On Your Terms®

Building a seven-figure business is often glamorized, but the trade-offs are real. Learn why only 1% of one-person businesses reach that milestone and which ten priorities are crucial for scalable growth. Discover how to create a flagship product that resonates, master customer messaging, and protect your privacy while producing content. Sam shares insights on profit versus peace, investing in your team wisely, and the importance of genuine relationships. Embrace the hustle—but avoid the burnout!

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 “chapters” so you can see how to go from high passion/low strategy → sustainable, profitable business you actually love running.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why starting a business on pure passion can actually set you up for burnout and disappointmentThe most common mistake new entrepreneurs make when turning a hobby into a business (I made it too!)How to shift from thinking about what you want to what your audience actually needsWhat to do when the excitement wears off and the sales don’t come rolling inHow to tweak your idea so it’s both fulfilling and profitableClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarGet Sam's book "When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy: A Practical No-BS Guide to Successful Entrepreneurship"Listen to The Real Cure for Burnout Isn't Rest - It's Creativity. Here's How Anyone Can Unlock TheirsRegister for the LIVE legal workshop " Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business Before 2025 Ends"CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramSam on YouTubeDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Register for the LIVE legal workshop" Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business Before 2025 Ends" https://www.samvanderwielen.com/live-legal-workshop

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 you through exactly how I plan for growth in Q4 so you can steal my playbook.In this episode, you’ll hear…How to use end-of-year messaging to spark urgency and action from your audienceThe behind-the-scenes planning I do in Q4 that fuels my January/February launchesWhy “showing up like normal” (even when everyone else taps out) has been one of my biggest growth secretsA sneaky way to run a holiday sale without competing in the Black Friday chaosHow tax deductions can be the secret sales booster no one’s talking aboutClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarRegister for the LIVE legal workshop " Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business Before 2025 Ends"CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramSam on YouTubeDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Register for the LIVE legal workshop" Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business Before 2025 Ends" https://www.samvanderwielen.com/live-legal-workshop

Grief 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 alongside grief today.Whether you’re in the thick of anticipatory grief, have lost someone, or simply want to understand how grief impacts entrepreneurs, I hope this episode helps you feel less alone.In this episode, you'll hear… Why anticipatory grief can feel invisible and misunderstoodThe way grief changed my identity—and how that shows up in my businessHow I made decisions in my business when I had zero bandwidthThe role of steadiness (not hustle) in navigating tough seasonsWhy grief doesn’t go away, but how I’ve learned to live and work with itClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarEp 254: The NEW Way To Structure Your Workday for Better ContentMoving On Doesn't Mean Letting Go by Gina MoffaThe Book of Alchemy by Suleika JaoudGet $25 off Cometeer Coffee [affiliate link]Register for the LIVE legal workshop " Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business Before 2025 Ends"CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramSam on YouTubeDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Register for the LIVE legal workshop" Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business Before 2025 Ends" https://www.samvanderwielen.com/live-legal-workshop

Can 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 pulling back the curtain on the six exact steps I take to keep my personal details safe while still showing up authentically for my community. If you’ve ever worried about oversharing online, creepy comments, or what info people can access about you, this one’s for youIn this episode, you’ll hear…Why protecting your privacy matters even if you’re just starting outThe 6 steps I use to stay safe while running a public online businessSimple swaps you can make today (like updating your email footer address)Best practices for posting on social without feeling like you’re hidingWhy “anonymity” online isn’t real—and what to focus on insteadHow to set healthy boundaries with your audienceClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:How To Turn Your Instagram Location On or OffGet Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarKit - what I use to build my email list, send emails to my list, and create opt-in forms & pages (affiliate link)Register for the LIVE legal workshop " Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business Before 2025 Ends"CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramSam on YouTubeDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Register for the LIVE legal workshop" Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business Before 2025 Ends" https://www.samvanderwielen.com/live-legal-workshop

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 sending the dang email, it’s time to stop overthinking and just start.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why waiting for the “perfect moment” keeps you stuck longer than you thinkThe real dangers of endlessly gathering info (hello, overwhelm!)How to build your business confidence without outsourcing your gut instinctWhy conflicting advice online is a recipe for paralysisThe “first pancake” method to get moving even when you don’t feel readyA personal story of how I finally stopped waiting and took actionClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Get Sam's book "When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy"Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarRegister for the LIVE legal workshop " Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business Before 2025 Ends"CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramSam on YouTubeDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Register for the LIVE legal workshop" Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business Before 2025 Ends" https://www.samvanderwielen.com/live-legal-workshop

Ever 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 actually be keeping you stuck, how to protect your creativity from getting hijacked, and a practical way to organize your mornings so you actually finish what matters most.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why the classic “eat the frog” productivity advice might not serve you anymoreThe sneaky way starting with other people’s priorities puts you in reactive modeHow morning creativity works (and why scrolling first can sabotage it)My new, super simple workday structure for better, more consistent contentA peek at what’s coming next on the podcastClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Check out Sam's podcast catalogGet Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarRegister for the LIVE legal workshop " Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business Before 2025 Ends"CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramSam on YouTubeDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Register for the LIVE legal workshop" Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business Before 2025 Ends" https://www.samvanderwielen.com/live-legal-workshop

In this discussion, Natasha Pierre, a video marketing coach and founder of Shine with Natasha, reveals why your content may not be boosting your email list. She introduces the concept of content series, likening them to binge-worthy shows, and emphasizes how structured content can drive engagement. Natasha shares essential elements for a successful series and examples of impactful formats. Plus, she discusses mindset shifts that could transform your content strategy and help align your efforts with your business goals.

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, this is the episode for you. Katelyn simplifies everything and gives you a no-fluff, no-gimmick roadmap to creating a funnel that works on your terms.In this episode, you’ll hear…The real definition of a funnel and why it’s not what you thinkThe easiest way to build a funnel (even if you’re not “techy”)Why webinars aren’t the only option and what works just as wellThe difference between funnels for services vs. digital productsWhat to include in your funnel so people actually convertWhen to tweak your funnel—and when to let it do its thingThe mindset shift that changed everything for meClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Grab your guide for How To Start Copywriting and watch Katelyn's free workshopGet Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarCheck out Sam's book "When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy: A Practical. No-BS Guide To Successful Entrepreneurship" Register for the LIVE legal workshop " Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business Before 2025 Ends"CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramSam on YouTubeDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Register for the LIVE legal workshop" Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business Before 2025 Ends" https://www.samvanderwielen.com/live-legal-workshop

What 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 about what happens when you stop relying on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, the emotional rollercoaster that can come with leaving, and the real-life marketing strategies Amelia uses to grow without a single post or Reel.Spoiler: you don’t have to quit cold turkey, and no, your business won’t wither away if you take a break from posting.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why social media isn’t the magic client magnet you’ve been led to believe it isHow to create an off-ramp that gently transitions your audience off socialThe 3 biggest mistakes people make when leaving social media (and how to avoid them)What to replace your social media presence with so your business can keep growingThe surprising emotional toll of quitting social and what to expectClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Get Amelia's Leaving Social Media ToolkitListen to Amelia’s podcast, Off the GridCheck out Amelia's SubstackCheck out Softer SoundsListen to Sam's episode of Off The GridGet Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarCheck out Sam's book "When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy: A Practical. No-BS Guide To Successful Entrepreneurship" Register for the LIVE legal workshop " Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business Before 2025 Ends"CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramSam on YouTubeDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Register for the LIVE legal workshop" Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business Before 2025 Ends" https://www.samvanderwielen.com/live-legal-workshop