On Your Terms®

Most entrepreneurs underestimate Q4, but this podcast reveals five key strategies to thrive without Black Friday sales. Learn how to create urgency with end-of-year messaging and plan for January launches. Discover the power of consistent content to stay ahead in a crowded marketplace. Find out how to run holiday sales early and the surprising advantage of tax deductions. Tune in for a mindset shift that turns limiting beliefs into opportunities for growth!

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]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 YouTubeDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Legal WorkshopDo 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

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) 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 YouTubeDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Legal WorkshopDo 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

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 Sidebar 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 YouTubeDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Legal WorkshopDo 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

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 SidebarClick 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 YouTubeDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Legal WorkshopDo 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

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" 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 YouTubeDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Legal WorkshopDo 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

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" 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 YouTubeDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Legal WorkshopDo 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

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 ComboClick 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 YouTubeDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Legal WorkshopDo 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

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"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 YouTubeDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Legal WorkshopDo 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