On Your Terms®

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