Beyond The Systems Podcast | Business Systems & Growth Strategies For Your Online Business

Ever wonder why some websites make you want to immediately hit the back button while others have you scrolling for hours? In this episode, I'm chatting with Lizzie Grant, the owner and lead designer of White Point Creative, about how design actually impacts your customer journey,and why sometimes simpler really is better.

We're diving deep into the psychology behind first impressions (spoiler: you have 50 milliseconds to make one), the art of creating unforgettable brands, and how to strike that perfect balance between looking cool and actually converting clients. Lizzie shares some eye-opening statistics about how 75% of users judge a website's credibility based purely on design, plus her take on the whole "do I even need a website?" debate that's been floating around lately.

If you've ever felt torn between wanting a beautiful brand and needing one that actually brings in clients, this conversation is for you. We're talking about everything from why voice memos beat typed responses every time, to how brand photography has evolved beyond the disco ball era (thank goodness), to the simple design principles that can make or break your conversions.

Plus, Lizzie gets real about her journey from freelancing at big Boston agencies to building a team of 13 and hitting multi-six figures,and spoiler alert, it wasn't the overnight success story you might expect. She breaks down how taking notes on everything from file organization systems to client management approaches during her freelance days became the foundation for her own business model.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your brand game, this episode is packed with actionable insights that'll have you looking at your website (and your Instagram DMs) in a whole new way.

Resources from this episode: 

• Book a 1:1 Design Roadmap call with Lizzy: BOOK HERE 
• Join Lizzy’s monthly newsletter Saltwater Insights

More about Lizzy Grant: Lizzy is the owner and lead designer of White Point Creative, an online creative agency that specializes in brand refreshes for online entrepreneurs. Lizzy and her team work with coaches who want to ditch the chaos and bring cohesion to their vision and voice with high impact visuals and marketing.

When she isn’t discovering new fonts like the type nerd that she is, you can find her on an international or domestic beach somewhere or at home in Virginia with their two spaniels, Folly and Daisy.

Connect with Lizzy Grant:

• Website: http://www.whitepointcreative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/white.point.creative/

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services 
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/

In this episode, I'm chatting with Sam Burmeister from Nomad Copy, who writes high-converting sales copy for service-based businesses from all over the world. And let me tell you, this conversation completely shifted how I think about the whole serve-serve-serve-sell mentality that had me posting five educational carousels before I dared mention my services.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• The Venn Diagram That Changes Everything
• Why "Nurture" Emails Are Actually Sales Emails in Disguise
• The Three-Column Exercise That Fixes "Salesy" Copy
• The Real Talk on AI and Copywriting
• Why This Episode Will Actually Change Your Business

This isn't just another "how to write better" conversation. Sam breaks down why people buy and gives you the exact framework to write copy that converts without feeling gross about it. When you're only serving to a certain point without offering your paid solutions, you're actually doing people a disservice.

Ready to Stop Sending Fluffy Emails?

Sam's got a membership called Copy On Demand where she literally becomes your copywriting brain in your back pocket. You write copy, send it her way, and get feedback on what to change and why. It's like having a copywriting coach who actually helps you get better over time instead of just doing the work for you.

Plus, she's the type of person who'll slide into your DMs and give you honest feedback on your opt-in page if you send it to her.

If you've been treating your content and copy like completely separate things, or if you're still stuck in that old-school mindset of being afraid to sell, this episode is going to give you some serious clarity.

Sam makes it clear: your goal as a business owner is to run a business, which means you need to be selling. The question isn't whether to sell – it's how to do it in a way that feels good for everyone involved.

• Resources from this episode:  Copy Coaching & Feedback Membership: Copy On Demand

More about Samantha Burmeister:

Sam writes really freakin' high-converting sales copy for service-based businesses. Every business she writes for gets copy that sounds like them, but converts better!

Connect with Samantha Burmeister:

• Website: http://www.nomadcopyagency.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthaburmeister/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomad.copy/ 

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services 
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/

After five years of running my systems consulting business full-time, I made the bold move to take on a 9-to-5 and transform my company into a side hustle. But I didn't just wing it. I strategically downsized, streamlined, and systematized everything to make it work on half the time.

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on exactly how I went from working 20-25 hours a week in my business to just 10-12 hours, all while maintaining my retainer clients and taking on new projects. I break down my two main priorities: streamlining my sales systems and optimizing my delivery processes – plus share the specific systems that made it possible.

You'll hear about my game-changing pricing model that eliminated project scope creep, how I'm using AI tools like Poppy AI to streamline delivery, and why I put waitlists on all my offers. Plus, I get real about the mental health side of stepping back from the online business world and why unfollowing half my feed was the best decision I made.

This isn't your typical "hustle harder" advice. My approach is refreshingly honest about working with what you've got, making quick decisions based on experience, and cutting out all the noise that doesn't move the needle. Whether you're trying to scale down like me or scale up while working full-time, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can implement immediately.

The best part? I admit I'm still figuring it out as I go – and that's exactly what makes this so valuable. Real talk from someone who's actually walking the walk.

• Toggle - Time tracking tool I use to monitor my weekly hours
• Poppy AI - AI tool I use for project management and delivery, 
• Watch my walkthrough video here!
• Affiliate code: SYSTEMSWITHSAM for $25 off!
• Claude - AI chat tool integrated within Poppy AI

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services 
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/

What happens when you build a six-figure business that looks amazing on paper but leaves you completely burnt out and unfulfilled? In this episode, I sit down with Jemma Broadstock (AKA the happy coach and psychologist) to dive deep into one of the most important conversations happening in the online space right now: burnout and redefining success.

Jemma's story is both relatable and eye-opening. She started freelancing at just 16, accidentally grew an agency that hit six figures, and then... walked away from it all. Not because it wasn't successful, but because it wasn't her version of success.

We get into the nitty-gritty of how external advice can lead you to build a business that works on paper but not for your actual life. Jemma shares how she was doing work that wasn't the best use of her skills, serving clients in ways that didn't align with her values, and essentially "putting on a uniform every morning to be someone else."

One of my favorite parts of our conversation is when Jemma talks about purchasing from two different businesses in the same month - one completely automated and one totally personal. Guess which one made her feel more connected? This really challenged my own thinking about when to automate versus when to stay hands-on.

We also dig into practical psychology tools that help you identify when your problem isn't actually your strategy, marketing, or clients - but something deeper. Jemma introduces the "best possible business" exercise and explains why you need to do it multiple times to get the full picture.

If you've ever felt like you're working really hard but don't know where you're going, or if you've created something successful that just doesn't feel right for you, this episode is going to hit different. Jemma breaks down how to slow down to speed up and why sometimes the most illogical decision (like only doing one-to-one work when everyone says you need to scale) might be exactly what you need.

Resources from this episode:

• Take Jemma's 20-question assessment to get a personalized report on what area you should focus on to be happier and more fulfilled in your business

More about Jemma Broadstock:

Jemma (aka the Happy Coach & Psychologist)

Having worked in the online space for 10 years,Jemma started (and later closed) an agency due to burnout before making a return as a fully qualified and accredited coach. Now, she works specifically with individuals looking to build success from the inside out. With a BSc and MSc in Psychology, specialising in positive psychology and coaching psychology, Jemma's focus is on helping others cultivate more joy, fulfillment, and purpose in both their daily lives and work—without the burnout, of course.

Connect with Jemma Broadstock:

• Website: https://jemmabroadstock.com/
• Instagram: instagram.com/jemmabroadstock
• LinedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jemmabroadstock/

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services 
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/

In this vulnerable and refreshingly honest episode, I'm sharing something that might surprise some of you: I've started working a 9-5 corporate job! After five years of running my online business, I've made a significant life change that I'm actually incredibly excited about.

I dive deep into my journey as an online entrepreneur - from the highs of location freedom and six-figure years to the challenging reality of feeling disconnected from my work despite outward success. I explore that uncomfortable space of "being unhappy in a business that everyone else is impressed with" and how I tried everything to fall in love with my business again.

During our trip to Italy earlier this year, sitting in our dream Airbnb with a hot tub on the balcony overlooking Puglia, I had the stark realization: "What am I doing with my life?" Despite achieving the freedom lifestyle I thought I wanted, something fundamental was missing.

I share the exact moment when I finally stopped ignoring my intuition and decided to explore a new path. You'll hear about my job search process (with zero corporate experience!), how I found a sales role that perfectly matches my skills, and how I'm navigating this major transition.

For those wondering - no, I'm not shutting down my business! I'm currently balancing both, working about 10-15 hours per week on client projects alongside my full-time job. This episode is for anyone questioning if they're on the right path, feeling stuck in their zone of excellence instead of their zone of genius, or curious about transitioning from full-time entrepreneurship to corporate life.

Remember to tune into your intuition - sometimes the right path doesn't make sense on paper, but feels completely right when you follow it.

Resources from this episode:

• Book recommendation: "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks (exploring the concept of zone of genius vs. zone of excellence)

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services 
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/

Shannon Pruitt, founder of Sunday Muse Design, joins us to break down everything you need to know about strategic branding and web design. They dive deep into why your website isn't just a luxury—it's survival for your business. Shannon shares her journey from wedding planner to brand designer, revealing how she discovered the critical link between outdated websites and lost clients.

Key takeaways from this episode: 

• Why you need to approach branding with strategy, not just pretty colors 
• The intentional process behind choosing fonts, colors, and design elements 
• How to simplify your website for better conversion rates (one client doubled their inquiries in 3-4 months!) 
• The debate behind copy vs. design first (Shannon's firmly in the copy-first camp) 
• Practical tips for DIY branding when you're just starting out 
• The importance of tracking where your clients actually come from

Shannon drops truth bombs about attention spans (apparently we've got 47 seconds now), why she hates the word "clarity," and how to create a brand that doesn't just look good—it works hard for your business. Whether you're starting from scratch or ready to elevate your existing brand, this episode gives you the strategic foundation to make it happen.

Resources from this episode:

• Shannon’s Newsletter: You can join her weekly newsletter where she shares practical branding tips, website advice, and behind-the-scenes insights from real client projects. Just visit sundaymusedesign.com/newsletter to sign up! 

More about Shannon Pruitt:

Shannon Pruitt is the founder of Sunday Muse Design, a strategic branding and web design studio for women entrepreneurs who refuse to blend in. Since 2015, she's built multiple businesses, but branding? That's where she thrives. With a sharp eye for design, a no-BS approach to brand strategy, and a deep understanding of what makes businesses actually convert, Shannon helps service providers, boutique businesses, and course creators build brands that command attention—and get results.

Connect with Shannon Pruitt:

• Website: http://www.sundaymusedesign.com
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sundaymusedesign
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sundaymusedesign

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services 
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/

Are you feeling stuck about which CRM to choose for your business? In this episode, I break down my step-by-step process for selecting the perfect client relationship management tool without the overwhelm. I share a real client example of how I helped a busy coach streamline her client onboarding process by finding a CRM that matched her exact needs.

You'll learn why "making your grocery list" of must-have features before shopping for a CRM is the key to avoiding tech overwhelm and unnecessary subscription costs. I'll walk you through how to map out your client journey, identify the essential features you need, and evaluate whether an all-in-one solution or a custom tech stack makes more sense for your unique business.

I'm excited to share these practical tips that will save you hours of tutorial-watching and feature-comparing. Whether you're ready to invest in your first CRM or considering a switch from your current system, this episode will help you make a confident, informed decision.

• Resources from this episode: 
• Systems to Scale Audit - My signature service where I help you choose the right tools and build custom automations for your specific business needs
• Whimsical - The tool I love for mapping out client journeys and workflows
• e-signatures.io - A budget-friendly contract tool at just 99¢ per contract
• Motion.io - A project management tool with advanced client portal features

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services 
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/

In this episode of Beyond the Systems Podcast, I sat down with multi six-figure entrepreneur Jennifer Morilla to dive deep into her "one product, one funnel" business approach. After experiencing serious burnout in 2023, Jen completely restructured her business around a single signature offer - her Simplify to Implify Accelerator - and hasn't looked back.

We explore how shiny object syndrome keeps entrepreneurs trapped in a cycle of creating multiple programs (when really, we should be doubling down on what's already working!). Jen shares the exact moment she realized she needed to simplify, including the hilarious story of making her OBM sign a contract promising not to let her create any new programs.

If you're feeling scattered with too many offers or struggling to stay focused on one revenue stream, this episode unpacks why simplicity leads to sustainability. We discuss how Jen structures her program to maintain quality while reducing her time investment, her content marketing strategy for a single offer, and the mindset shifts required to trust that one excellent product can outperform multiple mediocre ones.

What I love most about this conversation is Jen's transparency about her entrepreneurial journey - from travel blogger to burnt-out coach to focused business owner - and how personal development played a crucial role in her business transformation. Listen in for a refreshingly honest take on building a profitable, sustainable online business without the hustle.

More about Jennifer Morilla: Jennifer Morilla is a multi-six-figure entrepreneur, business mentor, and TEDx speaker with over 10 years of experience, helping entrepreneurs turn their personal brands into thriving six-figure businesses through online marketing and brand-building strategies.

Connect with Jennifer Morilla:

• Website: https://jennifermorilla.com/
• Instagram: @jennifer.morilla
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermmorilla/

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services 
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/

Ever wonder what your day could look like with proper systems in place? In this special episode of the Beyond the Systems podcast, I explain what a typical day looks like with and without business systems. Inspired by one of my most popular Instagram posts (it's pinned to the top of my profile!), I walk through different moments of the day—from morning coffee to evening wind-down—comparing the chaos of working without systems to the calm, productive flow when you have the right foundations in place.

I dive into the practical systems that make the biggest difference in your day-to-day life as a business owner, including:

• Weekly planning rituals that take just 20 minutes but save hours of stress
• Project management systems that eliminate the guesswork
• Team SOPs that prevent constant interruptions
• Automated client onboarding that works while you sleep
• Boundary-setting systems that protect your time and energy

Listen in as I reveal that you don't need 20 complex systems to transform your workday—just a few foundational ones implemented consistently. If you're tired of feeling like you're constantly putting out fires instead of enjoying your business, this episode is your roadmap to reclaiming your time and peace of mind.

Resources from this episode:

• SOP Episode: "SOPs Your Team Will Actually Use"
• Metrics Tracking Episode: "Metrics That Matter"
• Systems to Scale Audit

DM the word "scale" on Instagram if you're interested in the Systems to Scale Audit, or send me a voice memo about your systems challenges!

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services 
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/

In this episode of Beyond the Systems podcast, I chat with Jess Freeman, award-winning founder of Jess Creatives who has spent over 14 years transforming websites into high-impact business assets. We dive into the world of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and why it might be the most underrated form of business self-care you've been overlooking!

Jess shares her journey from small-town Kansas with limited exposure to entrepreneurship to building a thriving web design business. We explore why SEO often feels overwhelming to beginners, and Jess breaks down simple, practical ways to improve your website's searchability without getting lost in technical details.

One of my favorite takeaways? Jess's perspective that "SEO is self-care" because it allows you to continue attracting clients even when you need to step away from social media. Unlike Instagram posts that disappear into the void within days, SEO-optimized content can bring you clients years later with minimal maintenance. Jess shares a real example of how a blog post she wrote 5-6 years ago recently brought in a new client through Google's AI summary!

We also discuss the "full circle" trend in online marketing—how many business owners who abandoned websites for Instagram are now returning to blogging and SEO as social algorithms become increasingly unreliable. Plus, get Jess's take on when you really need a website and why SubStack might not be your best blogging option if you care about SEO.

Whether you're feeling burnt out by social media or just want more sustainable ways to attract clients, this episode offers practical tips to get started with SEO without overwhelming yourself. Listen in for Jess's simple homework assignment that could dramatically improve your website's visibility!

Resources from this episode:

• Keyword research tool: Ahrefs Keyword Generator (free version available)
• Check out Jessica’s podcast, BrandWhys!

More about Jessica Freeman:

Jess Freeman is the award-winning founder of Jess Creatives, and has spent over a decade transforming websites into high-impact business assets. Her no-nonsense approach to web design and digital marketing has helped hundreds of health and fitness businesses boost their online presence without chaining themselves to their screens. 

Connect with Jessica Freeman:

• Website: JessCreatives.com
• Instagram: @JessCreatives

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services 
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/