On Your Terms®

Ever wonder if your podcast is actually doing anything for your business… or if it’s just another thing on your plate? Whether you’re podcasting already or still dreaming about launching, this episode is for you.In this special 250th episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I built a podcast that’s lasted four years, what I’ve learned, and how my approach is shifting. I’m not some podcasting guru—I’m an online business owner who figured out how to make podcasting actually work for me.So if you’re feeling like your show is more effort than outcome—or you’re podcast-curious but overwhelmed—this episode will help you cut through the noise and find your own rhythm.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why I waited four years into business to start my podcast (and why that was the perfect timing)What I thought podcasting would do for my business—and what actually happenedThe surprising role podcasting plays in nurturing and converting my audienceHow I’ve kept podcasting consistent for 250 episodes—without losing my mindThe tools and tech I use to keep podcasting sustainableMy new “YouTube-first” strategy and what’s changing nextClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarListen to Episode 247: Craft + Commerce Recap: What I Heard In The Hallways (Not on Stage)Listen to Episode 248: How To Write Emails People Actually Want To ReadListen to Sam's episode of Off The GridCheck out Sam's YouTube Channel and watch Start Your Online Business Legally in 3 Days (+ free legal guide)Sam's Tech Gear: Shure MV7 Mic (affiliate link), Ring Light (affiliate link), & DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator ComboRegister 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 happens when your business no longer matches who you’ve become?This is a raw, behind-the-scenes episode where I’m sharing what it feels like to run a successful business while outgrowing the version of myself who built it. There’s no “5-step plan” here—just real talk about what happens when the inside stuff starts shifting and the outside needs to catch up.I’m bringing you along as I grieve, evolve, and slowly rebuild what business—and life—look like from here.If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t know who I am in my business anymore,” you are not alone. And this one’s for you.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why comfort can actually feel uncomfortable in businessHow grief and healing have shaped my entrepreneurial pathWhat I’m letting go of and what I’m exploring (without needing a “plan”)Why I’m finally creating outside of performance metricsWhat it means to build a business that evolves with you4 takeaways to help you through your own pivot or personal growth seasonClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarListen to Episode 247: Craft + Commerce Recap: What I Heard In The Hallways (Not on Stage)Get Sam's Book "When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy"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

Are you staring at the blinking cursor, wondering what the heck to write in your weekly email? You’re not alone. This week, I’m joined by the email whisperer herself—Tarzan Kay—to finally take the mystery out of email marketing for online business owners.We’re talking about what actually builds an email list in 2025 and how to write weekly emails that are fun to read and get people to click “buy now.” Tarzan isn’t just one of my favorite copywriters—she’s been dismantling the bro marketing empire and rebuilding something more real and inclusive.Whether you’re writing to a list of 20 or 20,000, this episode is going to help you build momentum, sell with integrity, and feel a whole lot better about email marketing.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why a tiny email list can actually be more powerful than a massive oneThe key mindset shifts to stop dreading your weekly newsletterHow to write emails that sound like YOU (and get replies!)What to focus on if your list feels like a ghost town right nowTarzan’s hot take on social media vs. email—and where she’s doubling downClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Tarzan Kay’s The Welcome Sequence Copy KitTarzan's template for writing a landing page for your email listTarzan's doc for keeping her ideas and the “cutting room floor”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

If you've ever wondered what really goes down behind the scenes at a big-name business conference like ConvertKit’s Craft + Commerce, I’ve got the juicy details for you—straight from the hallways of Boise, Idaho.In this week’s episode of On Your Terms®, I’m taking you along for the ride as I share what it was like to not only attend but speak at Craft + Commerce this year. But spoiler alert: the real magic? It wasn’t just in the keynotes or workshops. It was in the dinners, hallway chats, and the unexpected conversations with people who get what it’s like to build a business while living a full, complex life.In this episode, you’ll hear…The story behind my first time speaking at Craft + CommerceWhat she really talked about on stage (it’s not what you think)The real value of community when you’re grieving and growing a businessThe surprising email marketing tactics top creators are actually using right nowWhat’s being whispered in the hallways about the future of online entrepreneurshipClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Order Sam's book: When I Start My Business, I’ll Be HappySign up for my weekly email: Sam’s SidebarKit (affiliate link) what I use to build my email list, send emails to my list, and create opt-in forms & pagesSam's interview with Matt GiraListen to Sam’s episode on Smart Passive IncomeCheck out Jen Diaz and The JAVA MethodRegister 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

Starting an online business is super exciting—you're finally working with customers, launching offers, and maybe even making some money. But what if you’ve unknowingly skipped a legal step that could derail everything?In this episode, I’m breaking down the 7 most common (and totally preventable!) legal mistakes I see new entrepreneurs make—plus, how to avoid each one so your business is built on a solid legal foundation.This episode is packed with real-talk examples, actionable tips, and a whole lot of myth-busting. If you’ve ever wondered when to get legal protection, whether you really need business insurance, or if those “free policies” from your course platform are enough—this one’s for you.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why waiting to “get legal” until you’re more successful could cost you big timeThe #1 mindset shift you need to build a future-proof businessWhat to do instead of obsessing over trademarks before you even have a businessWhy DIY-ing contracts through Google or ChatGPT is a legal disaster waiting to happenThe hidden danger behind free templates from course and membership platformsWhat most people misunderstand about business insurance (and when you actually need it)Why having legal protection early helps you raise your prices, show up more, and actually growClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Grab the Ultimate Bundle® on sale for $400 off plus a bunch of exclusive bonuses!Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramSam on YouTubeDISCLAIMER

So you’ve got the business idea. You might even have the Instagram handle locked down. But now you're stuck staring at your laptop like... “What legal steps am I supposed to take to make this real?”If that sounds like you, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.In this episode of On Your Terms®, I walk you through the exact checklist of what to do (in order!) to legally set up your online business. Whether you’re a coach, digital product creator, or service provider, I’m giving you a clear, three-day action plan to get your business legally legit—without the legal jargon, guesswork, or overwhelm.This is the episode that takes you from “OMG where do I even start?” to “Wow, I actually did that!”Let’s walk through the 5 essential legal steps (plus a bonus) every online business owner needs to take from day one.In this episode, you’ll hear…How to finally stop Googling and start doing with a 3-day legal setup checklistThe 4 things to knock out on day 1 (and how quickly you can do them)What you need to open a business bank account—and why it’s not optionalHow to legally accept payments online (the right way)What kind of contract you need based on what you sellMy thoughts on LLCs vs. sole proprietorships (and what could get you in trouble)Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Grab my free legal guide "The Ultimate Legal Guide for Online Entrepreneurs"Sign up for Sam's Sidebar, my weekly email, to receive legal tips & marketing advice that I implement in my 7 figure businessCONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramSam on YouTubeDISCLAIMER

Ever feel like your brain is bloated from binging on too many business tips, tutorials, and trending strategies?Yep, same. It’s like we’ve all been force-fed a buffet of content, but no one told us how to actually digest it.That’s exactly what I talked about in this week’s episode of On Your Terms® with the amazing Pat Flynn — longtime online business leader, podcaster, author, and Pokémon enthusiast (yes, really!).Pat’s got a new book out called Lean Learning, and he’s here to share how you can stop swirling in the sea of “just-in-case” info and start actually moving your business forward with less learning, more doing. If you’re tired of feeling stuck even though you’re trying to “do all the right things,” this one’s for you.In this episode, you’ll hear…What “information obesity” is and how it’s quietly holding your business backWhy more knowledge isn’t what you need — and what to focus on insteadThe real difference between “just-in-time” vs. “just-in-case” learningWhy implementing as you go beats learning everything upfrontHow Pat built a 7-figure business by taking imperfect actionHow to create your own “force functions” to finally make progressWhat Pokémon collecting taught Pat about entrepreneurship (yes, seriously!)Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Check out Pat’s new book www.leanlearningbook.comCheck out Pat on YouTube: Pat Flynn // Deep Pocket Monster // Short Pocket MonsterSign up for Pat’s newsletter: https://patflynn.com/Listen to Sam’s episode on Smart Passive IncomeRegister 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 InstagramDISCLAIMERMentioned 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

Feeling like your content is falling flat? Discover why your passion projects might not be resonating with your audience. A humorous tale about healthy brownies reveals crucial marketing insights: if you lead with what they don't want, they'll pass. Learn how to identify your audience’s cravings and craft content that truly connects. Plus, get practical tips for layering in valuable information that captivates your listeners. Transform your approach and watch engagement soar!

Affiliate marketing can be a great way to earn extra income for sharing things you already use and love—but there’s a legal twist that too many online entrepreneurs are overlooking. Whether you’re a coach, creator, or content-loving business owner, you need to know how to share affiliate links and sponsored content without landing yourself in hot water.This episode is your crash course in the actual legal rules you’ve probably never been taught about affiliate disclosures—and the mistakes that have already led to lawsuits against influencers (even if they thought they were doing it right).So if you’ve ever wondered, “Wait, am I allowed to post this?”—tune in! Because I’m sharing exactly what the law says and how to stay protected while creating a new revenue stream.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why affiliate marketing and sponsored content are NOT the Wild West anymoreWhat the recent Alo Yoga and Revolve lawsuits mean for creators like youThe one legal mistake that most creators are making—and how to fix itWhat “material connection” means (yes, even free stuff counts!)How to properly disclose affiliate links in newsletters, videos, and storiesWhy a tiny “#ad” buried at the bottom of a post won’t cut itWhat the FTC says about international creators targeting US audiencesSam’s simple “obvious + hard to miss” formula for disclosures that keep you compliantClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Sign up for my free weekly email Sam’s SidebarOrder my book, When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy: A Practical No-BS Guide to Successful Online EntrepreneurshipRegister 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 InstagramDISCLAIMERMentioned 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 your content didn’t just get attention—but actually got results?I’m sharing the turning point that made me ditch the high-speed hamster wheel of content creation and finally start marketing in a way that works for me. Spoiler: It didn’t involve more posts, reels, or dancing (thank goodness).After a moment with my dad during his chemo treatment made me reevaluate how I was spending my time (and what really mattered), I knew there had to be a better way to grow a business than relying on 24-hour stories and random dopamine hits. And there is.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why I traded dopamine marketing for deeper connectionsWhat “depth content” really means (no crying on camera necessary)How evergreen + searchable content becomes your biz’s best investmentWhat the “Big 3” strategy is and how to use it to grow your audience and revenueThe one mindset shift that helped me stop scrambling and start selling sustainablyClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Sign up for my free weekly email Sam’s SidebarOrder my book, When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy: A Practical No-BS Guide to Successful Online EntrepreneurshipRegister 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 InstagramDISCLAIMERMentioned 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