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

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

Episodes

MM 192 - From Side Hustler to Entrepreneur CEO Mindset (My Story)

In this special bonus episode, Maggie shares her personal transformation story and reveals how a crucial mindset shift changed everything in her business - even before leaving her corporate career. Learn the exact moment that turned her side hustle into a thriving business and how you can make the same powerful transition. Key Points Covered: • The pivotal moment that transformed Maggie's approach to her business • Why traditional business strategies aren't always the first step to suc...

Mar 10, 20254 min

EP # 191 - From Excel Expert to Entrepreneur: How a Side Hustle Became a Freedom Business

Join Maggie Perotin in this special episode of the Diamond Effect Podcast featuring Stefanie Carroll, a successful member of the Diamond Effect coaching group. Stefanie shares her journey from being a part-time corporate employee to becoming the founder of Excelerates, a specialized spreadsheet solutions business serving clients across North America. Key Highlights: • How an accidental project sparked a successful business idea • The transition from secure employment to full-time entrepreneurshi...

Mar 07, 202528 minEp. 191

MM 191 - Beyond Peak Season: How Top Service Businesses Stay Profitable Year-Round

In this Maggie's Moment: • Why seasonal fluctuations don't have to mean financial uncertainty • Real examples of service-based businesses that overcame seasonal challenges • 3 actionable strategies to create consistent revenue streams Want to learn more about building a sustainable, scalable business with T .O.P. CEO Framework ? Book a discovery call with Maggie - https://stairwaytoleadership.com/:

Mar 03, 20253 min

EP # 190 - Mastering Business Consistency: From Side Hustle to Successful Enterprise

In this episode, Maggie reveals why consistency is the foundational skill every entrepreneur needs to master first, even before marketing and sales. She shares how strategic consistency can transform your business results and explains why simply being "consistent" isn't enough. Key Highlights: • Why consistency must come before mastering marketing and sales • The difference between basic consistency and strategic consistency • How consistency creates valuable data for business dec...

Feb 28, 202519 minEp. 190

MM 190 - Stop Being Busy: 3 Secrets to 10X Your Productivity

"I'll do it when I have more time" - Sound familiar? The truth is, successful business owners don't have more hours in their day - they just have a different relationship with time. In this Maggie's Moment, I'm sharing my proven strategies that helped my clients: ✨ Get more done in less time ✨ Stop feeling overwhelmed by their to-do lists ✨ Actually grow their business while working less Want to know my super-secret power for 10X productivity? Watch till the end! 👆...

Feb 24, 20254 min

EP # 189 - Beyond the Comfort Zone: My Journey to Legacy Makers TV & What It Taught Me

🎬 In this episode, Maggie shares her exciting journey and behind-the-scenes experience of being featured in the upcoming documentary "Legacy Makers" by Inside Success Studios. Key Highlights: How an Instagram casting call led to a TV documentary opportunity The show's nominations including Cannes Short Film Festival and New York Orion Film Awards Behind-the-scenes insights from the Miami filming experience Key Business & Leadership Lessons: Authenticity in Business What true ...

Feb 21, 202523 minEp. 189

MM 189 - Why Your Service Business Needs BOTH Marketing AND Sales to Thrive

'Just focus on marketing!' 'No, sales is all you need!' Ever heard these conflicting pieces of advice? Here's the truth: Your service business needs BOTH to thrive. In today's Maggie's Moment, I break down: Why marketing and sales are two wings of the same bird How each process serves a unique purpose in your business growth Why different businesses need different approaches The key to sustainable income growth Stop choosing sides and start building systems tha...

Feb 17, 20254 min

EP # 188 - The Strategic Shift: Moving from Owner-Operator to Visionary CEO

Are you ready to transform from a hands-on business owner to a strategic leader? In today's we'll dive deep into the crucial transition every business owner needs to make to create a sellable asset. 🔑 Key Takeaways: • Signs you're stuck in the owner-operator mode • The T.O.P. CEO Formula Breakdown • The $10,000/hour Test • Transitioning from Owner-Operator to Visionary CEO Framework • Common Challenges & Solutions 🎯 Action Steps: 1. Assess your current involvement in day-to-...

Feb 14, 20253 minEp. 188

MM 188 - Small Players, Big Impact: Business Lessons from DeepSeek's AI Success

In this Maggie's Moment bonus episode, discover how a small AI startup's recent success story provides powerful lessons for service-based business owners. Learn why you don't need massive resources to make a significant impact in your industry. Key Takeaways: • How DeepSeek, with limited R&D budget, disrupted the tech giants • Why maintaining a competitive edge through innovation is non-negotiable • Practical ways to leverage AI tools for business growth • The power of resourc...

Feb 10, 20254 min

EP # 187 - From Owner-Dependent to Owner-Free: Your Roadmap to Making Your Business a Valuable Asset

In this episode, Maggie dives deep into the essential components that make your business not just profitable, but highly sellable. Whether you're planning to sell in the near future or just starting out, these insights will help you build a more successful, valuable, and sustainable business. Key Topics Covered: • The 10 critical components of a sellable business • How to reduce owner dependency (including the "Vacation Test") • Strategies for building predictable revenue streams ...

Feb 07, 202527 minEp. 187

MM 187 - Strategic Risk Management: Building a Valuable, Sellable Business

In Today's Maggie's Moment, we dive into how smart risk management directly impacts your business's value and sellability. Learn practical strategies to navigate current political and economic changes while building a more resilient business. Key Points Covered: • The connection between risk management and business valuation • Real-world example: Navigating trade wars and tariff impacts • Strategies for supply chain risk mitigation • Adapting to government policy changes • The thr...

Feb 03, 20253 min

EP # 186 - Staying Focused and Aligned: Monthly to Quarterly Business Success

Discover the secret sauce behind consistent business growth! In this power-packed episode, Maggie Perotin reveals how successful business owners consistently hit their goals monthly and quarterly. Learn the exact system to transform your business from reactive to strategically driven. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Why do some businesses consistently grow while others struggle with basic to-do lists The importance of strategic alignment from monthly activities to annual goals How to implement effective month...

Jan 31, 202515 minEp. 186

MM 186 - Your Monthly Business GPS Check

Your Monthly Business GPS Check! Do you ever feel like you're driving your business without checking the GPS? That's exactly what happens when we skip our monthly reviews! Here's why they're crucial for your business success: ✨ Monthly reviews are your business reality check: • Review what worked (and why!) • Identify what didn't (and learn from it) • Make necessary course corrections • Realign with your yearly strategic plan 🚫 The biggest mistake that I see so many bus...

Jan 27, 20254 min

EP # 185 - Building Your Service Business Machine: The Path to Operational Excellence

In this value-packed episode, discover how to maintain and improve service quality while scaling your business. Learn about the three essential pillars that create operational excellence: People, Processes, and Systems. Key Highlights: Why service businesses face unique challenges in maintaining quality during growth How to achieve 95-98% service excellence through systematic approaches The four critical elements of successful hiring in service businesses Why common sense is an overlooked but cr...

Jan 24, 202530 minEp. 185

MM 185 - 3 Hidden Keys to Scale Your Service Business (Without Burning Out)

In this power-packed Maggie's Moment, discover the three essential pillars for scaling your service-based business sustainably. Perfect for entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses without sacrificing their well-being or working longer hours. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Introduction & Hook 0:15 - The Challenge of Scaling Service Businesses 0:30 - Pillar 1: Systems for Sustainable Growth 1:00 - Pillar 2: Building Your Brand Authority 1:30 - Pillar 3: Strategic Delegation 2:00 - Action S...

Jan 20, 20255 min

EP # 184 - Leadership Strategies for Service Business Owners: Building Teams That Drive Growth

In this episode, business and leadership coach Maggie Perotin shares valuable insights on building and leading high-performing teams in service-based businesses. Drawing from her extensive corporate leadership experience, Maggie provides practical strategies for service-based business owners looking to scale beyond solopreneurship and grow high-performing teams. Key Topics Covered: • Why team building requires more than just hiring talented individuals • The crucial difference between leading an...

Jan 17, 202526 minEp. 184

MM 184 - The Heart of Business Growth: Simple Leadership Principles That Work

Ever caught yourself thinking leadership is just for "corporate types"? In this Maggie's Moment, Maggie talks about how service-based business owners can transform their businesses through essential leadership principles. Key Takeaways: • Why leadership is crucial for business growth • 3 essential leadership principles for service-based business owners • The power of clarity in business vision • How to move from perfectionism to decisive action • The importance of self-leadership ...

Jan 13, 20254 min

EP # 183 - Essential Systems for Scaling a Service Business

Want to scale your service business without working 24/7? In this value-packed episode, discover the three core systems that will transform your service business from overwhelming to streamlined! What you'll learn: The 3 essential systems every scalable service business needs Real success stories from businesses that got it right A step-by-step implementation strategy you can start using today Common pitfalls to avoid (and how to overcome them) 🔑 Key Highlights: Why your client acquisition...

Jan 10, 202520 minEp. 183

MM 183 - The Power of Daily Success Habits: Transform Your Business in 15 Minutes a Day

Discover how a simple 15-minute evening review habit can transform your service-based business from chaotic to strategic in this Maggie's Moment. 🔑 Key Points: • The impact of daily habits on business success • Why small, consistent actions matter more than big changes • How to implement the 15-minute evening review • Real results from a client success story 📋 The 15-Minute Evening Review Process: Review your daily wins Identify tomorrow's top 3 priorities Align priorities with long-...

Jan 06, 20253 min

EP # 182 - The Orchestra Effect: Scaling Your Service Business Beyond Solo-preneurship

In this first episode of 2025, Maggie discusses how to scale your service business beyond solopreneurship, comparing the process to conducting an orchestra rather than being a solo player. ⭐ Key Benefits of Scaling: Create a sellable business asset Build a lasting legacy Expand your mission and impact Create positive ripple effects beyond direct clients 🎼 The Orchestra Effect Framework: Understanding Your Business Foundation Know your business inside out Master your numbers (financial & ope...

Jan 03, 202536 minEp. 182

MM 182 - Powerful Ways to Attract New Clients in 2025

Are you still using outdated client attraction strategies? In this quick but powerful Maggie's Moment episode, discover three proven ways to attract new clients in 2025 - including one that requires zero ad spend! Key Takeaways: How to reimagine your current offers for untapped markets (featuring the Stanley Cup success story) Why doubling down on successful marketing channels beats trying everything The power of strategic partnerships in client acquisition How to implement these strategies...

Dec 30, 20244 min

EP # 181 - 5 Marketing Lessons from 2024 That Will Supercharge Your 2025 Goals

In this final full episode of 2024, discover how to transform your marketing lessons from the past year into powerful strategies for 2025! Key Highlights: The 5 crucial marketing lessons from 2024 that can shape your 2025 success How to strategically implement the 20-40-40 formula in your social media Personal branding evolution and authenticity in business Building a stronger email community and exclusive value Leveraging social media analytics for better engagement Strategic partnerships for b...

Dec 27, 202429 minEp. 181

MM 181 - Thank You for an Amazing 2024! Maggie's Moment Holiday Special

Today's Maggie's Moment is a Special Holiday Message 🎄 Episode Highlights: • A heartfelt thank you to our amazing community • Reflections on 2024's journey together • Holiday wishes for rest, connection, and celebration • Looking ahead to an impactful 2025 🎁 Key Takeaways: • The importance of taking time to disconnect and recharge • Celebrating both business and personal wins • Permission to step back and dream big for the new year 🔗 Connect with Maggie: • Book a strategy call:...

Dec 23, 20243 min

EP # 180 - Breaking the High-Achiever's Curse' by Celebrating 2024 Wins

In this heartfelt end-of-year episode, Maggie Perotin shares her journey of learning to celebrate both small and big wins, breaking down her top 10 celebrations from 2024 - alternating between business and personal achievements. 🔑 Key Highlights: • The importance of celebrating small wins, especially for high achievers • Featured client success stories from 2024 (Episodes 155 , 158 , 177 , and 179 ) • Evolution of brand messaging focusing on building sellable assets • Implementation of new tech...

Dec 20, 202436 minEp. 180

MM 180 - Stop Cleaning Your Way Out of Business Success

As entrepreneurs, we obsess over business ROI but overlook the biggest cost killer - depleting our creative energy on household tasks. Here's a reality check: That Sunday spent deep-cleaning your house? It's not saving you $200 - it's potentially costing you thousands in lost business opportunities. Why? Because your brain is your million-dollar asset. 🧠 In this week's Maggie's Moment, I'm breaking down: • Why your DIY mindset might be blocking your business growth...

Dec 16, 20244 min

EP # 179 - From TV Production to Entrepreneurship. Navigating the Business Journey with Craig Colby

In this episode of the Diamond Effect Podcast, Maggie Perotin talks with one of her clients, Craig Colby, a seasoned television executive and founder of Colby Vision. Craig shares his journey from a successful career in television to running his own business. He discusses the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the importance of storytelling in business, and how to effectively market oneself in a competitive industry. Tune in to learn valuable insights on client acquisition, adapting to ...

Dec 13, 202425 minEp. 179

MM 179 - The Power of a December Pause: Why Slowing Down Now Creates Better Business Success

The secret to December and New Year success? It's not about doing more - it's about pausing strategically. In this week's Maggie's Moment, I'm sharing why the most successful leaders actually slow down during the busiest season. Learn my 3 favorite ways to implement the "December Pause" in your business day starting today.

Dec 09, 20244 min

EP # 178 - Social Media Simplified: Effective Growth Strategies for Service Based Businesses

Welcome to Episode 178 of the Diamond Effect Podcast! In this episode, Maggie Perotin dives into social media; a tool that many business owners find challenging but crucial for growth. Discover a fresh perspective on how to leverage social media as part of your marketing strategy effectively. Key Takeaways: Mindset Shift: As a CEO, you're in control of your social media strategy. Avoid getting overwhelmed by external pressures and focus on what works for you. Five Best Practices: Consistenc...

Dec 06, 202421 minEp. 178

MM 178 - The Hidden Cost of Just One More Thing

In today's Maggie's Moment, I'm exposing the hidden costs of the 'Just One More Thing' syndrome and sharing 3 signs you might be falling into this productivity trap. Listen to learn how to protect your most valuable business assets - your energy and focus! And if you are ready to transform your habits from overworked and overwhelmed to effective and at peace, I am here to help. With my T.O.P. CEO Performance Enhacer System you will help you transform into a high-performi...

Dec 02, 20244 min

EP # 177 - From Accidental Discovery to Thriving Business: A Client Success Story with Jennifer Illsley-Hall, owner of Deliberate Decisions

In this inspiring episode, Maggie Perotin interviews Jennifer Jennifer Illsley-Hall, founder of Deliberate Decisions, a professional organizing company. Jennifer shares her remarkable journey from accidentally discovering her natural organizing talents to building a successful professional organizing business in British Columbia, Canada. Tune in to this episode to learn how vulnerability, trust, and professional guidance can transform both clients' lives and business growth. Key Highlights:...

Nov 29, 202432 minEp. 177