On Your Terms®

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 world, particularly with online ventures
• My personal journey of overcoming skepticism and demeaning attitudes
• The critical importance of self-belief and treating one's online business as a serious, legitimate endeavor
• The intersection of business legitimacy with the need for legal protection

Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.

RESOURCES:

• Annual Business Plan Worksheet
• Episode 72. What Else Does Your Biz Need Besides an LLC?
• Episode 74. What happens to my business if I die?
• Episode 76. Can I use the © without registering?
• Episode 78. Can I Work With Clients Overseas?
• Easy Email List Sign-Up: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/easy-emails/
• DM Sam on Instagram: @samvanderwielen
• Download my free Legal Checklist so you can self-assess how to legally protect your business
• Get notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes out

CONNECT:

• Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
• Follow Sam on Instagram
• Follow Sam on YouTube
• Subscribe to Sam's Substack
• Take Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"

DISCLAIMER

Welcome to a fresh perspective on business planning and goal setting. As we look ahead to 2024, it's crucial to reflect on our past successes and challenges, setting the stage for a year of growth and fulfillment. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, today I'll share insights on crafting a plan that aligns with your personal and professional aspirations. Let's dive into how to set achievable goals, embrace new ideas, and build a business that truly resonates with you.

In this episode, you’ll hear…

• Insights into setting focused and achievable goals for the year ahead
• How to stay open to change and new ideas in your business journey
• Understanding the value of KPIs in guiding your business decisions
• The significance of creating a business that resonates with your personal aspirations
• Balancing business development with personal satisfaction and growth

Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.

RESOURCES:

• Annual Business Plan Worksheet
• Take our podcast survey
• Learn more about The JAVA Method (Jen’s Membership)
• Check out Louise Henry’s Uplevel with Asana course
• Try ConvertKit for free
• Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!
• Get notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes out

CONNECT:

• Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
• Follow Sam on Instagram
• Follow Sam on YouTube
• Subscribe to Sam's Substack
• Take Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"

DISCLAIMER

Have you ever paused to reflect on your journey, both personally and professionally? I've been doing just that, looking back on my year in 2023. It's been a year of growth, challenge, and learning for me, and I want to share some insights that might help you in your own reflection process.

In this episode, you’ll hear…

• Insights into balancing personal well-being with professional goals
• How personal experiences, like the loss of loved ones, impact business and life
• Strategies that led to revenue growth and a successful book deal
• The importance of evolving business strategies with market and social media trends
• Aligning business goals with personal values for holistic success

Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.

RESOURCES:

• Annual Business Plan Worksheet
• 129. How to Write a Book (with a small platform!) [Interview with Book Coach, Richelle Fredson]
• Take our podcast survey
• Learn more about The JAVA Method (Jen’s Membership)
• Get notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes out

CONNECT:

• Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
• Follow Sam on Instagram
• Follow Sam on YouTube
• Subscribe to Sam's Substack
• Take Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"

DISCLAIMER

Today I want to talk about something that's been on my mind – the fine line between inspiration and outright stealing in the online business world. It's a tricky topic, but it's crucial for us as creators to understand where to draw the line. I've seen too many instances where content gets copied, and I'm here to shed some light on how to navigate this complex issue.

In this episode, you’ll hear…

• How common content theft and mimicking are in the online business industry
• Personal stories of my own content being copied or stolen, including website and program names
• Insights into the legal aspects of content creation, ownership, and protection
• An explanation of the fine line between legally actionable stealing and non-illegal mimicking
• Practical advice and strategies for dealing with instances of content mimicry or theft

Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.

RESOURCES:

• Episode 19. How to Legally Share Content (Don’t be a Copycat!)
• Episode 43. BTS: When My Website Got Stolen By Another Attorney
• The Ultimate Guide to Taking Down Copycats
• Episode 107. What to do When Someone Steals Your Business' Content
• Get notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes out

CONNECT:

• Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
• Follow Sam on Instagram
• Follow Sam on YouTube
• Subscribe to Sam's Substack
• Take Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"

DISCLAIMER

Have you ever felt like your business isn't resonating with everyone? That's perfectly fine! I'm here to remind you that it's not only okay but essential to focus on being your authentic self in business. Today, I want to share with you why it's crucial to build a business that's a true reflection of who you are, rather than trying to please everyone. Join me as we delve into the importance of authenticity and how it can lead to a more fulfilling and successful entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode, you’ll hear…

• The importance of authenticity and self-belief in your business journey
• Insights on detaching your personal worth from your revenue
• Reflections on the impact of seeking external validation
• A critique of aspirational and lifestyle marketing in online businesses
• Personal stories and advice on staying true to yourself in business

Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.

RESOURCES:

• Episode 81. Do You Really Believe In Your Business? (You're Not Alone)
• Frasier Episode (S3 E23 - The Focus Group)
• Business Checklist
• Get notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes out

CONNECT:

• Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
• Follow Sam on Instagram
• Follow Sam on YouTube
• Subscribe to Sam's Substack
• Take Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"

DISCLAIMER

As entrepreneurs, understanding what counts as a business expense is crucial for our financial health and legal compliance. I'm here to clear up some common misconceptions and offer practical advice on how to navigate these often-confusing waters. Whether you're just starting out or you've been running your business for a while, this discussion is going to shed light on managing your business's finances effectively.

In this episode, you’ll hear…

• Insights into what qualifies as a business expense and debunking common myths
• Strategies for effectively documenting and tracking business expenses
• Understanding the IRS criteria for deductible expenses
• How to differentiate between deductible and non-deductible expenses
• Guidance on legal and tax compliance for entrepreneurs

Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.

RESOURCES:

• The Ultimate Bundle®
• Business Expenses | Internal Revenue Service
• Get QuickBooks
• Blog Post: Can I Charge Business Expenses to My Personal Card?
• Episode 77. Small Business Taxes 101 [Guest Interview with Little Fish Accounting]
• Learn more about Little Fish Accounting
• Check out Megan Naasz, CPA
• Episode 17. 6 Legal Must Haves for Online Businesses
• Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!
• Get notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes out

CONNECT:

• Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
• Follow Sam on Instagram
• Follow Sam on YouTube
• Subscribe to Sam's Substack
• Take Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"

DISCLAIMER

Ever wondered how to navigate the tricky waters of taxes as an online business owner? You're not alone! Tax planning can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it's totally manageable. As an online entrepreneur myself, I've been through the ups and downs of figuring out taxes, and I'm here to share some insights that can make your tax journey smoother. In this episode, we're diving into the world of tax planning for online businesses. You'll get valuable tips from my own experience and expert advice from Keila Hill-Trawick, a CPA from Little Fish Accounting. Let's explore some key areas you need to know about.

In this episode, you’ll hear…

• The essentials of estimated quarterly tax payments for online businesses
• Understanding and maximizing deductible business expenses
• Best practices for paying yourself as an online business owner
• Navigating the nuances of S-corp taxation

Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.

RESOURCES:

• Learn more at littlefishaccounting.com
• Outsource Guide from Keila
• How to Find an Accountant for Your Online Business: My Top 5 Qualities to Look For
• Episode 58. Paying Yourself 101 [Everything Business Owners Need to Know]
• Follow Little Fish Accounting on Instagram: @littlefishaccounting
• Tax Prep Suite from Little Fish: littlefishaccounting.com/tax-prep-suite
• Free Resource: Yearly Planning & Reflections Guide
• Get notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes out

CONNECT:

• Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
• Follow Sam on Instagram
• Follow Sam on YouTube
• Subscribe to Sam's Substack
• Take Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"

DISCLAIMER

Mentioned in this episode:

Legal Workshop

Do you feel lost thinking about how to legally protect your online business? Head to mylegalworkshop.com to sign-up for immediate access to my free 1-hour legal workshop, 5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow your Online Business.

Legal Workshop

Whether you're a seasoned coach or just stepping into this dynamic field, understanding the legalities of what you can and cannot do is crucial. Today, we explore the scope of practice in coaching across various fields, from health and wellness to business and life coaching, and unravel how to navigate these waters legally and ethically.

In this episode, you’ll hear…

• The legal boundaries and scope of practice for coaches in various fields.
• How to navigate coaching within legal constraints, focusing on education and empowerment.
• Understanding the importance of adhering to the legal scope of practice in coaching.
• Practical advice for coaches to operate within legal limits and offer value to clients.
• The role of coaches in guiding clients to make informed decisions themselves.

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®
• 136. My Big Secret: REVEALED!
• 158. Book Update (+ a secret excerpt from my book!)
• Episode 2. Scope of Practice for Coaches (What You're Legally Allowed to Do)
• Episode 69. What Coaches Can Legally Do (Scope of Practice Part 2)
• Episode 8. What Makes a Good Contract? How to Make Sure You're Protected
• Get notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes out

CONNECT:

• Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
• Follow Sam on Instagram
• Follow Sam on YouTube
• Subscribe to Sam's Substack
• Take Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"

DISCLAIMER

Do you know what contracts you need depending on what you offer? This week, 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 clients
• The different contracts of agreements needed for websites, social media, and other content
• How the Ultimate Bundle® walks you through the process of filling out and using every contract template

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®
• Visit the online template shop
• See me customize a template in real-time
• Get notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes out

CONNECT:

• Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
• Follow Sam on Instagram
• Follow Sam on YouTube
• Subscribe to Sam's Substack
• Take Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"

DISCLAIMER

Are you ready to rethink the Black Friday hustle? Let's dive into a conversation that challenges the norm and embraces a business philosophy that's true to you. I'm sharing insights from my journey, where I've consciously chosen not to participate in these sales. It's a decision rooted in aligning my business with my personal values, like supporting eco-friendly and ethical practices.

In this episode, you’ll hear…

• The importance of aligning business practices with personal values.
• Rejecting the Black Friday sale frenzy in favor of tranquility and work-life balance.
• Building a successful business that aligns with personal lifestyle and goals.

Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.

RESOURCES:

• What Happens if You *Don't* Run a Black Friday Sale? My REI Moment
• 173. Things That Keep Me Grounded Offline
• Get notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes out

CONNECT:

• Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
• Follow Sam on Instagram
• Follow Sam on YouTube
• Subscribe to Sam's Substack
• Take Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"

DISCLAIMER