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No BS Agency Podcast

Author: Pia Silva

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Ignore The Crap That’s Holding You Back & Discover What It Really Takes To Be The Boss
243 Episodes
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Wouldn't you love to be seen as an authority figure, a respected expert professional who always has a list of prospects ready to pay the prices that you charge?This is one of the most common things that we hear from people who join our program, No BS Agency Mastery.  When people don't view you as the expert that you are, you run into all kinds of trouble running your business. Bargaining with people who can’t or don't want to pay what you charge. Clients questioning and pushing back on your work, making projects take twice as long. And struggling to close clients in the first place. It can be incredibly demoralizing and frustrating.When you think of authority, you might envision someone with a large platform, people with books, speaking engagements, podcasts, tons of followers online. But you don’t have to wait until you’ve built an authority machine out in the world to get the respect–and the pay–that your expertise deserves.This month, I’ll be sharing strategies that you can implement right now to start building your authority and ability to command the prices you want and run projects that don’t go out of scope and drain your energy and profit.Tune into this episode to hear:How the traditional proposal process undermines your authority with clientsHow the lead product strategy transforms how clients view and value your work—before they hire you.How I turned a $2,000 logo request into a $20,000 rebranding project by showing up as the expert.Resources: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
Sarah Noel Block has been thriving inside the Mastery community, implementing our model in her marketing business — showing everyone that even though the model was designed with one to two person branding agencies in mind, the principles can apply to any creative services business.In this episode, Sarah shares one strategy in particular that anyone could use to support their business: Online Events. Sarah is a master at using online events to bring people into her world, make connections, and generate quality leads. And she tells us how she does it.Sarah Noel Block has rocked the content world for 16 years. She's supported big shots like apartments.com and Prudential, but her heart lies with small teams. As the creator of the StrategicSpark Workshop, the StrategicStory, and Tiny Marketing Framework, she's a master at helping tiny teams achieve big results. With an award-winning content platform under her belt and features in Entrepreneur, Forbes, and Thrive, Sarah knows her stuff. She's like that favorite teacher who makes learning fun and impactful. Tune into this episode to hear:What builds authentic relationshipsThe tools Sarah uses to bring participants to her eventsHow to borrow audiences through collaboration to build your networkHow Sarah finds the spaces where her dream clients areHow to move from event participant, to prospect, to saleLearn more about Sarah Noel Block:Tiny MarketingThe Tiny Marketing ShowConnect on LinkedInUpcoming EventsResources: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
Have you ever missed out on an opportunity because you were scared to take the risk?We’ve all let chances slip by because of fear at one time or another. Maybe you’ve avoided trying something new or making an investment in your business because you just couldn’t be sure it would work out so why take the risk?In the last two episodes, I talked about how investing in your business has the best possible ROI you will ever get, and how to break free of your fears around money. In this episode, let’s talk about how to stop letting fear control your decisions, so that you can take smart, calculated risks that will actually move the needle forward in your business.Tune into this episode to hear:What is not an option if you want your business to growThe four steps to taking a thoughtful, calculated riskThe value in investments that seem like a failure or a flopWhat happens when you take calculated risksMentioned:Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike, Phil KnightResources: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
If you had $20,000 to invest today, would you put it in the stock market or into your own business?One of these options could give you a 47% ROI in 5 years, but the other could give you over 1000% ROI. So which option would you choose?For years, I thought the stock market was the gold standard for building wealth. Until I realized I was sitting on a gold mine of ROI potential: my business. In the previous episode, I talked about the insecurity, scarcity, and fear that a lot of us feel around money and how simply making more money isn’t what’s going to eliminate that fear. What changes the game is building competence and confidence in your ability to consistently generate money, regardless of the current situation.To gain that confidence, you have to make investments in yourself and your business.In this episode, let’s talk about what it really means to invest in yourself and your business..Tune into this episode to hear:How the math works: comparing investing in the stock market and investing in your business How investments in your business compounds in value over timeThe mindset shift you need to make about spending money on your businessThe only “sure thing” investment there really ever isResources: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 you worry about money? Are you scared because you don’t have enough? Or maybe you have enough right now but you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop and wipe out that stability?The majority of the people I talk to have been there or are there. And I’ve been there too. I’ve been scared with $40,000 in debt and I’ve been scared with $40,000 in the bank and clients rolling in. Everybody who works for themselves feels this way at some point and today, I want to talk about why we feel that anxiety and how to free ourselves from that feeling.Tune into this episode to hear:Why your fear can’t be solved by having a certain amount of money in the bankThe best way to beat anxiety about your financesThe right way to invest in yourselfWhy I don’t subscribe to the belief that having no debt is the goal How I invest in my skills and personal development to benefit my businessResources: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
How are you going to make this your best year yet?Every year inside No BS Agencies Mastery, I lead a two-day planning workshop for our students. If you want to have your best year yet, it’s vital that you envision not only the big picture, but what steps it will take to achieve it.Today, I’m sharing my vision and planning process, from soup to nuts.Tune into this episode to hear:Our approach to identifying “accomplishments” Two exercises to help you get your big dreams onto the pageHow to identify the obstacles and opportunities in your planThe “Freedom Finder” and why this is crucialWhat actually helps you go from your big goal to an action plan Resources: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
I was recently a guest on Sara Chambers’s fabulous podcast, Chicks Who Give a Hoot and I loved our conversation. We chatted a lot about Mastery, her experience in it, and talked about other people’s experiences as well. Plus we dug into mindset shifts we’ve both needed to make to be successful in our businesses and lots more.I wanted to share that conversation here on my feed. I hope you enjoy it and do check out Chicks Who Give a Hoot!Resources: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
Almost all of us have worked for a crappy boss at some point. And even though you have your own business now, you might still be working for one. Getting away from bad bosses may be one of the reasons you started your own business in the first place. But it is all too easy to end up treating ourselves horribly.So to close out 2024, I want to talk about how to be a great boss to yourself so you can have the freedom and ease you set out to find.Tune into this episode to hear:How old habits and short-term thinking keep us stuck and burned outOne thing we really need from a good boss (and how to give that to ourselves)How to keep yourself accountable even when things aren’t going exactly to planHow a great boss deals with mistakesWhy making time for continuous learning and development is related to being a great bossResources: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
Last week, I talked about how to think about planning your year ahead when you’ve had a wildly successful year.If you’re looking back at 2024 and feeling like things fell apart instead of coming together, you are not alone. Those same students I talked about last week who had their best years ever have also had years that felt like a total bust. If things didn’t take off quite the way you hoped and you feel like you worked so hard and don’t have much to show for it, remember, this is the end of the year, not the end of your story. Where you go from here is up to you.So, let’s talk about planning for 2025 if your year wasn’t so great.Tune into this episode to hear:How unrealistic goals and timelines trip us upThe thing about hitting every goal Planning for the unexpectedThe difference between being productive and strategic in your workHow to reflect on 2024 and turn it into a plan to bounce backMentioned:Taki MooreResources: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
It’s been a year filled with milestone achievements for No BS Mastery students. And the wins aren’t just about bank accounts and booked calendars. It’s taking pottery classes in the middle of the day and bucket list trips across the world and teaming up on a project with a legend in your field. It’s the freedom and flexibility that comes with owning and trusting the No BS process.So what do you do when you’ve had your best year yet?If you want to get to the next level, but you don’t want to lose the spaciousness that you’ve found in your life, what do you need to do to achieve those results? Let’s talk about how to reflect on a big year so you can move into 2025 set up for success as the kind of business owner you want to be.Tune into this episode to hear:The common trait that successful agency owners shareWhy you need to take time to reflect on the low points of the year, not just the winsHow to find areas of your business that aren’t working and are draining your energyHow to evaluate if you’re ready to scale sustainablySetting goals and strategizing for the entire upcoming yearResources: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
Katie Koch and Jess Dyroff are No BS Agencies Mastery success stories. They joined the program soon after they started their business, setting the right course that works for them from the start. Katie Koch and Jess Dyroff are the founders of Brightside Creative, where they transform nonprofits and mission driven organizations into unforgettable brands, empowering them to put their mission in motion.Tune into this episode to hear:How Jess and Katie started their businessWhy Jess and Katie joined the No BS program so soon after starting their businessHow the No BS process made them the trusted partner their clients wantHow the No BS model helped Jess and Katie structure their business in a way that works for their business and personal goalsLearn more about Jess Dyroff and Katie Koch:Brightside CreativeInstagram: @brightside.kcFacebook: @BrightsideCreativeKCConnect 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
Let’s see if this sounds familiar: You say yes to everything. You take any project as they come up and you start them as soon as possible. You have too many clients and you’re juggling too much work. You have no work-life balance. And if you’re not up to your eyeballs in client work, you’re stressing and spinning your wheels about the next thing to cross your door.Burnout is on the horizon.Last week, we talked about setting boundaries with your clients to successfully manage those expectations and relationships.In this episode, we talk about something equally important: the boundaries you set for yourself, in your life and in your business that will actually help you grow.Tune into this episode to hear:What feeds scarcity and tramples your boundariesWhy you have to protect time to work on your business, separate from client workThe kinds of boundaries you have to set for yourself and your businessThe really important thing about small habitsResources: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
Many branding agency owners and creative people find dealing with clients very difficult.In my experience, and after having coached many people through difficult client experiences, I have found that the culprit is almost always lack of clarity around boundaries and expectation management.Things often go off the rails when you can’t communicate and maintain clear boundaries with clients. That’s when you get urgent after-hours emails. That’s when you get scope creep. That’s how everyone ends up unhappy, you and your clients.So let's talk about how to have clearer boundaries for yourself and your business and how to communicate those to your clients. Tune into this episode to hear:How do you create boundaries and set expectations with clients How often you need to communicate your process What ensures project efficiencyWhat actually happens when you try to be responsive always and please your clients all the time Why maintaining boundaries around your time makes your clients value it moreResources: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
I’ve come to realize that so many people struggle to set and hold boundaries because they are afraid of being perceived negatively. Whether it’s saying no to a casual invite to a bar when you’d rather not or holding firm to your boundaries in a professional setting, having and communicating clear boundaries can be stressful. But it is absolutely vital to your business for you to develop this skill. So that’s what I’m talking about boundaries this month. In this episode, we talk about what boundaries are, why they're so hard to set, and how you can start to practice the art of having them, acknowledging them, and setting them.Tune into this episode to hear:What actually allows clients to push your boundariesWhat helps create more positive experiences for your clientsHow to start identifying areas in your life where you want to have better boundaries and why you don’tUsing low-stakes situations to get more comfortable setting a boundary or saying noResources: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
Eleanor Hancock is a star student inside No BS Agencies Mastery and her transformation over the last couple of years has been absolutely phenomenal to watch. She’s an inspiration to me and in the community, and I know you’ll get so much out of hearing her story.Eleanor Hancock is the co-founder of Number 75 Design, a creative agency that specializes in creating ‘damn fine brands’ and websites for dreamers, rebels, corporate escapees and change-makers. Eleanor’s “75% Rule” encourages action over perfection, helping entrepreneurs discover their hidden potential and take meaningful strides towards their goals.As a self-proclaimed timid trailblazer and respectful rule-breaker, Eleanor has mastered the art of turning imposter syndrome into a source of strength and she’s all about empowering small businesses to make big waves in their industries.Tune into this episode to hear:The state of Eleanor’s business after COVID and before joining the No BS Mastery Why Eleanor was initially hesitant to join the No BS MasteryWhat Eleanor has discovered is the most valuable piece in any client projectHow Eleanor and her husband deepened the relationships within the community and their clientsHow the Mastery program has also been a catalyst for Eleanor to overcome impostor syndromeLearn more about Eleanor Hancock:Number 75 DesignInstagram: @number75designThe Dilemma of the Timid TrailblazerResources: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
If you could just make the right social media posts, if you could just make your offer better, if you could just find the people who would pay the high prices, would that make you successful? What does it really take to be successful as a one to two person branding agency?Success is about the whole picture: the business you want, the money you want to make and the lifestyle that you want. It’s about experiencing life the way you want to experience it.This month we're talking all about hard truths that most business coaches are not going to tell you. In this episode, I give you the hard truths about what it takes to be successful. Tune into this episode to hear:What is more important than consistency of salesThe non-negotiable action you must get comfortable with if you want to be successful The importance of setting and holding clear boundaries with clientsBecoming the kind of person who owns the business you wantResources: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
Money. A topic that makes so many people so uncomfortable.We all have money stories that can negatively impact us. God knows I have spent a lot of time working through those to have a healthier money story and a healthier relationship with money. So many creatives don’t like talking or even thinking about money. But it is such an important and powerful aspect of your business. If you don’t have a handle on the truth about money and numbers and how it impacts your business and everything else in your life, it can keep you playing really small.In this episode, I share five hard truths about money that most business coaches won’t tell you.Tune into this episode to hear:The truth about chasing consistent month-to-month incomeWhen access to capital is more important than profitThe truth that some of your investments in your business will inevitably fail, and what to do when it happensWhy you might not be getting paid what your work is worthA bonus truth about revenue and profitResources: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
It seems like everyone wants to be an entrepreneur these days. Start your own business! Be your own boss! It might look glamorous from the outside, but small business owners know, the truth isn’t all that.This month, we’re talking about hard truths most business coaches won’t tell you. And today, I’m going to lay down some hard truths about what it really means to be an entrepreneur.Tune into this episode to hear:Why being an entrepreneur isn’t for everybody — and that’s okay!The truth about growth, momentum, and restWhat is inevitable if you go into business for yourselfThe thing about giving yourself validation for your workResources: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
Apparently, I have developed something of a reputation for telling it like it is. Students and my friends know that they can expect me to give to them straight.Sometimes that might come across a little harsh, and it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I think there’s value in giving (and getting) no BS answers. I’ll be honest about what you can expect, what I think you’re doing right, and where I think you need to pivot. And it’s up to you to take that and make your own decisions about how it applies to you and your business.This month, I’m going to share some of the biggest hard truths that one-to-two person branding agencies need to learn. Once you accept them, it will unburden you from so many challenges and you’ll be able to move forward with more ease.Today, I’m starting with five hard truths that most business coaches won’t tell you about marketing.Tune into this episode to hear:What every killer offers needsThe truth about what “free” marketing costsThe thing you need to have before spending any money on adsWhy you do not need to chase trends trying to go viral on social mediaResources: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
I’m excited to share my conversation with a No BS Mastery star student. Caitlin Lang has been an absolute delight to have in our community and it’s been awesome to watch her take action and transform her business.Today, she shares her journey from the dot com boom to working as a freelance brand designer, to embracing the No BS way after years of struggling with the default way of running a branding agency.As the founder of Liquid Form Design and hype woman for other female entrepreneurs, Caitlin Lang crafts captivating brands and websites that give her clients the confidence to blast through their business goals.Tune into this episode to hear:Why the intensives model was immediately appealing to CaitlinThe mindset shift that made a major difference in Caitlin’s client relationshipsHow committing to a niche has made getting referrals and doing outreach far easier and more fruitfulHow Caitlin is learning to give herself more space and freedom in her scheduleWhat surprised Caitlin about the community aspect of joining the No BS programLearn more about Caitlin Lang:Liquid Form DesignConnect 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
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Comments (3)

Nishant Goel

I came across Pia on BowTieUpLive and became a fan, instantly!! Frankly speaking, the expectation are already too high. I expect nothing less than phenomenal from Pia!

May 14th
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Amanda Johnson Young

From her Forbes articles, to her book and courses, Pia's straightforward branding and small business advice has totally changed my business. I'm so happy to hear she has a new podcast where she'll be real and to the point. Exactly how I like it!

May 13th
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Volina Șerban

Pia's no-bullshit approach is what caught my eye instantly. She's not like all gurus who tell you only things you want to hear so that you feel beeter about your own falults but then do nothing to improve. When I read her Forbes column, I feel instantly empowered to show my business who's boss and take my strategies up a notch. I'm so happy now that she has a podcast to listen to in times when nothing seems to work for your business.

May 13th
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