On Your Terms®

When you’re used to sending emails person to person, nothing could be more straightforward. But when you’re representing a business – even if that business is just you – things get a bit trickier. In this short episode, I’m going to share with you four tips you can implement right away in order to ensure the emails you’re sending on behalf of your business are legally protected.In this episode, you’ll hear…00:39 - Why you need to send emails legally02:14 - Making sure you have an unsubscribe link05:59 - Having a mailing address for your business06:57 - Including your business name08:14 - Only sending emails to people that want themIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:The Ultimate Bundle®Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!Get notified when each episode of On Your Terms® comes outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Legalese can sometimes feel like a different language altogether, and let’s be real, all of the symbols you see everywhere don’t help! What's the deal with ™️, ©, ® symbols? What do they mean, what do they do, and can you use them in your business? We’re going to break it all down and translate these strange glyphs into a language that you can understand.In this episode, you’ll hear…03:01 - Getting your symbols straight (and why it matters)04:54 - The copyright (©) symbol13:12 - The trademark (™️) symbol17:34 - The registered trademark symbol (®)This week’s review of the week comes from Bethica83 who wrote: “These podcasts have been perfect for me as I work through the multitude of angles, starting Honeybee Health Coach PLLC, and protecting myself as I provide diabetes education and help patients navigate the complicated world of health care and realize their full health potential. This is a great tool to accompany her legit legal package.”If you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Go to copycatschecklist.com to get my free PDF guide on keeping content thieves off your back!Get notified when each episode of On Your Terms® comes outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

As business owners, we work hard to make our businesses run, from our websites to our social media content to our copy. But what if someone else saw your work and thought, “Wow, this is great! Nobody will notice if I use it for my business, right?” What would you do?I’m going to tell a juicy story that I’ve never shared in full before, about when I had my entire website stolen by another attorney a few years ago. It’s a wild story, and parts of it are hard to believe, but it’s completely true – which means it could happen to anyone. I’m sharing this story to show you how these situations play out in real time, and what steps you can take to get through it.In this episode, you’ll hear…06:25 - Why business theft seems to be so prevalent08:24 - The two problems that always come up when you protect your content10:17 - That time I got my whole website stolen by another attorney23:56 - The importance of memorializing agreementsIn our listener review of the week, Samantha Burmeister said: Perfect for the next-level entrepreneur. This podcast has been a godsend for me as I seek resources that are for someone that’s already established in their business. It’s beyond entry-level info, but not too over my head. As Goldilocks said, “This podcast is juuuust right.”!If you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Go to copycatschecklist.com to get my free PDF guide on keeping content thieves off your back!Episode 19. How to Legally Share Content (Don't be a Copycat!)Get notified when each episode of On Your Terms® comes outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

I get so many questions (and hear so much bad advice floating around) relating to business insurance. One of the worst things that could happen is thinking you’re fine, only to find out your coverage won’t do anything for you. That’s not what I want happening to you! Let’s break down the myths, teach you what business insurance really is, how it works, and what some of the most common mistakes are for people who already have it.In this episode, you’ll hear…03:17 - What business insurance actually is06:40 - The different kinds13:44 - Why not having business insurance is a mistake16:10 - Making sure you get the right kind17:27 - Not being fully covered20:12 - Knowing your business insurance exclusions22:00 - Looking at your declarations pageIn our review of the week, DiamondA2021 says: “Oh my goodness, I am a new fan of Sam’s podcast 100%!! Sam is so down to earth while being so knowledgeable and wise at the same time. Many of her episodes speak directly to my heart and help me to become more confident as a Gospel fitness trainer and business owner. The episode: “What Other People Think Of Your Business- Does It Really Matter?” especially spoke to me!! For the longest I obsessed over unfollowers!! But Sam is right in encouraging us all to celebrate our wins and make a difference in our own ways.”If you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Episode 33: What Other People Think of Your Business – Does it Really Matter?Episode 35: What to Do if Your Business Gets SuedClick here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Are you not where you want to be in business? Either you feel like you’re not making as much money as you should be, your social media isn’t getting the attention you’d like, or you just don’t have as many clients as you’d like? We’ve all been there – including me.I’m going to help you learn how you can process those feelings and what to do with them. I have six tips to adjust your outlook and overcome this business-blocking mindset.In this episode, you’ll hear…03:15 - Two things that make us feel off track09:41 - The hard side of feeling behind14:23 - Why you need to focus on what’s going right instead of what’s going wrong20:14 - Creating your own rubric for success23:43 - Expanding your definition of success26:32 - Comparing where you are to where you were30:49 - Producing more than you’re consuming32:19 - Don’t chase; attract34:55 - Letting the pizza dough restHere’s our listener review of the week! claireflip13 says: “I listened to Sam’s podcast on caring about what people think about your business & I loved it! I don’t have a business but I’m a content creator so I could relate to a lot of what she was saying. She had a great perspective on internal validation vs external validation, and she reminds me to keep doing what I love because we aren’t going to make everyone happy.”If you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Amy Porterfield "Mantras" episode: https://www.amyporterfield.com/2022/04/448Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Rounding out my three-part series on marketing your business with evergreen content, I wanted to address the elephant in the room: Facebook ads. Helping me with that is my friend and personal ads expert, Frannie, owner and creator of Elevate Her Marketing. If you want to grow your business without the need to be working in your business 24/7, ads are the secret sauce. We’re going to address some of the misconceptions people have about ads, who should or shouldn’t run ads, and the importance of taking the long haul approach.In this episode, you'll hear… 05:46 - What Elevate Her Marketing does10:08 - When to start running Facebook ads in your business27:33 - Why Facebook ads are vilified37:21 - Common advertising mistakes people make48:13 - Debunking common ad mythsIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:elevatehermarketing.comInstagram: @elevatehermarketingCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

One question haunts entrepreneurs and business owners around the world: how am I supposed to price my product? Whether it’s feeling uncomfortable pricing what you’re worth, worrying about scaring customers away, or any of the other obstacles in your way, setting prices is hard. I’m going to share (and debunk) the pricing myths many of us fall for while giving seven concrete tips on how to price what you offer. I also share how to increase your prices whenever you're ready – which could be now!In this episode, you'll hear… 04:41 - The issues I see around pricing09:32 - The value of your time and your impact17:16 - How pricing relates to quality21:03 - Factoring in your experience23:03 - Focusing on scalability and profitability24:19 - Pricing for who you’re selling to27:55 - Recognizing economies of scale30:16 - Giving options for your offers33:16 - How to bump your pricesShoutout to our listener of the month, Dr. Maria. She said: “I enjoy Sam’s podcast during my morning treadmill walks. The length is perfect for my workout. Because I’m new to the Ultimate Bundle® I select a different episode each day. I get a tour of all the topics and a peek into Sam’s mind. The podcasts are well-produced and well-delivered, informative, and easy to listen to.If you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Episode 24. Why You Should Treat Your Clients the Way Olive Garden DoesCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

None of us want our businesses beholden to the latest algorithm change or social media platforms, right? That’s why we’re focusing on creating evergreen content with Katie Steckly, an expert in all things evergreen content and social media. We discuss picking the right platform for you, how to plan content, what you need to get started, and more.In this episode, you'll hear… 05:58 - Where to start creating content14:04 - How to choose what platforms to be on17:36 - How to look past fears that hold you back24:27 - Coming up with content ideas28:19 - The way your platform can dictate your content33:43 - Three tips for starting a YouTube channel or podcast39:03 - The equipment to start with40:20 - Creating a content calendarIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:www.creatorlymedia.comCreatorly Media is always happy to take on new clients. All the info about our services can be found at www.creatorlymedia.com/servicesKatie Steckly - YouTubeFollow Katie on Instagram: @katiestecklyFollow Creatorly on Instagram: @creatorlymediaHow to Start a Podcast From Scratch - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-PGsYoWuE0Katie’s recommended content creation equipmentClick here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

My recent Ultimate Bundle® launch was my biggest ever, and I want to take you behind the scenes and share what I did differently, what I learned, and – most importantly – what you can take away from it. What I’m most proud of, beyond the success of this launch, is that I managed to keep it all as stress-free as possible. If you’re planning on running your own promotions or launches in the future, I have five actionable takeaways, so stick around for those!Listener shoutout – in her review, erineatscarrots wrote: Sam has a story and a message that really resonates with me and that entrepreneurs in the health and wellness space really need to hear! I am so excited for this podcast as a way to continue to learn from her experience and glean valuable tips and ideas for my own nutrition practice. Can’t wait!In this episode, you'll hear… 02:37 - What you’ll take away from this episode03:55 - How I approached my promotion12:26 - The two pre-launch phases14:25 - Nurturing19:35 - Pre-launch planning26:46 - Switching up your social media approach33:03 - Tinkering with bonuses and live events34:56 - Being in it for the long haulIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Episode 36. How to Grow Your Business on Instagram (Guest Episode with Natasha Samuel)Episode 34. 2021 Recap: What It's Really Been Like to Grow a 7-Figure BusinessClick here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Natasha Samuel is the host of The Shine Online Podcast and an Instagram strategist that helps small businesses… well, shine online. Through intensive strategy days, digital resources, and education, Natasha helps you build your brand on the ‘gram with a video strategy that is fulfilling and fun – without the overwhelm.Natasha is a social media genius. She breaks down Instagram in such a refreshing, relatable way. Her whole approach is about finding the social media strategy that’s actually sustainable for you, no matter how busy your work or life can get. She also believes social media should reflect your personal values, and doesn’t advise compromising any of that for quick growth. We talk about overwhelm, content batching, nailing your Instagram bio, and her three-part follower journey (which is going to blow your mind)!Listener shoutout – in her review, abbyfitzzz wrote: Thank you Sam! Love this podcast! Sam provides so much value with each episode & I love that she speaks on a variety of topics, from tangible legal / business tips to mindset. Her takes are unique & refreshing, because she is down to earth & she makes it feel like I am listening to a friend that knows exactly what I’m going through. I look forward to listening every time she puts out a new episode. Thanks Sam!If you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!In this episode, you'll hear… 06:21 - Why Instagram is a great place to market your business09:05 - Growing a community on Instagram15:03 - Struggling to balance personal and business content18:41 - The various surfaces of Instagram and what to post there24:37 - Tips for writing captions28:22 - Using Instagram to direct people to other platforms33:11 - The 3-step follower journey39:16 - Tips for batching and consistency42:39 - How to iterate on your strategy45:37 - Tips for people burnt out on social media47:44 - Navigating social media during hard timesIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:shinewithnatasha.com/videoNatasha's podcast, "The Shine Online Podcast"Shine with Natasha on YouTubeInstagram: @shinewithnatashaEpisode 24. Why You Should Treat Your Clients the Way Olive Garden DoesEpisode 25. Creating Brand Loyalists & Future BuyersClick here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

It’s probably everyone’s worst business fear: getting a nastygram from a lawyer letting you know you’re being sued. You probably don’t even want to think about it. But wait! Instead of burying that fear deep down, here are the exact steps to take so that, if the worst does happen, you’ll know exactly what to do. I’m even going to give you some preventative tips as well. Doesn’t that feel better? Let’s get through this!In this episode, you'll hear… 01:52 - Why it’s important to know what to do if you get sued03:44 - The importance of taking timely action06:24 - Misconceptions about getting sued12:06 - How to respond when you get notified15:19 - Reaching out to your business insurance16:58 - Providing relevant information to your attorney17:38 - What to do if you don’t have business insurance18:48 - How to prevent getting sued in the first placeIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Episode 2. Scope of Practice for Coaches (What You're Legally Allowed to Do)Episode 7. The First 3 Steps to Legally Protect Your Business (Where to Start!)Episode 4. The 5 Most Dangerous Legal Myths I See OnlinePre-Qualify Before They Buy Email TemplatesAsanaWatch my YouTube video on "What to Do If You Get Sued"Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

We’ve been dropping all sorts of high-quality legal and business knowledge on the regular, so I thought it might be fun to take a step back and catch up personally. I’ve just wrapped up my Ultimate Bundle® promotional event, and now I’m starting to unwind and look at the year ahead – both personally and professionally. So grab a coffee and pretend we’re having a chat together. I’ll share what’s getting me excited for the future.In this episode, you'll hear… 01:18 - Unwinding from my massive promo event08:32 - Dealing with my own legal tax hurdles10:19 - Getting on a health kick18:58 - Working on my new project behind the scenes19:32 - Getting the travel bug21:52 - Two personal commitments that I’ve madeIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Julia Turshen's cooking classes: https://www.juliaturshen.com/classesClick here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

We have it totally mixed up when we think of who’s to blame for why our business isn’t growing, why we don’t feel confident, or why we struggle to show up on camera. We point at our customers, at our parents and how they raised us, or at the economy, but often the truth is: you are the person standing in the way of your business success. I’m going to share how your mindset is holding you back and how you can change it or – more realistically – accept it.Listener shoutout: in her review, amandathecoach wrote, “I purchased Sam’s Ultimate Bundle® in Fall 2021 as my very first step in starting my brand new company and then I started listening to her podcast. In addition to being a legal expert who somehow always answers my questions before I’ve asked them, she is a successful businesswoman who does not hold back on sharing great advice to start and run a growing business with a solid foundation. Everything she offers is super high quality and worth my time and energy. I love that she continues to connect me with other experts too through her podcast and other offers!”If you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!In this episode, you'll hear… 02:09 - Why worrying what other people think of you is holding you back07:06 - The importance of acknowledging your success13:41 - How you’re getting in your own wayIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:smartless.comClick here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

You may have heard the term “In business, if you’re not growing you’re dying” – but how true is it? In the online business industry particularly, there’s this idea that if you’re not constantly growing and becoming more profitable, there must be something wrong with what you’re doing. Let’s look at how true (or false) this really is.Listener shoutout: In a recent review, Coach Courtney wrote, “I am so excited that Sam decided to start a podcast! Her knowledge of all things legal and building a biz has been so helpful for me. The legal side of things is never something I thought about when first starting a biz and I’m so grateful to have Sam as a resource for that. I can’t wait to learn more from her through podcasts!”In this episode, you'll hear… 02:01 - Whether or not you should always be growing your business04:43 - The personal cost of business growth15:28 - Growing vs buildingClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

When do you know it’s time to legally protect your business?Today I’m bringing you conversations with three incredible and varied entrepreneurs – each of them members of my Ultimate Bundle® program. They offer real-world examples of running businesses, what their concerns were when they started, and their experience seeking out legal training and protection for their businesses. If you’re not sure if your business is quite there yet, or you’re feeling vulnerable and unprotected, you’re going to get a lot out of their stories.In this episode, you'll hear… 01:53 - Finding out when you need to be legally protected03:43 - How Kathryn Blaze helps busy women get stronger39:26 - How Kim Manes decided to make the leap into entrepreneurship01:16:15 - How Aimee Cerka found her legal and financial confidenceIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!If you’re ready to take the leap like our guests did and get your business legally legit™️ today, click here to join the Ultimate Bundle® NOW before our special offer ends at midnight on February 24th!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:A Beginner’s Guide to Kettlebells: https://tinyurl.com/begbellsWordy Birds: wordy-birds.comMoney Mindset Mastery: aimeecerka.com/mindsetCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

One of the most common pieces of advice you hear when starting a business is to “invest in yourself” or “invest in your business.” I completely agree, but not all investments are equal. I’ve made some investments that have massively improved my business, but I’ve also made some investments that bombed. It’s hard to know upfront what’s going to get you a return on your investment, grow your business, or improve your skills. I’m going to share the five best investments I’ve ever made in my business to give you an idea of what you can try yourself.Listener shoutout: In a recent review, Aimee Cerka wrote, “Sam is amazing! I’ve been following her for years and it’s AMAZING to be able to listen on the go. She shares real, important info in a way that doesn’t put you to sleep—which legal can definitely do. Thank you for your training and insights Sam! I can run my business with peace now, knowing I’m covered on the legal front.”If you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.In this episode, you'll hear… 04:55 - How to sift through personal investment opportunities10.26 - The benefit of group business coaching programs18:30 - Why you should invest in a copywriter (or learn to write copy yourself)26:31 - The best tech investments I’ve made31:55 - What Facebook ads did for my business35:13 - Investing in relationshipsRESOURCES:Episode 26. Should You Really Run Facebook Ads? (Yes, But Here's When)“Social Posts That Sell” Copywriting Course (affiliate link): https://samvanderwielen--christineblubaugh.thrivecart.com/social-posts-that-sell-samv/Free Copywriting Tips & Articles: https://copyhackers.com/category/copywriting/Business Coaching w/ Naomi: https://www.thelifestyleedit.com/programs/ATR-2100 and pop guardMini Ring LightTripodCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

People are quick to talk about their successes – after all, it feels good to share our wins publicly – but we can often learn much more from our failures, as well as others’ failures. I also think sharing our failures is important in order to remain transparent. In the interest of taking my own medicine, I’m going to share the story of my first business: why I started it, and, ultimately, why I think it ended in epic failure. I’ll also share the lessons I think you can learn from my mistakes so you can avoid making those same mistakes yourself.Listener shoutout: In a recent review, Raina wrote, “I first stumbled upon Sam through an Instagram ad. I was impressed by the down-to-earth ad copy and very quickly decided to buy her course. From there I found myself on the receiving end of her emails, which again were so refreshing. I loved how transparent she was in what they were and I found myself smiling when I read them. From there I ended up on her podcast, subscribing, and now listening regularly. The first episode I listened to was her planning one for 2022. Game changer! I’ve already seen an increase in sales which I attribute to the tips I received in that podcast. I tend to have a million ideas and love following them all, but with her free planner, I decided to focus on just one idea this quarter, and it’s already paid off in dividends. I just finished listening to her umbrella episode on content, and again it just set off so many light bulbs for me. I thoroughly enjoy how Sam continues to connect the dots for me and my business. I am definitely a fan and plan to listen for years to come. Highly recommend!”If you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 Starbucks gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.Click here to sign up for Sam’s Free LIVE Legal WorkshopIn this episode, you'll hear… 10:38 - My story and why I started my first business19:44 - Why you should do things differently23:24 - Staying strong despite competition26:00 - How to make content that’s relevant to your audience29:06 - Making your offers specific31:56 - The impact of having conversations with your customers34:32 - Why your business name is so important36:51 - Creating the content that’s best for you and your business40:07 - Why you need to invest in yourself41:43 - Keeping realistic expectations45:32 - Knowing when your heart isn’t in itRESOURCES:Episode 18. 10 Easy Instagram Reels Tips (+ How to Use Music Legally)CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

When I started my online business, over five years ago, I had no clue what I was doing or that it would end up being anything close to what it is today. While I’m thankful it is, I constantly think back to that time and all of the things I would (or wouldn’t) do if I had the chance to do it all over again. While I may not be planning on starting a new business any time soon, I can still put that thinking to good use by sharing with you the experiences I’ve had over the last few years, what I’ve learned, and what I wish I knew at the start of my business.Listener shoutout: In a recent review, Britt Stocks said, “Not sure how I started following Sam but I’m so glad I did! I love how her podcasts are bite size/easily digestible lessons, not only helping with the legal aspects of the business but also the day-to-day planning as well as mindset advice! I just set my intentions for 2022 today and included her freebie business planning for 2022 worksheet and I now feel so clear on my intentions and actionable items to make this the best year yet for my business! Thanks, Sam!”If you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.In this episode, you'll hear… 04:03 - Why making some mistakes can be unnecessary (and how to avoid the ones that aren’t)10:21 - Consuming less, creating more14:36 - Focusing on fewer platforms, and going deep on the ones you love23:25 - Prioritizing educational content over trends25:41 - Moving fast over picking the perfect tool28:10 - Don’t compare yourself to others34:03 - There is no “magic bullet” for successCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

There are so many options for tech tools out there – how do you find the ones that help your business sing, grow, and thrive? It can be such a hassle scouring reviews and trying different things just to find out it isn’t right for you. Sometimes the best way to find something you’ll love is to hear the good and the bad from someone you trust who actually uses it. That’s why I’m going to share my favorite tech tools and equipment, as well as all of the tools I have quit using and why. I don’t want you to get stuck in the muck of picking the perfect tool, so whether you use the tools I mention or not, I want you to just pick something and go with it.Listener shoutout: In a recent review on Apple Podcasts, Jennifer Dragonette said, “Thank you Sam for this amazing podcast! So many of your episodes open my eyes about things I didn’t think about! I’m feeling so confident and ready to stop having a ‘hobby,’ and start treating my business like a business. I’m prepared on all levels, and feel READY to make it happen! Thank you again. PS still loving and using the templates! Thank you.” If you want a shout out next week, leave a review over on Apple Podcasts.Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.In this episode, you'll hear… 03:30 - The importance of not getting stuck making decisions07:56 - ConvertKit14:19 - Asana26:14 - Kajabi29:47 - Samcart33:45 - Facebook Eradicator34:50 - The physical equipment I use37:46 - The tools I’ve stopped usingRESOURCES:Episode 25. Should You Really Run Facebook Ads? (Yes, But Here's When)ConvertKitUplevel with AsanaKajabiSamcartATR-2100 and pop guardSony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera + LensMini Ring LightTripodClick here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

If you were to believe everyone you hear online talking about Facebook ads, you’d either believe they are the one true answer to all of your business woes… or the worst thing to have ever happened in marketing. But which is it, really?In this episode, I break it down to find the answer nestled in the middle. I learned the hard way so that you don’t have to. So, I cover all of your questions, why you might run Facebook ads, their pros and cons, busting myths, and share nine things you need to have in place if and when you decide to take the plunge.In this episode, you'll hear… 03:04 - Ways people talk about Facebook ads online10:50 - Typical reasons Facebook ads don’t work20:27 - The purpose of Facebook ads27:48 - When Facebook ads are helpful in your business30:27 - What to have in place to run Facebook ads, now and in the futureRESOURCES:Episode 12. How to Find Clients for Your Online BusinessEpisode 13. How to Create a Program That Sells ItselfEpisode 14. How to market your evergreen product + which platforms you should be onPre-Qualify Before They Buy freebie - https://www.samvanderwielen.com/prequalify-oyt/Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

If you’re anything like me, you need more than one thing to talk about in your business – otherwise, you – and your followers! – might just lose your minds. But the answer isn’t to go crazy with all kinds of out-of-scope subject matter. The last thing you want to do is confuse potential customers about what it is your business offers and drive them into the waiting arms of your more content-savvy competitors.We all agree; social media can be an echo chamber sometimes. But, there’s a way to create and share other related information while still emphasizing your true priority or key offering. Today, we’re talking about the "Umbrella Method" of creating content, how it leads to ideal clients, and how to go about incorporating it into your own business.Today’s listener shout-out goes to Liz, who wrote this amazing review: “I love this podcast. Sam knows her stuff and it’s obvious that she genuinely cares about her listeners’ success. She keeps it real and shares incredible insights that are so helpful for business owners like me. Thank you, Sam.”In this episode, you'll hear… 04:26 - Keeping things fresh with diverse but related topics09:34 - The "Umbrella Method"17:01 - Looking to other companies for inspiration23:52 - Creating content that doesn’t dilute your messagingRESOURCES:Episode 24. Why You Should Treat Your Clients the Way Olive Garden DoesMattress article - https://jilt.com/blog/casper-contentClick here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Whether you believe Olive Garden is fine dining or low brow, one thing you have to admit is that they are doing something right – and no, it’s not the breadsticks. Olive Garden has a successful approach to customer service: Treating their customers like family. In this episode, I share two ways you can emulate that approach and why you’d want to in the first place.With this strategy, you can create your own army of word-of-mouth loyalists to market your business for you and increase their lifetime customer value, without having to make everyone in the world happy.This week, I’d like to shout out Alex, who kindly wrote: “I was so excited when Sam started this podcast. She has such great information on her Instagram and I’m so happy she started this podcast to have all this great info in one place. It’s so hard to choose one great episode because all of her episodes are amazing.”In this episode, you'll hear… 06:10 - Why you should treat your customers like family09:01 - Creating a balance between customer service and sustainability17:49 - How to build customer support into your offer21:32 - Providing scalable support and expert access28:38 - How to give exclusive access29:47 - Getting customers to interact with one another30:34 - Why supporting your existing customers is more important than acquiring new onesCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

It’s the end of the year, which often brings a time of planning and reflection. While we previously discussed how to plan out your business year, I wanted to spend this episode doing some personal reflecting on what 2021 has looked like for me.Tune in to hear me discuss, openly and honestly, what’s been going on behind the scenes for me – both personally and professionally – and get a breakdown of the lessons I learned along the way.We go from multi-six figure launches to firing a Facebook ads team and touch on everything in between in this in-depth look into how I apply my planning systems to my own work and life. I’m really transparent with you in this episode!I also want to shout out Chelsea (@gut.hormone.nutritionist), who left an amazing review, saying: “Sam’s podcast has helped me connect more dots about becoming legally legit as well as giving me tips on how to create a profitable business. I’m glad I stumbled upon her.”If you’d like to get a shout out on future episodes, just leave a review and make sure to drop your Instagram handle!In this episode, you'll hear… 02:43 - How I approached 2021 differently and the change I experienced once I did05:26 - Focusing on personal healing and approaching my father’s health13:50 - Running my first live six-figure promotion while treating my dad from home17:49 - Being intentional about how much you work23:24 - Launching On Your Terms® podcast30:13 - Operating my business while being sick and moving36:43 - Firing my Facebook ads team and learning to rely on ads less46:58 - Hosting a Masterclass series49:34 - What I’m doing now52:24 - My lessons for the yearRESOURCES:Louise Henry's "Uplevel with Asana" course - https://samvanderwielen.krtra.com/t/QwGmfvsPA2Xc (get $100 off!)Episode 22. How to Plan Your Business Year (free guide!)CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

We’re approaching the new year, which means for many of us that it’s time to start planning out how we’ll run our businesses after the calendar flips to 2022. In this episode and the accompanying free guide, I share my exact annual business planning document and walk you through the steps you need to take to map out a plan you can execute easily.For healthy reference and a dose of reality, I also share what happened when I didn’t plan in the past, when I saw the light, what made me change my ways – and the difference in results I’ve seen since then.Shout out to an amazing listener, Lindsay (@littlefoundations on Instagram), for leaving a fantastic review on Apple Podcasts. If you’d like to get a shout out on future episodes, just leave a review and make sure to drop your Instagram handle!In this episode, you'll hear… 02:02 - Why I never used to plan (and why I changed my mind)11:08 - How detailed you should make your plan12:43 - Reflecting on what you’re grateful for and what you let go of16:32 - How to plan out events and projects across the year20:54 - Working backwards from your goal to the beginning of the year25:33 - Breaking down each quarter by its monthly focus31:29 - Addressing business and personal goals35:22 - Creating daily non-negotiablesRESOURCES: Free annual business planner guide - https://www.samvanderwielen.com/2022-planning-guide/Louise Henry's "Uplevel with Asana" course - https://samvanderwielen.krtra.com/t/QwGmfvsPA2Xc (get $100 off!)Leave a review on Apple Podcasts to get a shoutout! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-your-terms/id1576423248CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Your time is valuable. As a business owner, you spend a lot of that time pursuing leads and, more specifically, making sales calls. Love it or hate it, it’s a part of business. The best thing you can do is to get good at it.I get tons of questions regarding what you legally can or can’t do on a sales call, whether or not you’re allowed to give advice, what counts as advice vs. education, taking payment over the phone, and so much more. So, in this episode, I break down three things you should never do on a sales call, before diving into what you can do instead, so you can make the most out of your time and effort.In this episode, you'll hear… 04:21 - Why sales calls can land you in hot water08:17 - Why you should never give advice on a sales call13:16 - Whether or not you should take payment over the phone19:04 - How to guide the conversation when running a sales callRESOURCES:Visit samvanderwielen.com/prequalify-oyt to get my free “Pre-Qualify Before They Buy” email templates & video guideEpisode 2. Scope of Practice for Coaches (What You're Legally Allowed to Do)Episode 20. 5 Ways to Avoid Difficult Clients (Stop Legal Problems Before They Start!)CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

We’ve all had problem clients – I know I have. Whether we find out after the fact or learn how to recognize warning signs, not everyone we work with is going to offer a smooth experience. I’ve learned a lot from dealing with them in the past and in this episode, I’m passing on those lessons to you.Problem clients often become legal problems. We’ve already talked about how to break things off when a client you’re dealing with becomes a pain, but let’s see how we can prevent dealing with them in the first place.In this episode, you'll hear… 05:40 - Why it pays to be picky14:57 - How to set boundaries with clients23:38 - Trusting your intuition24:57 - Paying attention to special requests32:00 - How to tell a client you’re not a good fit33:41 - Interviewing your clients36:33 - Warming up and weeding outRESOURCES:Visit samvanderwielen.com/prequalify-oyt to get my Pre-Qualify Before They Buy templatesEpisode 2. Scope of Practice for Coaches (What You're Legally Allowed to Do)Episode 5. What to Do When a Client is a PainCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Legal WorkshopDo you feel lost thinking about how to legally protect your online business? Head to mylegalworkshop.com to sign-up for immediate access to my free 1-hour legal workshop, 5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow your Online Business.Legal Workshop

We all want to create and share content respectfully and properly online. But sometimes it’s hard to know where to draw the line between inspiration and imitation. Let’s go over some of the basics of copyright law, what it is, what content falls under that category, and how you can use other peoples’ content, legally. I also discuss the fair use exception, what it is, and what content falls under it.In this episode, you'll hear… 04:56 - Understanding the gray areas of copyright law07:11 - What content falls under copyright law10:38 - How you can use someone else’s work legally15:48 - Fair use laws and how to use them22:35 - Making sure you have something original to sayRESOURCES:How to Legally Share Content [blog post] - https://www.samvanderwielen.com/how-to-legally-share-content/Copyright Basics PDF from US Copyright Office - https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdfFair Use Guide - https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/Episode 1. Community Over Competition is BS: Tips to Navigate Your Competition in a Healthier WayCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Instagram Reels: You either love ‘em or you hate ‘em – or sometimes a bit of both all at once. If you listen to all the people out there, you’re bound to hear both sides of it, that Reels are a waste of time and also the only way to grow your business. Let’s cut through the noise and figure out how you can create content that actually moves the needle while using your valuable time effectively. In this episode, I detail 10 tips for Instagram Reels focusing on what’s best for your business, not what’s going to get you the most views. Because growing our business is what we’re all here for, right?In this episode, you'll hear… 04:00 - The mistakes people make when it comes to Instagram Reels07:20 - My background with Reels13:17 - Using music legally16:01 - Thinking evergreen with Reels content17:21 - Letting people get to know you19:17 - Getting people to read your captions23:39 - Making your point in the caption26:15 - Having fun while making it educational28:31 - Don’t take it too seriously30:40 - How to find trending audio31:59 - Get inspiration from related entrepreneurs33:57 - Save your Reels to your phone35:35 - Answering your questions and sharing my Reels processRESOURCES:Get $100 off Louise Henry's Uplevel With Asana course (what I used to get SO organized in my business) here: https://samvanderwielen.krtra.com/t/QwGmfvsPA2Xc [affiliate link]IG Music Legal Tips from IG — https://about.instagram.com/blog/tips-and-tricks/updates-and-guidelines-for-including-music-in-video/ IG Reels Audio tips from IG — https://help.instagram.com/270447560766967/?helpref=hc_fnavFB Music Legal Guidelines — https://www.facebook.com/legal/music_guidelinesCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Online businesses aren’t immune to the laws, regulations, and rules that traditional brick-and-mortar businesses have to follow – despite what some “armchair legal experts” may have told you in a Facebook group chat. On top of that, there are some rules that apply specifically to online businesses and the ways that they grow. In order to make sure you are legally protected in ALL aspects of your business, let’s go over six specific things that online businesses need to do to be run in a legally legit™️, safe, and protected way.In this episode, you'll hear… 04:49 - The similarities and differences between starting an online business and brick and mortar09:38 - How scope of practice changes when you’re working online12:43 - Why you must legally protect your website18:11 - The contracts you need to have in place23:46 - Why you need business insurance for your online services27:07 - Registering your online business29:49 - How to take online payments properlyRESOURCES:6 Legal Must Haves for Going Virtual [blog post]Watch my YouTube episode "How to Send/Sign Contracts Legally"Episode 2. Scope of Practice for Coaches (What You're Legally Allowed to Do)Episode 10. What Your Website Needs to Be Legally LegitEpisode 8. What Makes a Good Contract? How to Make Sure You're ProtectedEpisode 7. The First 3 Steps to Legally Protect Your Business (Where to Start!)Episode 9. How to Register Your Business to Protect Your Personal AssetsCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Self-talk plays a huge role in our lives, especially for anyone who’s putting themselves out on the wire in a public forum like social media. Today, we’re talking with Katie Horwitch, a New York City-based writer, speaker, mindset coach, and the founder of WANT (Women Against Negative Talk), a platform and podcast that offers tips, tools, motivation, and inspiration to help people move forward in life by shifting their negative self-talk. We talk about how you can improve your own self-talk, how it impacts your life as an entrepreneur and on social media, and her career journey to the point where she’s ended up today.In this episode, you'll hear… 05:43 - How Katie incorporates acting into her current work14:42 - How Katie’s self-talk practice began32:55 - The ways social media affects self-talk49:28 - Ways that Katie builds resilience online55:27 - How to improve your own self-talkRESOURCES:Visit womenagainstnegativetalk.com to listen to the podcast and join Katie’s newsletter!Find out how to work with Katie at katiejoyhorwitch.comFollow Katie on Instagram: @katiehorwitchListen to Episode 2. Scope of Practice for Coaches (What You're Legally Allowed to Do)CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Let’s take a trip back in time to when I first started my online business. What was the marketing landscaping looking like and what was going on in the online business world at that time? I’ll dig into the details in the episode, but I can tell you one thing for sure: things are so different today! I’m going to share what was working when I started my business, what’s no longer working, the marketing strategies that DO work now, and look ahead to predict where things are going. It’s the past, present, and future of marketing for online businesses!In this episode, you'll hear…01:53 - Why you need to get cozy with constant change12:28 - The trends that dominated the online marketing scene when I first started19:19 - Why true authenticity is a winning strategy25:51 - The importance of community depth over audience size27:08 - Shifting from a launch-focused strategy to evergreen products and programs29:16 - Putting a face to the name of your business33:59 - How micro educational video content is the new hotness36:19 - Why doing things on your terms works bestRESOURCES: Listen to Episode 14. How to Market Your Evergreen Product (+ Which Platforms You Should Be On!): samvanderwielen.com/episode-14Listen to Episode 6. Staying Nimble as an Entrepreneur: samvanderwielen.com/episode-6The Lifestyle Edit (Naomi) thelifestyleedit.comOlive & June Nail Kit - get 20% off (affiliate link): http://fbuy.me/v/samanthafossCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Wouldn’t you love to create a marketing strategy that sells your product on autopilot and amplifies your impact in a BIG way? It’s not as far-fetched as you might think! You can market a product that sells itself, all the while building a snowball effect without having to burn yourself out on social media every day or reinventing the wheel every time you want to make a sale. The universe doesn’t magically take your creation and put it in front of the right people with the wave of a wand – don’t worry, that’s how I thought it would work at first, too. 😆 I’m going to share my two-path process, organic and paid marketing approaches, how to build proof of concept, and the content you should be creating to not only find your ideal clients, but get them to click that ‘buy’ button.In this episode, you'll hear… 04:41 - Adjusting your expectations about how long it takes to gain traction05:43 - Where to go next after marketing to your immediate network07:21 - All about organic marketing10:15 - Should you build a free product to bridge the gap or not?20:14 - Creating content that attracts your ideal customer25:02 - Using a marketing system that works, instead of just doing what everyone else is doing28:16 - When to start running paid ads - hint: it’s probably not as soon as you thinkRESOURCES:Get your ticket to Sam's live “From Startup to Soldout” masterclass series Nov 3-5 here: www.samvanderwielen.com/fsso-oytListen to Episode 12. How to Find Clients for Your Online Business (without ads!) here: samvanderwielen.com/episode-12Listen to Episode 13. How to Create a Program That Sells Itself here: samvanderwielen.com/episode-13CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

I’ve experienced both success and failure when it comes to starting a business. I’m not ashamed to admit it because knowing what works and what doesn’t puts me in a powerful position to give advice on what differentiates the two. For me, one of the things I focused on in a different way that helped lead to my business’s success was the product. I have eight ways you can create a product that’s going to become your bread and butter for years to come.In this episode, you'll hear… 04:39 - Why you should keep your product offerings focused07:12 - How you can show up differently than others in your niche10:03 - Making sure your product works for your customers20:25 - Offering ONLY what your customer needs23:38 - Pricing your product effectively26:51 - How to build your product to scale over time28:50 - Beta-testing your product34:36 - Selling your full-price productRESOURCES: Get your ticket to "From Startup to Soldout" here: samvanderwielen.com/fsso-oytTry Canva here: canva.com/join/tbq-wth-fprCreate a product, website, or program with Kajabi w/ a 30-day free trial here: app.kajabi.com/r/fLP3TYLV/t/6lnttyqzWatch my free legal workshop '5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business' here: samvanderwielen.com/oyt-workshopCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

This week, we’re kicking off the first in a three-part series to help you make the transition from a startup business owner to soldout and scaling. We’re going to start things off with the basics: how do you find high-quality, paying customers – wherever you are in your business. We take a look at what some of the biggest companies are doing and scale them down to fit your business, finding a unique value proposition, getting to know your ideal client, and how to establish an expert status and use it to find customers.In this episode, you'll hear… 03:16 - Why most business owners approach finding clients backwards09:59 - Where I went wrong in my first business19:33 - Finding a market for your ideal clients27:40 - How to differentiate your business36:57 - Leaning into your expert status40:36 - Creating content geared towards your ideal clientsRESOURCES: Get your ticket to From Startup to Soldout here: samvanderwielen.com/fsso-oytCheckout Sarah @ Former Lawyer: formerlawyer.comCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

I am in the early stages of writing my own book, and it is quite an adventure. I have put off writing this for so long because of all the worries I had around what had to be in place before I could write. When I started looking into where to start, I got one piece of advice: “Start by talking to Richelle Fredson.” We made a connection, and now she’s my writing coach and consultant on this project. Richelle’s going to share all the information I wish I had known before. If you have ever wanted to tell your story but you don’t know where to start, we’re going to guide you through the mucky misinformation out there, tell you what a book coach is, what they do, and the three different types of book publishing. She also offers three things that you want to do now if you know you want to write a book someday.In this episode, you'll hear… 09:24 - What Richelle did before book coaching14:23 - What distinguishes a book that has long-term sales18:15 - How Purposeful Platforms was born24:42 - What is a book consultant or book coach?29:13 - The three publishing options and how they are different37:18 - How to know which publishing model is right for you45:00 - Teaching what you’re writing about48:27 - Three things to do now if you want to write a book53:10 - The way the industry has changed, and predictions for the future57:32 - When to start writing your bookRESOURCES:Richelle's Website: purposefulplatforms.comFollow Richelle on Instagram: @richellefredsonListen to: Bound + DeterminedApply for Richelle's group program: Book Proposal BlueprintListen to Episode 5 of On Your Terms®: What to Do When a Client is a Pain in the TushRead: Dying to Be a Good Mother by Heather ChauvinRead: Untamed by Glennon DoyleCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Being legally protected is going to help you build your business. With legal protection, you can be more comfortable and confident with putting yourself out there. In this episode we’ll talk about why your website needs legal defense and the three pieces of legal protection you absolutely need to go pro. I’ll share exactly what you need on your website, where to put it, and how it works to keep you protected.RESOURCES:GET THE BUNDLE WHILE IT’S ON SALE: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/last-chance-sept/SAY HI ON IG: https://instagram.com/samvanderwielenCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

My goal is to make sure that you aren’t personally on the hook for whatever happens in your business – whether that’s getting sued, owing money, or something else entirely. That means you have to register your business properly so that you, yourself, are protected. It’s not as complicated as people make it out to be, so let’s make it easy for you to keep your assets covered!In this episode, you’ll learn:03:46 - Why you need to be personally protected06:55 - Where to start registering your business10:22 - The difference between a sole proprietorship and LLC17:10 - How to properly act like an LLCRESOURCES:Listen to Episode #7 of On Your Terms®: The First 3 Steps to Legally Protect Your Business (Where to Start!)Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Story time: I always knew I wanted to be an attorney, but there was one event that really set off my interest. In college I got involved in a bad housing situation and couldn’t find a way out of my lease. I asked nicely, and I was denied. So I reviewed my lease, did some research, and found a hole in the tenant law that they missed. I brought it to their attention and ended up being let go of my lease and getting my money back. From then on, I knew the importance of a solid contract. I’m going to share what contracts you need, what any good contract should or shouldn’t have, how to sign and send contracts properly, and how they can provide proof in a time of need.In this episode, you'll hear… 07:15 - Why we have to talk about “proper” contracts15:08 - Getting the contract you need for the moment17:19 - What to look for in a good contract22:12 - Protecting your intellectual property23:21 - Using a liability disclaimer26:30 - Sending & signing your contract properlyRESOURCES: Listen to Episode 2 “Scope of Practice”: samvanderwielen.com/episode-2Listen to Episode 7 “3 Steps to Legally Start Your Business”: samvanderwielen.com/episode-7Try HelloSign (send and e-sign contracts): app.hellosign.com/?ref=a30ef418&s=S (affiliate link)Shop my Legal Templates for Coaches: samvanderwielen.com/shop-templatesCheck out THE ULTIMATE BUNDLE®: samvanderwielen.com/the-ultimate-bundleCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Are you super overwhelmed with legal advice? Have you taken in way too much information and can't figure out where to start? I will go over the three steps you need to take to protect and grow your online business if you haven't done much yet. We keep it simple – just exactly what you need to know to get started. If you haven't taken any action to protect yourself and your business legally, start here!In this episode, you'll hear… 05:14 - The legally legit trifecta09:13 - Forming your business15:18 - Getting business insurance21:30 - The importance of a proper contractCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

If you approach your business with a fixed mindset, you won’t be able to pivot when you need to. It’s inevitable that you’re going to have to make changes in your business at some point, and if you’re too rigid in your thinking you aren’t going to recognize those opportunities quickly enough. Whether it’s reacting to personal life events or if something in your business is no longer working, you need to be nimble and ready to move. I’m going to share my steps to handling change quickly and with grace.In this episode, you'll hear… 06:20 - Accepting change as part of the process11:22 - How pivoting can help your business17:25 - When the world forces us to change20:11 - Shifting your mindset22:02 - Studying the market28:21 - Taking questions as hints29:09 - Putting on your scientist hatRESOURCES: Visit Jamie Mendell - jamiemendell.comCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Today, we’re talking about issues that are a real PITA (that stands for pain in the…). The worst of these problems can come from your paying clients.Whether you have all of the best legal protections in place or none at all, trouble clients can always find ways to end up causing legal headaches. I’m going to share how to identify warning signs early so that you can see problems coming, when to cut ties with a difficult client, and – ideally – how to avoid them altogether, in the first place. Keep in mind that these types of issues are normal and they’re in no way a reflection of you as a coach. The best thing to do is move through these experiences with grace.In this episode, you'll hear… 06:21 - Why we need to talk about PITA clients09:40 - What to take away from them10:43 - How problem clients present themselves in your business19:45 - Warning signs31:56 - When to run39:39 - How to avoid problem clients altogether52:11 - How to terminate a problem client properlyRESOURCES:“How to Terminate a Contract with a Client” [blog post]“How to Send and Sign Contracts” [blog post]Episode 2. “Scope of Practice for Coaches (What You're Legally Allowed to Do)” [podcast episode)“How To Deal With Difficult Clients” [blog post]CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

The online world can be a messy place for legal advice. I’m going to discuss some of the biggest and most dangerous legal myths I’ve seen, such as LLCs versus sole proprietorships, using free contracts when starting out, whether it’s true that the online world is a Wild West, and whether you really need an LLC or business insurance – or both.In this episode, you'll hear… 02:21 - The dangers of following anonymous online advice05:20 - Know-it-all Facebook ad comments07:50 - The myth of waiting13:58 - LLCs vs. sole proprietorship16:32 - Copy-pasting someone else’s contract21:36 - The internet is not The Wild West22:53 - The difference between LLCs and business insuranceRESOURCES:Top Legal Mistakes to Avoid for Online Businesses (blog post)Top Legal Mistakes to Avoid for Online Business Guide (PDF downloadable guide)Episode #2: “Scope of Practice for Coaches: What You're Legally Allowed to Do” (podcast episode)7 Legal Myths Keeping You From Being Legally Legit (blog post)Why Free Legal Contracts Wouldn't Cut It for Kristen Zavo (interview recording)CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Let’s get personal. I’m sure there are people out there who are going through a lot right now – I’m one of them! In fact, the last three years have been the hardest of my life. Despite that, I’ve managed to grow my business immensely. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve made it happen. So how did I do it? You’re going to hear all about what happened to me when I left being an attorney, how I used that experience as rocket fuel for my own business, what’s happened over the last three years in my personal life while building that business, and all the tips and tricks I’ve used along the way to make it happen.In this episode, you'll hear… 03:22 - What happened when I left my attorney job11:05 - Making a decision during hard times12:56 - Letting go of what doesn’t work in order to grow18:09 - When you subtract, it’s time to add20:15 - Building creative outlets outside of your business22:24 - Getting the support you need25:24 - How to make your business smarter27:32 - Your questions about the topicRESOURCES:Why Adversity Is Actually Good For Your Business (blog post)CONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Scope of practice is one of the most requested topics in my community, and in my DMs, so we’re going to get down and dirty, talking about what you are, and are not, legally allowed to do as a coach.First of all, you need to understand exactly what scope of practice is and which scope of practice covers what you do. This is where this episode starts. But there’s so much misinformation out there when it comes to scope of practice legislation that it can be a real minefield, and getting things wrong has the potential to land you in trouble, so I spend a bit of time myth-busting as well.Once that’s out of the way, I get into how you can design your business in a way that’s safe, covered, and will let you sleep tight at night.In this episode, you'll hear… 02:09 - What scope of practice means04:08 - How it affects your business06:17 - The myth of unregulated industries08:17 - Where the confusion comes from16:04 - Do’s and don’ts of your coaching scope of practiceCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

There can be so much pressure to engage with people offering the same professional services that you do online – especially when you’re starting out. I’m here to tell you that “community over competition” is BS. Don’t listen to it. That doesn’t mean you can’t be polite and friendly with other people doing what you do, but at the end of the day, they’re not your clients and they’re never going to be your clients. You only have a finite amount of time and energy to spend professionally, so why waste it on your competition? Taking a step back will be better for you in more ways than one. It can feel counterintuitive so here are my six tips for navigating online communities and social media and an explanation of why each one is the right thing to do.I reached out for questions on this topic, so I also answer a few of those on this episode. I explain how avoiding consuming the work of your competitors will make you feel healthier in the long run and how it’ll lead to you doing better work and I also lay out how you can still be friends with your competition just because you’re not necessarily seeing their Instagram posts any more!In this episode, you'll hear… 03:16 - Engaging with your competition online09:45 - The pitfalls of being a follower14:43 - Dealing with analysis paralysis17:46 - Standing out from the competition21:50 - Outsourcing market research24:16 - Connecting with your ideal clients25:44 - What to do when your competition buys your product29:34 - Answering your questionsCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Legal WorkshopDo you feel lost thinking about how to legally protect your online business? Head to mylegalworkshop.com to sign-up for immediate access to my free 1-hour legal workshop, 5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow your Online Business.Legal Workshop

Hey, I'm Sam Vander Wielen, an attorney turned multi-seven-figure entrepreneur and the host of On Your Terms®, a podcast all about helping you legally protect your online business and learn the marketing strategies that will actually help you grow it.I understand how overwhelming legal protection can be, and I'm here to help break down the legal stuff that you need to know in a no-fear, no-fluff, your-best-friend-just-so-happens-to-be-a-lawyer kind of way. And the vibes? Think cozy coffee shop instead of stuffy lawyer's office.On Your Terms® is all about giving you marketing strategies that you won't hear many other seven-figure entrepreneurs talking about, mostly because they're holding it for themselves. And I'm giving you legal insights that are tailored specifically for what you're going through as an online business owner: From growing your email list to being uniquely yourself, I've got you covered.Episodes drop twice a week, ranging from bite-sized tips to in-depth educational sessions to guest interviews, so you always have something to fit your schedule and needs. You'll also hear behind the scenes of how I'm building my business — from marketing, to scaling, to hiring and more.Ready to join the Terminator Squad? (Oh, by the way, that's what I call my most loyal listeners!) Follow On Your Terms® wherever you listen to podcasts to be notified of new episodes, just like magic.And if you're looking for a great place to start, check out episode one, where I tell you why competition is a good thing. Don't wait to start legally protecting and growing your online business. Grab a cup of coffee and come join us.Resources:Learn more at samvanderwielen.comListen to Episode 1. Community Over Competition is BS: Tips to Navigate Your Competition in a Healthier WayConnect with Sam on Instagram: @samvanderwielenProduced by NOVA Media