Shows
On Your Terms®275. 6 Lessons I Wish I Knew 5 Years AgoThere’s this moment in business where you keep thinking, okay… when does it get easier? When does the stress chill out, the money feel steadier, and you finally get to enjoy what you’re building?Here’s the sneaky truth I wish someone had told me sooner: the “someday” version of your life isn’t where the joy starts. The rise is actually the fun part.In this episode, I’m sitting down with the version of myself from five years ago (hello, 2021 Sam) and sharing the six lessons I wish I could’ve handed her in a no...
2026-02-0940 minOn Your Terms®274. 4 Tiny Shifts I Make Every Winter (so I feel cozy, not crushed)When it gets dark before you’ve even wrapped up work for the day, winter can feel like it shrinks your whole life. Suddenly everything feels harder, heavier, and honestly… a little bleak. And while part of you might want to hibernate until April, another part of you knows that doesn’t really work when you’re running a business and trying to live a full life.In this episode, I’m sharing how I’ve learned to actually work with winter instead of fighting it. After moving from Philly to the north shore of Long Island (where winter...
2026-02-0219 minOn Your Terms®273. I Refilmed My Entire Signature Program (Here’s What I Didn’t Expect)Re-shooting all the videos for a product that’s generated over $8 million sounds like a straightforward business upgrade… until it isn’t.In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of what it was really like to re-record every single video inside the Ultimate Bundle®. Spoiler alert: this was about way more than lighting, scripts, or batch recording. It cracked open a lot for me — about grief, seasons of business, fear of slowing down, and the pressure we put on ourselves to constantly “improve” things that are already working.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed...
2026-01-2633 minOn Your Terms®272. What Happened When I Actually Took My Screen Time Seriously for 30 DaysWe all know that moment. It’s Sunday. Your phone buzzes. And suddenly you’re staring down your weekly screen time report wondering… how did THAT happen?For me, those little reports started to feel like a mirror I didn’t really want to look into. The number on the screen didn’t line up with the life I said I wanted to be living—more present, less irritable, doing deeper work, and actually enjoying my days instead of scrolling through them.So I decided to stop ignoring it and actually take my screen time seriously. I...
2026-01-1928 minOn Your Terms®271. Substack vs. My Newsletter: What Goes Where (and Why)If you’ve been side-eyeing Substack trying to figure out whether you should start one, what you’d even put on it, or how it’s different from your “regular” newsletter… this episode is your permission slip to breathe. Because guess what? I’ve been figuring this out in real time too — and today, I’m breaking down exactly how I’m using both Substack and my newsletter, why I treat them differently, and how YOU can create a simple, sustainable content structure that actually supports your business.I’ll also walk you through the discovery → nurture → conversion framework I use...
2026-01-1231 minOn Your Terms®270. Is AI Quietly Killing My Creativity?Let’s talk about the thing I didn’t even realize was happening until it had already messed with my head: AI was quietly killing my creativity. If you’ve ever opened your laptop, told yourself you’re “just getting a little AI help,” and then suddenly noticed your ideas feel watered down, your content feels off, and you’re second-guessing everything—you’re not alone. When I posted about this on Instagram, you confirmed that this little creep has been slipping into your business too… and not in the cute, helpful way we hoped.So today, I’m gettin...
2026-01-0533 minOn Your Terms®269. 4 Tiny Habits I Do Before Year-End (So 2026 Is More Profitable and Peaceful)You know that feeling when you come back to your desk in January and everything is a disaster? Your desktop looks like a digital garage sale, your office chair is still wearing yesterday’s sweater, and your brain feels like it’s running 42 tabs at once?Yeah… we’re not doing that this year.In this episode, I’m sharing the super simple, totally doable tasks I’m doing in the next two weeks—while cozied up in my pjs —to close out 2025 in a way that feels calm, grounded, and actually restorative. No “new year, new hustle”...
2025-12-1516 minOn Your Terms®268. How to Create Your Ideal Business Year (Without Burnout-y Goals)It’s that time of year again — when everyone online suddenly becomes a color-coded-notion-board-wielding planning expert. But before you map out your entire 2026 vision board, we need to do something way more important: figure out what you actually want.In today’s episode, I’m walking you through the exact reflection + annual planning exercise I do every single year — the one that helps me make decisions based on how I want to feel, not what the latest marketing trend says I “should” be doing. This episode pairs with last week’s 2025 reflection episode, so if you haven’t listened to that...
2025-12-0828 minOn Your Terms®267. Before You Plan 2026, Do THIS FirstIf you’re anything like me, you’ve probably hit the end of the year and thought:Wait… what actually happened?!How did we blink and suddenly find ourselves staring down a new calendar, new goals, and the same coffee mug we’ve dragged through the highs and lows of the last 12 months?Before you sprint into planning mode for 2026 (don’t worry, we’re doing that next week!), today’s episode is all about slowing down long enough to look back—at what worked, what didn’t, what you let go of, what you gained, a...
2025-12-0142 minOn Your Terms®266. How to Grow Your Email List (Series #4)If you’ve ever stared at a blinking cursor while trying to write your weekly newsletter and thought, “What in the whole enchilada am I supposed to say?” — today’s episode is your permission slip to stop overthinking and start structuring your emails in a way that works for you and your audience.I’m breaking down the two classic newsletter formats (and why I don’t follow either), the hybrid structure I swear by, and the eight must-have elements your weekly emails need if you want them to be opened, read, clicked, and shared.Whether you're...
2025-11-2443 minOn Your Terms®265. How to Grow Your Email List (Series #3)Let’s be honest — most freebies out there? They’re not working.If you’ve ever spent hours creating a lead magnet only for it to attract people who download and disappear, this episode is your new best friend.In Part 3 of my 4-part email series, I’m breaking down why your freebie isn’t growing your list (hint: it’s not because freebies don’t work) and how to finally create one that brings in actual future customers — not just freebie hoarders.From finding the perfect topic your people actually want to grabbing the right...
2025-11-1730 minOn Your Terms®264. How to Grow Your Email List (Series #2)You’ve been told that the only way to grow your email list is with freebies, PDFs, and opt-ins galore—but what if there was an easier (and honestly, more effective) way?In Part 2 of my How to Grow Your Email List series, I’m spilling the details on my Easy Email Strategy—a super simple way to get the right people (aka future customers, not freebie collectors) on your list without creating a single freebie.If you’ve ever felt frustrated with the traditional “freebie → nurture sequence → maybe they’ll stick around” method, this episode will feel like a breath o...
2025-11-1036 minOn Your Terms®263. How to Grow Your Email List (Series #1)You’re doing everything to grow your email list — promoting your freebies, sharing your links, posting on social — and yet, that number just won’t budge. You want new subscribers rolling in every day, the kind who actually want to buy from you, and a reliable way to make sales that doesn’t depend on Instagram’s mood swings.Sound familiar?In this first episode of my 4-part Email List Growth Series, I’m breaking down what it really takes to build a thriving email list that fuels your business (and your freedom). It’s not about hacks...
2025-11-0335 minOn Your Terms®262. The 6 Weekly Anchors Behind My $8M Business (That Have Nothing to Do With Marketing)You’ve probably heard me say before that your business only grows as much as you do — and I mean it.Because no matter how many marketing tricks you try, or how well you plan your next launch… none of it matters if you’re running on fumes.In today’s episode, I’m sharing the six weekly anchors that keep me grounded, creative, and energized enough to run an $8M business — and not one of them has to do with marketing. These are the personal routines and boundaries that have built the foundation for everything I’v...
2025-10-2750 minOn Your Terms®260. How to Actually Build to Multi-7 Figures (and the Trade-Offs No One Mentions)Everyone wants the 7-figure business… until they realize what comes with it.In this episode, I’m breaking down what it really takes to build a multi-seven-figure online business — and the trade-offs no one warns you about. I’ll share the 10 things I’d focus on if I were starting over, including how to create a flagship product that actually sells, the “3 Ps” I swear by for sustainable growth, and why making more money doesn’t automatically mean you’re taking more home.If you’ve ever wondered what it actually looks like to grow a business beyond si...
2025-10-1347 minOn Your Terms®259. Passion Doesn't Equal Profit (And How to Fix It)So you love something—cooking, crafting, wellness, design—and you think, this is it, this is going to be my dream business! But then… crickets. No sales, no growth, no happy dance notifications from Stripe. Sound familiar?Here’s the thing: passion is wonderful, but passion alone doesn’t pay the bills. In this episode, I’m sharing my own story of turning my love for cooking into a failed business (ouch) and the exact lessons I learned that helped me build a seven-figure business the second time around.I’m breaking it all down into three “ch...
2025-10-0634 minOn Your Terms®258. How I Grow My Business in Q4 (Without Ever Running a Black Friday Sale)Most entrepreneurs think Q4 is a “dead zone” for sales—too many ads, too much noise, everyone distracted by holidays. But let me tell you: I’ve grown my multi–seven-figure business in the last 90 days of the year without ever running a Black Friday sale.That’s right—no discounts on Thanksgiving, no frantic cyber deals, and no giving up my pumpkin pie to answer DMs. 🙅🏻♀️Instead, I use five simple strategies every single year to not just end the year strong, but to set up massive momentum for the following year. And they work. Today, I’m walking y...
2025-09-2913 minOn Your Terms®257. Running a Business While Grieving: What No One Tells YouGrief isn’t something most of us plan for when we map out our businesses, but it will change you, and by default, your business too.In this episode, I open up about losing both of my parents within a year and the ripple effects grief had on me as a CEO, business owner, and human. I’m not sugarcoating it—grief is messy, unpredictable, and permanent. But I also share how I navigated those darker seasons, how I adjusted my business when I had no capacity for “growth mode,” and what it looks like to run a business...
2025-09-2249 minOn Your Terms®256. How to Protect Your Privacy While Growing Your BusinessCan you actually build a successful online business and keep your personal life private? Spoiler: yes, you can and you don’t have to feel like you’re choosing between being safe and being successful.I know what it’s like to wonder if sharing that story, posting that photo, or writing that email is too much. Over the last eight years of building my multi–seven-figure business, I’ve had to learn the hard way how important it is to protect my privacy online—not just for safety, but for sanity too.In this episode, I’m...
2025-09-1520 minOn Your Terms®255. You're in a Perfectionism Trap (and Your Business Is Dying)Have you ever caught yourself stuck in “plan to plan” mode? You know, where you’re endlessly researching, collecting info, or waiting for the perfect time to finally start that new project, pivot your business, or chase down that dream idea?If so, this episode is for you.I’m sharing why waiting for that “right time” is usually just procrastination in disguise, how my own big life pivots were shaped by unexpected challenges, and why the “first pancake” approach is the best way to finally move forward. Whether it’s watercolor painting, launching a program, or simply...
2025-09-0829 minOn Your Terms®254. The NEW Way to Structure Your Workday for Better ContentEver start your workday with the best intentions to finally record that video, write that email, or publish that podcast episode… only to look up at 3 p.m. and realize you’ve been buried in other people’s priorities all day?Yeah, me too.In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a simple (but mighty) shift I’ve made to my workday that’s helped me stop starting in reactive mode and start creating my best content before the world gets to me first.We’ll talk about why “eat the frog” might...
2025-08-1828 minOn Your Terms®253. Why Your Content Isn’t Growing Your Email List (The Real Reason)This week, I sat down with video marketing coach and content strategist Natasha Pierre to talk about the REAL reason your content isn’t converting into email list growth (or sales)—and how to fix it using her signature strategy: content series.We’re breaking down the binge-worthy magic behind creating a content series (like your very own Netflix show), why one-off posts don’t cut it anymore, and how to build content that actually works to grow your audience and your revenue. This episode is all about giving structure to your content and making your visibility efforts...
2025-08-1152 minOn Your Terms®252. She's Built Multi Million-Dollar Funnels (What She Told Me)Funnels. The word alone can make your eyes glaze over or send you running for the hills. But what if I told you building a funnel doesn’t have to be overwhelming, expensive, or tech-y? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Katelyn Collins, funnel copywriter and strategist. Katelyn's helped me fine-tune my own funnels and turn them into sales machines. In this episode, she’s pulling back the curtain on how you can do it too.Whether you're just getting started or you're tired of hearing “you need a funnel” without any clear next steps...
2025-08-0448 minOn Your Terms®251. How to Leave Social Media Without Losing Your ClientsWhat if you didn’t have to show up on social media every day to grow your business?If you’ve ever felt exhausted by the algorithm or like posting content is just one more thing on your to-do list (and not even a fun one), this episode is your permission slip to rethink your strategy.In this episode, I sat down with Amelia Hruby — feminist writer, podcaster, producer, and founder of Softer Sounds podcast studio — to unpack what it really looks like to build a sustainable, profitable business off social media.We talked a...
2025-07-281h 01On Your Terms®250. Podcasting Myths, Mistakes & Mindset Shifts After 250 EpisodesEver wonder if your podcast is actually doing anything for your business… or if it’s just another thing on your plate? Whether you’re podcasting already or still dreaming about launching, this episode is for you.In this special 250th episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I built a podcast that’s lasted four years, what I’ve learned, and how my approach is shifting. I’m not some podcasting guru—I’m an online business owner who figured out how to make podcasting actually work for me.So if you’re feeling like your...
2025-07-2136 minOn Your Terms®249. I'm Evolving (What's Next for Me + My Business)What happens when your business no longer matches who you’ve become?This is a raw, behind-the-scenes episode where I’m sharing what it feels like to run a successful business while outgrowing the version of myself who built it. There’s no “5-step plan” here—just real talk about what happens when the inside stuff starts shifting and the outside needs to catch up.I’m bringing you along as I grieve, evolve, and slowly rebuild what business—and life—look like from here.If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t know who I am in my busine...
2025-07-1430 minOn Your Terms®248. How to Write Emails People Actually Want to ReadAre you staring at the blinking cursor, wondering what the heck to write in your weekly email? You’re not alone. This week, I’m joined by the email whisperer herself—Tarzan Kay—to finally take the mystery out of email marketing for online business owners.We’re talking about what actually builds an email list in 2025 and how to write weekly emails that are fun to read and get people to click “buy now.” Tarzan isn’t just one of my favorite copywriters—she’s been dismantling the bro marketing empire and rebuilding something more real and inclusive.
2025-07-0751 minOn Your Terms®247. Craft + Commerce Recap: What I Heard in the Hallways (Not on Stage)If you've ever wondered what really goes down behind the scenes at a big-name business conference like ConvertKit’s Craft + Commerce, I’ve got the juicy details for you—straight from the hallways of Boise, Idaho.In this week’s episode of On Your Terms®, I’m taking you along for the ride as I share what it was like to not only attend but speak at Craft + Commerce this year. But spoiler alert: the real magic? It wasn’t just in the keynotes or workshops. It was in the dinners, hallway chats, and the unexpected conversations with people w...
2025-06-3048 minOn Your Terms®245. Your First 5 Steps to a Legal Online Business (Checklist)So you’ve got the business idea. You might even have the Instagram handle locked down. But now you're stuck staring at your laptop like... “What legal steps am I supposed to take to make this real?”If that sounds like you, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.In this episode of On Your Terms®, I walk you through the exact checklist of what to do (in order!) to legally set up your online business. Whether you’re a coach, digital product creator, or service provider, I’m giving you a clear, three-da...
2025-06-1614 minOn Your Terms®242. The Affiliate Marketing Mistake That Could Get You SuedAffiliate marketing can be a great way to earn extra income for sharing things you already use and love—but there’s a legal twist that too many online entrepreneurs are overlooking. Whether you’re a coach, creator, or content-loving business owner, you need to know how to share affiliate links and sponsored content without landing yourself in hot water.This episode is your crash course in the actual legal rules you’ve probably never been taught about affiliate disclosures—and the mistakes that have already led to lawsuits against influencers (even if they thought they were doing it r...
2025-05-2620 minOn Your Terms®I’m Back—with $338k Launch Secrets Coming Your WayI’ve been a little quiet here on On Your Terms—but for good reason. In this quick update, I’m sharing where I’ve been (hint: launching a book!) and what’s coming next (some juicy behind-the-scenes lessons I’ve learned after 2 super successful launches so far in 2025). If you think that online business is dying or you’re wondering whether it’s true that things are changing, next week’s episode is definitely for you. Can’t wait to be back in your ears this Monday, May 12.RESOURCES:Order my book, When I Start My Business, I’ll Be...
2025-05-0506 minOn Your Terms®233: The Business Advice That’s Keeping You Stuck (And What Actually Works) [Happy Trap Series #2]Have you ever felt like every business "guru" is shouting about one perfect strategy—the magic formula for hitting $10K months? But no matter what you try, nothing seems to stick?Yeah, I’ve been there too. When I started my legal templates business eight years ago, I kept hearing that I had to run my webinar live first before making it evergreen. But life had other plans—my dad was sick, and I simply didn’t have the time. So, I went against the advice of all the experts and launched my webinar as evergreen right away. An...
2025-03-1025 minOn Your Terms®232. Why Hitting Your Goals Won't Make You Happy (But What Actually Will) [Happy Trap Series #1]Remember when you first started your business? You might have had all these goals, dreams, and ambitions, and thought that once you hit those milestones, you'd be happy and finally feel successful. So what's the deal, then, when you've come so far and achieved so much…but you still aren't happy?In this episode, you’ll hear…What the Happy Trap is, and how we fall into it as entrepreneursWhy success in your business won't necessarily make you feel fulfilledWhy you feel stuck after hitting goals you thought would bring you happinessWhat you should actually be focusi...
2025-03-0316 minOn Your Terms®231. Why You’re Not As Lost As You Think (+ BIG NEWS!)Ever feel like you’re the only one who doesn’t have it all figured out? You’re not alone. In this episode, I share the surprising story of how Saturday Night Live stars Bill Hader and Andy Samberg met for the first time—each one secretly convinced that the other was the one "doing it right". Spoiler alert: they both were.This story perfectly captures one of the biggest lies we tell ourselves in business, creativity, and life: that everyone else knows what they’re doing while we're somehow lost or that we need to follow what *they...
2025-02-2416 minOn Your Terms®230. The Future of Online Business: 4 Game-Changing Trends You Need to Know in 2025It's been a weird couple of months on social media, from content policing to apps disappearing and reappearing, new features and different trends - things have definitely changed and reached a tipping point for 2025. So how are you going to ride the wave, and keep your sanity amidst this ever changing landscape?In this episode, you’ll hear…What types of content people will be drawn to, and how you can create it without burning yourself outWhy "old fashioned" marketing and connections are seeing a big comebackWhen to use AI to your advantage without replacing yourselfHow you...
2025-02-1726 minOn Your Terms®228. The Surprising Shift That Took My Business From $0 to 7-FiguresWhen you first start a business, much of your day may be spent casually networking or binging all of the free content related to entrepreneurship (that was me! 🙋🏻). It's very tempting to get caught up with consuming rather than doing, so it's important to check in with yourself and determine if what you're filling your days with in the now will help to build your business in the long run.In this episode, you’ll hear…The mindset shift I needed to implement early and often to build a successful businessWhy it's vital to have measurable, concrete a...
2025-01-2022 minOn Your Terms®227. My Top 3 Proven Strategies to Grow Your Email List (From Someone With 45K Subs)+ HUGE BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT!After becoming BFFs with Google, I learned all I could about email lists, freebies, and landing pages; my mind was overflowing! Now I’m eight years and almost 45,000 subscribers into my legal business, and I can confidently say that my email list is the foundation of my business’s success. I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned along the way to help you build your own email-driven success story (and I’m also very excited to fill you in on how you can get my new book when it drops this spring!).In this episode, y...
2025-01-0738 minOn Your Terms®226. Part 2: What You're Missing in Your 2025 Business Plan (I'll Fix It)Welcome to a new approach to goal setting and personal growth. As we prepare to step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what might be missing from your current business plan and decide on what to implement if you're a new business owner. I’m sharing strategies for creating a plan that feels authentic and motivating. In this episode, you’ll hear…Insights into setting focused and achievable goals for 2025How to stay open to change and new ideas in your business journeyUnderstanding the value of KPIs in guiding your business decisionsCreating quarterly focuses...
2024-12-1615 minOn Your Terms®225. Part 1: The Online Business Year End Review That Could Transform Your 2025Have you ever taken a moment to look back on where you’ve been and how far you’ve come? Lately, I’ve been doing just that, reflecting on my journey throughout 2024. It’s been a year filled with growth, unexpected challenges, and valuable lessons. I'll be sharing a few insights from my experience that might inspire your own reflections as you look ahead.In this episode, you’ll hear…Insights into balancing personal well-being with professional goalsHow personal experiences can impact business and lifeStrategies that led to revenue growth and a successful book dealThe importance of evolving...
2024-12-0924 min
The Ultimate Bundle®Q3: September 2024 Live Q&A with SamThank you so much to everyone who joined the live Q&A on September 26, 2024 with our special guest, Keila from Little Fish Accounting! We had some great questions including...What should I be supplying my accountant with for annual taxes?What counts as a write-off or business expense in my business?Do I need to disclose gifts to clients/customers in my tax return?Are pro-bono services able to be written off?...and SO much more!Want to hear more from Keila and Sam? Check out the On Your Terms® podcast episodes featuring Keila:
2024-10-051h 31On Your Terms®224. Why I'm Taking a Break [we'll be back!]Knowing when to take a break is important. I am listening to my own advice and taking a break from the podcast. I need time and mental space to finish my book.In this episode, I explain my thought process. I also explain where listeners can find my educational resources while I am out. Check out the Resources links below to my YouTube, Substack, etc.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why I am taking time off from the podcast to finish my book and restThe power of zooming out to see the big pict...
2024-07-2916 minOn Your Terms®223. ☀️ How a Rude DM Inspired Me to Do This [Summer Series]The other day I received a comment on social media about how I did not look great in a video. In the past, I would have been reactive. Instead, I just laughed out loud.In today’s episode, I share my practice in becoming more confident and comfortable with myself and my online business.It has been a journey, and it is definitely still ongoing, but if this Philly-born, 90s era-raised girl can do it, so can you.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why perfectionism is the enemy of contentHow changing the st...
2024-07-2221 minOn Your Terms®222. ☀️If Social Media Sucks… Where Can You Grow Your Online Business? [Summer Series]In the last episode, I talked some smack about social media: It’s bad for your mental health, your content won’t have great longevity or searchability, etc. So this episode I cover what to do instead, or in addition to, social media.First, I break down discovery vs. nurturing. Then, I explain why email is a great nurturing platform. And finally I talk about when social media can be an effective marketing tool, if you still really want to use it.I hope you’re enjoying these “Online Business Summer School” episodes, including the background...
2024-07-1518 minOn Your Terms®221. ☀️ Social Media Wrecked My Brain [Summer Series]Social media is designed to be addictive. Summer can be a great time to evaluate your social media usage– both consumption and creation.In this episode, I describe my experience scaling back on social media and scaling up in other areas of my personal life and business.I give you tips in case you want to do the same. I cover delegating to team members, pivoting towards more evergreen content, and re-evaluating your production approach.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why you might want to scale back on social mediaThe power of eve...
2024-07-0819 minOn Your Terms®220. ☀️ Real Talk: I Need a Bit of a Reset [Introducing: Summer Series]Welcome to the first episode of the Summer School series! This summer I’ll be creating short weekly episodes on the go- while I’m at the gym, on a walk. etc. In each one, I’ll share one lesson I’ve learned about business and life.Today’s lesson: Find a balance between creativity and strategy in your business content creation. Don’t let strategy strangle your creativity and joy. But, of course, don’t get too far away from your business objectives.In this episode, you’ll hear…What you can expect from the Summer Sc...
2024-07-0113 minOn Your Terms®219. How to Start an Online Business in 2024Today’s episode is a recording of my new free legal training “Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business”. I share the step-by-step plan you need to do to set the legal foundation to protect yourself, your business and have the ability to grow and scale successfully.Step one is adjusting your mindset. Step two is how to register as the right kind of business entity. Step three is getting business insurance in place so you don’t owe anything if you get sued. Step four is how to protect your boundaries with contracts. And step...
2024-06-241h 10On Your Terms®218. Why You Might Not Own Your Canva Graphics or AI ContentPeople are often surprised when I tell them they might not own the content they create on Canva. That’s why in today’s episode I give a quick overview of what you should be aware of in terms of content creation, including AI generated content, and copyrights.I walk through Canva, ChatGPT, and a few other tools, explaining what to look for in their licenses.As a business owner, the buck stops with you. You’re the one responsible for ensuring your business’s content is legal and protected. I hope this episode gives you a li...
2024-06-1725 minOn Your Terms®217. Do Free Contracts Protect You At All? My honest takeAre you using the free contracts provided by platforms like Thinkific or Kajabi to protect your online business? If so, you might be wondering if they’re really enough to keep you legally covered. Today, I'm breaking down why these default terms of use might not be as protective as you think and what steps you can take to ensure your business is truly safeguarded. We'll explore the inadequacies of these free contracts and discuss how to create customized terms that reflect your unique business needs.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why free contracts from platfo...
2024-06-1016 minOn Your Terms®216. I Stopped My Hike to Call Myself Out on THIS Bad HabitThis episode comes to you from the M trail in San Luis Obispo, California. I realized I was falling back into a bad habit of mine so I pulled out my phone to make a voice recording to share with my future self and with all of you!While I was hiking, I was spending the whole time being worried about snakes, tarantulas, weird bugs, and being very, very high up. This is a bad habit of mine that I fall into with my business journey too. I focus so much on my fears. I fight and...
2024-06-0312 minOn Your Terms®215. How Much Should Business Insurance Cost for Coaching Businesses?One of the core startup costs for an online business is business insurance. In today’s episode, I teach you about business insurance and the general cost you can expect.Business insurance is critical for financially protecting your business. Even if you just receive a nasty lawyer letter threatening to sue you for liability, your business insurance will step in with their own lawyer to act on your behalf.I go over the key terms you need to know: Premiums, deductible, liability limits, exposure, policy limits, and exclusions. Then I explain how they all interact to...
2024-05-2720 minOn Your Terms®214. How To Start A Business on a BudgetStarting an online business is much cheaper than starting a brick-and-mortar shop, but it still has costs. So how do you navigate those costs before your business starts bringing in any money? That’s what we cover in today’s episode.I walk through the three-step process of how to start a business on a budget: Save, Research, Budget. I breakdown each one in detail, giving examples from my own experience.Being realistic in your projections and plans leads to the empowered, quality decision-making necessary to build a sustainable business. I hope this episode helps you...
2024-05-2037 minOn Your Terms®213. Confessions of a Debut Author: Imposter Syndrome, Budgeting, and Trolls (ft. Money Expert, Jannese Torres)Writing a book isn’t just about writing a book. It brings up all kinds of business and personal dynamics, challenges, and opportunities for growth. Today fellow debut author, Jannese Torres, joins me to talk about why she chose to write a book as part of her personal finance business, and how she has made it work.Jannese is an award-winning Latina Money Expert. She helps her clients and listeners build successful online businesses that allow them to pursue financial independence and freedom. Her podcast, Yo Quiero Dinero® is a platform to de-stigmatize money as a taboo top...
2024-05-1342 minOn Your Terms®212. How A Podcast Can Grow Your Online Business (ft. Podcast Expert, Michelle Rubinstein)This podcast episode is about podcasts. Our team’s podcast aficionado, Michelle Rubinstein, interviews me about how I utilize On Your Terms® to nurture my audience and aid in growing my business.We have a great conversation about how this podcast has been my most productive nurturing channel– helping people get to a place where they’re ready to purchase my product. We talk about voice of customer research, meeting listeners where they’re at, and providing in-depth, nuanced information. We also talk about why it’s important to pick a medium that you actually enjoy using.Then w...
2024-05-0656 minOn Your Terms®211. Launch Series Pt. 4 | Post-Launch Audit: How to Use Data for Future Launch SuccessRight after launches, it’s normal to feel big feelings: Relief it’s over, excitement about success, sadness about failure. Feel your feelings, whichever ones they are, but don’t create unhelpful stories about them. Instead, channel your energy into getting the true story. Send out surveys to gather data.In this episode, I dive into everything you need to know about post-sale surveys and how to execute them. I teach you how to measure sale success and figure out which marketing channels produced a good ROI for your business. Plus, I touch on how to encourage post p...
2024-04-2929 minOn Your Terms®208. Launch Series Pt. 1 | Behind the Scenes of a $300,000 Digital Product LaunchWelcome to the first episode of our series on how to run a launch! Lindsey Deatsch, my Director of Operations, is my special guest today. She’s a pro at launches– before she came to work with me, she was a launch manager at an agency, doing launches day in and day out.We cover how to make a product launch timeline and create a pre-launch marketing strategy: Schedule the anchor point, then the invite period, then the teaser period and learning phase, the “open cart” period, and the post-launch survey.We also spend a lot of t...
2024-04-0853 minOn Your Terms®208. Launch Series Pt. 1 | Behind the Scenes of a $300,000 Digital Product LaunchWelcome to the first episode of our series on how to run a launch! Lindsey Deatsch, my Director of Operations, is my special guest today. She’s a pro at launches– before she came to work with me, she was a launch manager at an agency, doing launches day in and day out.We cover how to make a product launch timeline and create a pre-launch marketing strategy: Schedule the anchor point, then the invite period, then the teaser period and learning phase, the “open cart” period, and the post-launch survey. We also spend a lot of ti...
2024-04-0550 minOn Your Terms®206. How to Create Unique Content (Without Copying Your Competition)Following your competitors on social media can lead you down a self-doubt rabbit hole. In this episode, you’ll find inspiration so you can stand out to your audience and I’ll share 6 ways to create content that don’t involve following your competition.In this episode, you’ll hear…The pitfalls of looking at your competition’s digital marketingPractices that will help you generate creative content ideasConcepts that apply no matter what specific creative content tools you useClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:
2024-03-2534 minOn Your Terms®Bonus. MAJOR BOI NEWS UPDATE (DO I HAVE TO FILE A BOI REPORT?)This is just a quick bonus episode on the breaking news about the BOI law (Beneficial Ownership Information). Yes, a federal court in Alabama has ruled it as unconstitutional. But you still have to file it (don’t worry its free and simple). Only the plaintiffs in the case don’t have to file. Check out the links below for help with filing your BOI. In this episode, you’ll hear…Breaking news about BOI from a federal court in AlabamaWhat it means for youLinks to help you file your BOIClick here to find the...
2024-03-0708 minOn Your Terms®183. Stop Playing Small [Monday Motivation!]Starting an online business can often feel like navigating uncharted waters, especially for women entrepreneurs who face unique challenges. In this journey, it’s crucial to recognize the seriousness and legitimacy of your venture. As someone who transitioned from a corporate lawyer to an online business owner, I understand the hurdles and skepticism that can come your way. But it’s time to stop playing small and start seeing your business for the powerhouse it can be.In this episode, you’ll hear…How women entrepreneurs often face significant challenges in being taken seriously in the business...
2023-12-2523 minOn Your Terms®168. What to Do When a Client Doesn't Pay YouEver had that sinking feeling when a client's payment doesn't go through or when they outright refuse to pay? We've all been there, and it's a situation that's more common than you might think. But the real challenge arises when you're uncertain about the next steps. In today's chat, we'll discuss a structured approach to navigate such situations, ensuring you're equipped to handle them with grace and professionalism.In this episode, you’ll hear…The commonality of client non-payment situations and how not to take them personallyThe paramount importance of contracts in addressing payment disputesStrategies for paym...
2023-11-0227 minOn Your Terms®143. Conquer Your To-Do List + Be More Productive [ft. Online Business Strategist, Louise Henry]Picking a productivity system for my business was an absolute game-changer — and I credit Louise Henry with giving me the tools to take full advantage of it. In our conversation, we deep dive into productivity, goal-setting, and identifying the perfect platform for your content. Believe it or not, you can truly scale your entrepreneurial productivity without putting in extra hours—all you need are systematic processes and clear-cut daily priorities.In this episode, you’ll hear…Unexpected challenges and benefits of starting an online businessTop three pointers for budding entrepreneursShowing up on YouTubeWhy systems are so importan...
2023-08-071h 02On Your Terms®119. 10 Lessons from My Team Break-UpsAs an entrepreneur who has built a multi-seven-figure business, I've had my fair share of experiences when it comes to hiring and firing employees and contractors. In this episode, I want to share my top 10 tips for managing these relationships and navigating the complexities of staffing your business. My goal is to help you build a successful team while maintaining healthy working relationships with your employees and contractors.In this episode, you’ll hear…Getting clear on what you’re hiring forHiring slow, firing fastHow to hire like a professionalOwning your mistakes…and more!If you’d...
2023-05-1531 minOn Your Terms®117. How I've Grown My Business During Tough TimesStarting and growing a business is hard. And then, you still have to deal with all of the hard stuff that life regularly throws at you on top of all that. Over the years, I have experienced some of the most challenging times of my life, from brain surgery and caring for my father during his battle with cancer, to coping with the loss of my father and my mother's ongoing health struggles. So, we're breaking our usual routine to have a heart-to-heart conversation about how I’m coping and finding ways to keep (some of) it together....
2023-05-0828 minOn Your Terms®115. My Book Update!Have you ever considered writing a book? There’s a stat floating around that says 81% of people hope to write a book one day, so chances are you’re one of them — and so am I! I’m going to share what my journey of writing a book proposal and querying agents has looked like so far, and what’s happening next. I’ll also give tips I’ve learned from my writing coach as well as naturally along the way.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why I’ve always wanted to write a bookWhere I’m at in the writin...
2023-05-0128 minOn Your Terms®95. "I Can Do It Better Myself" - What to Outsource + Do YourselfDo you need to be a jack of all trades to run an online business? This episode explores the dilemma of having to wear multiple hats as a business owner. I share my personal experience and how I balanced my passions with the demands of running a business. Listen to learn how you can grow your business without sacrificing your sanity — and still indulge in your favorite business activities.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why some business owners struggle to hand off tasks and delegateThe skills most business owners should take ownership ofThe first things you ca...
2023-02-2034 minOn Your Terms®94. Can I Teach What I Learn in My Certification Program?In this episode, I'm tackling a question about scope of practice in the health and wellness field. But don't tune out just yet, because this applies to all types of coaches, regardless of industry.In this episode, you’ll hear…Understanding scope of practiceWhat dictates what you’re allowed to teach in your businessDoing your homework on what you can legally teach as a coachIf 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 Insta...
2023-02-1609 minOn Your Terms®93. Sustainable Scaling [ft. Business & Mindset Coach, Naomi Powell]Naomi Powell is the owner of The Lifestyle Edit, and she joins me to chat about business, money mindset, and how our childhood and experiences influence us as entrepreneurs. We discussed building a business on our own terms, designing it around our lives instead of the other way around.In this episode, you’ll hear…How to build a successful business while enjoying the processHealing your relationship with moneyBeing adaptable to new trendsBuilding a business geared towards your actual goalsFinding a balance between short-term and long-term visionsIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chan...
2023-02-1347 minOn Your Terms®92. Which Legal Contract Do You Need?Do you know what contracts you need depending on what you offer? In this week’s “Sam’s Sidebar,” you'll learn about the contracts and policies you need for different business situations.In this episode, you’ll hear…What contracts you need when working with clientsThe different contracts of agreements needed for websites, social media, and other contentHow the Ultimate Bundle® walks you through the process of filling out and using every contract templateClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Submit your legal question for...
2023-02-0909 minOn Your Terms®90. The Ultimate Bundle® FAQs: Answered!Let’s dive into your most-asked questions about my signature program, the Ultimate Bundle®. In this episode, you’ll hear…How the Ultimate Bundle® differs from what you get at big box legal storesWhether you should buy the Ultimate Bundle® before getting your first clientWhat it looks like inside the Ultimate Bundle® and how long it takes to useClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Get the Ultimate Bundle® right hereEpisode 88. What's in the Ultimate Bundle®?Episode 87. The Ultimate Bundle® IRL: How Real Customers Use...
2023-02-0208 minOn Your Terms®84. Is business insurance worth it?In this episode, we’re talking about whether or not business insurance is really worth it — and why.In this episode, you’ll hear…Whether business insurance is worth itThe kinds of business insurance availableHow to pick the type of insurance right for youWhy it’s so worthwhile Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Submit your legal question for an upcoming episode of On Your Terms®: https://samvanderwielen.typeform.com/to/UiUT1dEASign up for my 2x weekly emails here (and be the first to hea...
2023-01-1206 minOn Your Terms®82. Is my biz legally protected enough?In this episode, we’re talking all about what you need to do — at least officially — to legally protect your online business so you have the peace of mind you need to move forward. In this episode, you’ll hear…How to know when your business has enough legal protectionThe basic foundations of legit legal protectionAddressing new legal opportunities as they come upClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Free resource: Legally Legit Checklist: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/legally-legit-checklist/Submit your legal question for an upco...
2023-01-0508 minOn Your Terms®81. Do You Really Believe In Your Business? (You're Not Alone)We could all use a bit of a pep talk now and then, right? Running your own business is hard, especially as a woman. People will often belittle your business or won’t take it seriously. We can’t wait for other people to buy into our dream — we must believe in our own businesses before we expect anyone else to. I’ve never talked about entrepreneurship in this way before – and it’s absolutely essential to do so.In this episode, you’ll hear…How to stop downplaying your own businesses when you talk about itWhy the genera...
2023-01-0224 minOn Your Terms®80. What Can You Do Legally if Your Client Quits?In this episode, we’re talking about what to do if a client quits — or if you want to fire them.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why it’s important to normalize negative client interactionsWhat to do if a client quits How things are different if you fire a clientClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Submit your legal question for an upcoming episode of On Your Terms®Episode 8. What Makes a Good Contract? How to Make Sure You're ProtectedVisit the DIY Legal Templa...
2022-12-2907 minOn Your Terms®79. Feeling Business Burnout? Honor Your EnergyNobody wants to be burnt out from their business. But it often feels inevitable, and so many business owners approach entrepreneurship as “all or nothing.” Maybe you can relate to this? I know I can.Perhaps you’re posting content and showing up all the time, pushing yourself as hard as you can, until suddenly it feels like you can’t show up at all. Or maybe you’re like me, where you have an outgoing side, but you also have a quiet, introspective side to you as well. You need to balance both sides if you want to av...
2022-12-2630 minOn Your Terms®78. Can I Work With Clients Overseas?This week, we’re talking all about working with clients overseas. We’re going to touch on something that we don’t talk about enough when it comes to legally protecting your business: Enforcement.In this episode, you’ll hear…One thing you must include in your contracts - no matter where you or your clients live Establishing what state’s laws apply to your business + contractsEnforcing your contract overseasUnderstanding the risks involved in business + how to reduce themHow to pre-qualify clients before they sign Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for...
2022-12-2209 minOn Your Terms®76. Can I use the © without registering?This week, we’re talking all about if you can legally use the © symbol, known as the copyright symbol, and whether or not you have anything registered.In this episode, you’ll hear…When you can (and can’t) use the © symbolWhat the © symbol doesWhat to do when it’s not practical to copyright everythingMy © Copyright Formula for content protectionClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Submit your legal question for an upcoming episode of On Your Terms® right here: https://samvanderwielen.typeform.com/to/UiUT1dEA...
2022-12-1507 minOn Your Terms®74. What happens to my business if I die?This week, we’re answering questions about who owns your business if you pass away — and why it’s super important to start thinking about that now.In this episode, you’ll hear…Who gets control of your business if you passWhat happens if you don’t have a written willHow to get a legal will in placeClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:If this season has you feeling like you want to slow down, but you're not sure how to grow your biz at...
2022-12-0808 minOn Your Terms®73. What 2022 Was Actually Like For Me (+ Free Annual Planning Guide for You!)At the end of every year, I take the time to reflect on the past 12 months, both personally and professionally, and how the two played together. In this episode, I share my reflection process so you can join me in thinking about what went well, what didn’t, what you might change, and how to carry those reflections forward into planning out the next year.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why you need to take time to reflect and celebrate the winsWhat happened in my business and life in 2022How to use what you learned this ye...
2022-12-0532 minOn Your Terms®70. Ask Me Anything Q&A [business, grief, legal & behind the scenes!]Have you ever wanted to have your business, legal, or even personal questions answered directly by me? That’s what we’re doing here, where I opened up my Instagram to your burning questions. I was asked about HIPAA, the differences between business entities, how I repurpose my email content, branding tips, and more!In this episode, you’ll hear…Do you need HIPAA for a coaching or consulting business?What’s the difference between consulting and coaching, and how does that relate to legal or contracts?The top 3 differences between the most popular entitiesHow I repurpose...
2022-11-2149 minOn Your Terms®68. Permission to Slow Down & Do Things On Your TermsOut of everything I’ve learned over the years of running a business, there’s one thing I wish I could go back and give myself the permission to do when I first started: Not turning everything I learn immediately into content for my business.Once I gave myself this permission, not only did it impact my business success and my bottom line, my mental health improved. I didn’t realize how exhausting it was, but once I took a step back and slowed things down, it was clear to me that this isn’t a good approach...
2022-11-0719 minOn Your Terms®67. The Online Coach's Guide to What to Email Your ListWe’re back to talk all about email lists! In the first part of our series on email lists, we talked all about list-building strategies—with or without the freebies. But once you’ve built that list… what are you supposed to actually send them? Let’s dive into what you can email your list to keep them engaged, how important consistency is, and the different ways you can nurture your audience.In this episode, you’ll hear…03:21 - Approaching your email list with strategy, no matter the size10:19 - Looking at the big picture in your business1...
2022-10-3146 minOn Your Terms®60. My Secret Success Strategy: Taking the 30,000 ft View of Your BusinessWhen we’re in the weeds it can be hard to see what the big picture is. Sometimes in business, we need to zoom out and see the whole thing from above ground in order to see the plan and how it all fits together. I’m going to share how I integrate this practice of high-level observation into my own business and the ways it benefits me—as well as how I make a flow chart to direct my marketing and business decisions.In this episode, you’ll hear…06:01 - The danger of getting into the weeds...
2022-09-1241 minOn Your Terms®57. Moving? What You Need to do to Register Your Business in Another StateDo you run a business and you’re thinking of moving? The moving process can already be enough of a hassle before you even consider the legal ramifications of it. Whether you’re already registered or holding off because you don’t know what to do, there are really just two options—and I’m going to break them both down so you can decide which is right for you.In this episode, you’ll hear…04:44 - Whether you need to register your business when you know you’re moving soon05:30 - Where you need to register your bu...
2022-08-2223 minOn Your Terms®54. Everything I Learned at ConvertKit's Craft + Commerce Conference (mind blown!)I recently got back from ConvertKit’s Craft + Commerce Conference in Boise, Idaho and my mind was BLOWN!The online business world is changing and we all need to adapt. This conference brought together some of the biggest names in the industry, but also the up-and-comers who are trying new things and finding out what works.I’m going to share some of my biggest takeaways, why I went, what I had hoped to get out of it, and what people are missing out on when they don’t go to conferences. I’ll also give you...
2022-08-011h 01On Your Terms®53. The Millionaire Myth in Online BusinessA lot of people throw around the word “millionaire” but when you look at the numbers it’s clear they are using a different definition of millionaire. My goal isn’t to trash talk business owners who call themselves millionaires, but to encourage you to be a savvy consumer—of both businesses and content—and to be aware of this when you’re looking at your own numbers and feeling like you’re behind. In this episode, you’ll hear…02:07 - Why this industry needs a reality check11:29 - The difference between revenue and income13:04 - Understanding net wo...
2022-07-2525 min