On Your Terms®

We’ve been dropping all sorts of high-quality legal and business knowledge on the regular, so I thought it might be fun to take a step back and catch up personally. I’ve just wrapped up my Ultimate Bundle® promotional event, and now I’m starting to unwind and look at the year ahead – both personally and professionally. So grab a coffee and pretend we’re having a chat together. I’ll share what’s getting me excited for the future.

In this episode, you'll hear…

1. 01:18 - Unwinding from my massive promo event
2. 08:32 - Dealing with my own legal tax hurdles
3. 10:19 - Getting on a health kick
4. 18:58 - Working on my new project behind the scenes
5. 19:32 - Getting the travel bug
6. 21:52 - Two personal commitments that I’ve made

If you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!

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

RESOURCES:

1. Julia Turshen's cooking classes: https://www.juliaturshen.com/classes
2. Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!

CONNECT:

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

DISCLAIMER

We have it totally mixed up when we think of who’s to blame for why our business isn’t growing, why we don’t feel confident, or why we struggle to show up on camera. We point at our customers, at our parents and how they raised us, or at the economy, but often the truth is: you are the person standing in the way of your business success. I’m going to share how your mindset is holding you back and how you can change it or – more realistically – accept it.

Listener shoutout: in her review, amandathecoach wrote, “I purchased Sam’s Ultimate Bundle® in Fall 2021 as my very first step in starting my brand new company and then I started listening to her podcast. In addition to being a legal expert who somehow always answers my questions before I’ve asked them, she is a successful businesswoman who does not hold back on sharing great advice to start and run a growing business with a solid foundation. Everything she offers is super high quality and worth my time and energy. I love that she continues to connect me with other experts too through her podcast and other offers!”

If you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!

In this episode, you'll hear…

1. 02:09 - Why worrying what other people think of you is holding you back
2. 07:06 - The importance of acknowledging your success
3. 13:41 - How you’re getting in your own way

If you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!

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

RESOURCES:

1. smartless.com
2. Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!

CONNECT:

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

DISCLAIMER

You may have heard the term “In business, if you’re not growing you’re dying” – but how true is it? In the online business industry particularly, there’s this idea that if you’re not constantly growing and becoming more profitable, there must be something wrong with what you’re doing. Let’s look at how true (or false) this really is.

Listener shoutout: In a recent review, Coach Courtney wrote, “I am so excited that Sam decided to start a podcast! Her knowledge of all things legal and building a biz has been so helpful for me. The legal side of things is never something I thought about when first starting a biz and I’m so grateful to have Sam as a resource for that. I can’t wait to learn more from her through podcasts!”

In this episode, you'll hear…

1. 02:01 - Whether or not you should always be growing your business
2. 04:43 - The personal cost of business growth
3. 15:28 - Growing vs building

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

CONNECT:

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

DISCLAIMER

When do you know it’s time to legally protect your business?

Today I’m bringing you conversations with three incredible and varied entrepreneurs – each of them members of my Ultimate Bundle® program. They offer real-world examples of running businesses, what their concerns were when they started, and their experience seeking out legal training and protection for their businesses. If you’re not sure if your business is quite there yet, or you’re feeling vulnerable and unprotected, you’re going to get a lot out of their stories.

In this episode, you'll hear…

1. 01:53 - Finding out when you need to be legally protected
2. 03:43 - How Kathryn Blaze helps busy women get stronger
3. 39:26 - How Kim Manes decided to make the leap into entrepreneurship
4. 01:16:15 - How Aimee Cerka found her legal and financial confidence

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!

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:

1. A Beginner’s Guide to Kettlebells: https://tinyurl.com/begbells
2. Wordy Birds: wordy-birds.com
3. Money Mindset Mastery: aimeecerka.com/mindset

CONNECT:

1. Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
2. Follow Sam on Instagram
3. Follow Sam on YouTube
4. Subscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond Business
5. Take 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…

1. 04:55 - How to sift through personal investment opportunities
2. 10.26 - The benefit of group business coaching programs
3. 18:30 - Why you should invest in a copywriter (or learn to write copy yourself)
4. 26:31 - The best tech investments I’ve made
5. 31:55 - What Facebook ads did for my business
6. 35:13 - Investing in relationships

RESOURCES:

1. Episode 26. Should You Really Run Facebook Ads? (Yes, But Here's When)
2. “Social Posts That Sell” Copywriting Course (affiliate link): https://samvanderwielen--christineblubaugh.thrivecart.com/social-posts-that-sell-samv/
3. Free Copywriting Tips & Articles: https://copyhackers.com/category/copywriting/
4. Business Coaching w/ Naomi: https://www.thelifestyleedit.com/programs/
5. ATR-2100 and pop guard
6. Mini Ring Light
7. Tripod

CONNECT:

1. Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
2. Follow Sam on Instagram
3. Follow Sam on YouTube
4. Subscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond Business
5. Take 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 Workshop

In this episode, you'll hear…

1. 10:38 - My story and why I started my first business
2. 19:44 - Why you should do things differently
3. 23:24 - Staying strong despite competition
4. 26:00 - How to make content that’s relevant to your audience
5. 29:06 - Making your offers specific
6. 31:56 - The impact of having conversations with your customers
7. 34:32 - Why your business name is so important
8. 36:51 - Creating the content that’s best for you and your business
9. 40:07 - Why you need to invest in yourself
10. 41:43 - Keeping realistic expectations
11. 45:32 - Knowing when your heart isn’t in it

RESOURCES:

1. Episode 18. 10 Easy Instagram Reels Tips (+ How to Use Music Legally)

CONNECT:

1. Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
2. Follow Sam on Instagram
3. Follow Sam on YouTube
4. Subscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond Business
5. Take 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…

1. 04:03 - Why making some mistakes can be unnecessary (and how to avoid the ones that aren’t)
2. 10:21 - Consuming less, creating more
3. 14:36 - Focusing on fewer platforms, and going deep on the ones you love
4. 23:25 - Prioritizing educational content over trends
5. 25:41 - Moving fast over picking the perfect tool
6. 28:10 - Don’t compare yourself to others
7. 34:03 - There is no “magic bullet” for success

CONNECT:

1. Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
2. Follow Sam on Instagram
3. Follow Sam on YouTube
4. Subscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond Business
5. Take 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…

1. 03:30 - The importance of not getting stuck making decisions
2. 07:56 - ConvertKit
3. 14:19 - Asana
4. 26:14 - Kajabi
5. 29:47 - Samcart
6. 33:45 - Facebook Eradicator
7. 34:50 - The physical equipment I use
8. 37:46 - The tools I’ve stopped using

RESOURCES:

1. Episode 25. Should You Really Run Facebook Ads? (Yes, But Here's When)
2. ConvertKit
3. Uplevel with Asana
4. Kajabi
5. Samcart
6. ATR-2100 and pop guard
7. Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera + Lens
8. Mini Ring Light
9. Tripod
10. Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!

CONNECT:

1. Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
2. Follow Sam on Instagram
3. Follow Sam on YouTube
4. Subscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond Business
5. Take 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…

1. 03:04 - Ways people talk about Facebook ads online
2. 10:50 - Typical reasons Facebook ads don’t work
3. 20:27 - The purpose of Facebook ads
4. 27:48 - When Facebook ads are helpful in your business
5. 30:27 - What to have in place to run Facebook ads, now and in the future

RESOURCES:

1. Episode 12. How to Find Clients for Your Online Business
2. Episode 13. How to Create a Program That Sells Itself
3. Episode 14. How to market your evergreen product + which platforms you should be on
4. Pre-Qualify Before They Buy freebie - https://www.samvanderwielen.com/prequalify-oyt/
5. Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!

CONNECT:

1. Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
2. Follow Sam on Instagram
3. Follow Sam on YouTube
4. Subscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond Business
5. Take 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…

1. 04:26 - Keeping things fresh with diverse but related topics
2. 09:34 - The "Umbrella Method"
3. 17:01 - Looking to other companies for inspiration
4. 23:52 - Creating content that doesn’t dilute your messaging

RESOURCES:

1. Episode 24. Why You Should Treat Your Clients the Way Olive Garden Does
2. Mattress article - https://jilt.com/blog/casper-content
3. Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!

CONNECT:

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

DISCLAIMER