Authority Machine is the “last step” in our No BS modelThe elements of an effective Authority MachineThe marketing efforts that just don’t make sense without an Authority Machine in placeResources:No BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

Do your projects drag on for weeks or even months longer than you planned? Are you constantly chasing clients for deliverables or feedback so you can move forward?If you are, I bet you’re pretty sick of it. I was too. So I upended the traditional model.Now one of the core frameworks I teach in the No BS model is the Intensive. Intensives allow you to make more money, deliver more value to your clients, and reclaim your time and freedom.No more client limbo. No more endless rounds of revisions. No more scope creep.In this episode, I talk about why Intensives work and how they create more satisfied clients and give you the life you probably wanted when you started your business.Tune into this episode to hear:Why traditional branding and web projects often drag on for months—and what to do insteadHow Intensives help you deliver more value in less time (while charging more!)The exact structure of our $40,000 two-day Brand Up intensivesThe role of the “lead product” (like our Brand Shrink) in setting up a successful intensiveReal examples of how Intensives increased client satisfaction and our freedomWhat to consider if you want to implement Intensives in your own agencyResources:No BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com