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

In this conversation with Lizzy Grant, owner of White Point Creative, we explore how intuitive design shapes customer journeys. Lizzy emphasizes the critical 50-millisecond window for making lasting first impressions and reveals that 75% of users judge a website's credibility based on its design. She discusses balancing aesthetics with functionality, shares insights on the evolution of brand photography, and highlights her transition from freelancer to team leader in a multi-six-figure business. This chat is a must for anyone torn between beautiful branding and effective client conversion.

In this conversation, Samantha Burmeister, a skilled copywriter at Nomad Copy, enlightens listeners on the critical distinction between copy and content. She challenges the conventional serve-serve-serve-sell mentality and reveals how nurturing emails can actually be sales tactics in disguise. Samantha shares strategies for crafting authentic, engaging copy without feeling 'salesy.' She emphasizes the significance of understanding client needs through market research and explores how AI can enhance creativity in copywriting, all while urging listeners to connect emotionally with their audience.

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.Resources from this episode:Toggle - Time tracking tool I use to monitor my weekly hoursPoppy 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 AIConnect 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 businessMore 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/jemmabroadstockLinedIn: 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, the founder of Sunday Muse Design, specializes in helping women entrepreneurs create compelling brands. She shares her journey from wedding planner to branding expert, stressing that a website is essential for business survival. Shannon dives into the art of strategic branding, discussing how to choose effective design elements and why simplicity boosts conversions. She advocates for a copy-first approach and offers practical tips for those starting DIY branding. Join her as she unveils the secrets to turning a pretty site into a client-attracting powerhouse.

Confused about selecting a CRM for your business? Discover a step-by-step approach to streamline your choice without the tech overwhelm. Learn how to map out your client journey and create a 'grocery list' of must-have features to save time and money. The episode shares a real-life success story of improving onboarding for a busy coach. It also emphasizes the importance of choosing a CRM that fits your workflow and encourages trials to find the best match for your needs.

Jennifer Morilla, a multi-six-figure entrepreneur and TEDx speaker, shares her journey from burnout to business success. She emphasizes the power of her 'one product, one funnel' strategy, allowing her to focus on a single signature offer while reducing overwhelm. Jen recounts the pivotal moment when she committed to simplification and discusses the challenges of shiny object syndrome. She also reveals effective content marketing tactics and the mindset shifts needed to trust in the strength of one excellent product.

Episode Description: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 stressProject management systems that eliminate the guessworkTeam SOPs that prevent constant interruptionsAutomated client onboarding that works while you sleepBoundary-setting systems that protect your time and energyListen 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 AuditDM 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.comInstagram: @JessCreativesConnect with Sam:Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/