

On Your Terms®
Sam Vander Wielen
Have an online business as a course creator, coach or service provider? Whether you’re brand new, already thriving, or somewhere in between — it can be hard deciphering whether “so and so’s” business advice is legit or a hackneyed regurgitation of what THEIR business coach taught them. Does it work? Is it legal?
‘On Your Terms®’ podcast is half “how not to break the online biz laws your well-meaning mentor forgot to say existed.” Half “marketing that doesn’t require you taking on Instagram like it’s a second job.”
Your host is Sam Vander Wielen, an unfiltered Philly native and former attorney. Sam quit law to start an online business, build her email list to 48,000 subscribers, and make millions in sales 7 years — all while confronting major personal life challenges she’s not too shy to tell you about.
If you’re looking for overnight success stories, hustle culture, or magic bullet marketing schticks that promise you [INSERT RIDICULOUS CLAIM HERE], ask Siri to play you a different podcast.
But if you’re ready for rooted-in-reality conversations around (not so) passive income, Facebook ads, building the ever-essential email list, and how to get compliant with whatever new law just rolled out for the online biz world (it happens more than you think) — grab your laundry basket, pour yourself something warm, and cozy up. ‘On Your Terms’ is your new Monday tradition (that’s when new EPs drop!).
160,000 people have downloaded episodes. Experts like Amy Porterfield came on as a guest. Now it’s your turn to get 1% savvier when it comes to keeping your online business both successful AND legally sound.
‘On Your Terms®’ podcast is half “how not to break the online biz laws your well-meaning mentor forgot to say existed.” Half “marketing that doesn’t require you taking on Instagram like it’s a second job.”
Your host is Sam Vander Wielen, an unfiltered Philly native and former attorney. Sam quit law to start an online business, build her email list to 48,000 subscribers, and make millions in sales 7 years — all while confronting major personal life challenges she’s not too shy to tell you about.
If you’re looking for overnight success stories, hustle culture, or magic bullet marketing schticks that promise you [INSERT RIDICULOUS CLAIM HERE], ask Siri to play you a different podcast.
But if you’re ready for rooted-in-reality conversations around (not so) passive income, Facebook ads, building the ever-essential email list, and how to get compliant with whatever new law just rolled out for the online biz world (it happens more than you think) — grab your laundry basket, pour yourself something warm, and cozy up. ‘On Your Terms’ is your new Monday tradition (that’s when new EPs drop!).
160,000 people have downloaded episodes. Experts like Amy Porterfield came on as a guest. Now it’s your turn to get 1% savvier when it comes to keeping your online business both successful AND legally sound.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 11, 2023 • 22min
179. You Don't Need Them To Love What You're Doing [Monday Motivation!]
Have you ever felt like your business isn't resonating with everyone? That's perfectly fine! I'm here to remind you that it's not only okay but essential to focus on being your authentic self in business. Today, I want to share with you why it's crucial to build a business that's a true reflection of who you are, rather than trying to please everyone. Join me as we delve into the importance of authenticity and how it can lead to a more fulfilling and successful entrepreneurial journey.In this episode, you’ll hear…The importance of authenticity and self-belief in your business journeyInsights on detaching your personal worth from your revenueReflections on the impact of seeking external validationA critique of aspirational and lifestyle marketing in online businessesPersonal stories and advice on staying true to yourself in businessClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Episode 81. Do You Really Believe In Your Business? (You're Not Alone)Frasier Episode (S3 E23 - The Focus Group)5 Steps to A Legally Legit™ Business ChecklistCONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by NOVA MediaMentioned 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

Dec 7, 2023 • 28min
178. It's a Write Off, You Just Write It Off! (Or Is It?)
As entrepreneurs, understanding what counts as a business expense is crucial for our financial health and legal compliance. I'm here to clear up some common misconceptions and offer practical advice on how to navigate these often-confusing waters. Whether you're just starting out or you've been running your business for a while, this discussion is going to shed light on managing your business's finances effectively.In this episode, you’ll hear…Insights into what qualifies as a business expense and debunking common mythsStrategies for effectively documenting and tracking business expensesUnderstanding the IRS criteria for deductible expensesHow to differentiate between deductible and non-deductible expensesGuidance on legal and tax compliance for entrepreneursClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:The Ultimate Bundle®Business Expenses | Internal Revenue ServiceGet QuickBooksBlog Post: Can I Charge Business Expenses to My Personal Card?Episode 77. Small Business Taxes 101 [Guest Interview with Little Fish Accounting]Learn more about Little Fish AccountingCheck out Megan Naasz, CPAEpisode 17. 6 Legal Must Haves for Online BusinessesClick here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by NOVA MediaMentioned 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

Dec 4, 2023 • 52min
177. Can You Really Save Money on Your Taxes? [ft. CPA, Keila Hill-Trawick]
Ever wondered how to navigate the tricky waters of taxes as an online business owner? You're not alone! Tax planning can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it's totally manageable. As an online entrepreneur myself, I've been through the ups and downs of figuring out taxes, and I'm here to share some insights that can make your tax journey smoother. In this episode, we're diving into the world of tax planning for online businesses. You'll get valuable tips from my own experience and expert advice from Keila Hill-Trawick, a CPA from Little Fish Accounting. Let's explore some key areas you need to know about.In this episode, you’ll hear…The essentials of estimated quarterly tax payments for online businessesUnderstanding and maximizing deductible business expensesBest practices for paying yourself as an online business ownerNavigating the nuances of S-corp taxationClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Learn more at littlefishaccounting.comOutsource Guide from KeilaHow to Find an Accountant for Your Online Business: My Top 5 Qualities to Look ForEpisode 58. Paying Yourself 101 [Everything Business Owners Need to Know]Follow Little Fish Accounting on Instagram: @littlefishaccountingTax Prep Suite from Little Fish: littlefishaccounting.com/tax-prep-suite Free Resource: Yearly Planning & Reflections Guide CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by NOVA MediaMentioned 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

Nov 30, 2023 • 13min
176. How I See Coaches' Scope of Practice After Being a Lawyer for 11 Years
Whether you're a seasoned coach or just stepping into this dynamic field, understanding the legalities of what you can and cannot do is crucial. Today, we explore the scope of practice in coaching across various fields, from health and wellness to business and life coaching, and unravel how to navigate these waters legally and ethically.In this episode, you’ll hear…The legal boundaries and scope of practice for coaches in various fields.How to navigate coaching within legal constraints, focusing on education and empowerment.Understanding the importance of adhering to the legal scope of practice in coaching.Practical advice for coaches to operate within legal limits and offer value to clients.The role of coaches in guiding clients to make informed decisions themselves.Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Submit your legal question for an upcoming episode of On Your Terms®136. My Big Secret: REVEALED!158. Book Update (+ a secret excerpt from my book!)Episode 2. Scope of Practice for Coaches (What You're Legally Allowed to Do)Episode 69. What Coaches Can Legally Do (Scope of Practice Part 2)Episode 8. What Makes a Good Contract? How to Make Sure You're ProtectedClick here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by NOVA Media

Nov 27, 2023 • 11min
175. What Kind of Contract Do You Need for That?
Do you know what contracts you need depending on what you offer? This week, you'll learn about the contracts and policies you need for different business situations.In this episode, you’ll hear…What contracts you need when working with clientsThe different contracts of agreements needed for websites, social media, and other contentHow the Ultimate Bundle® walks you through the process of filling out and using every contract templateClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Submit your legal question for an upcoming episode of On Your Terms®Visit the online template shopSee me customize a template in real-timeCONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by NOVA MediaMentioned 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

Nov 23, 2023 • 13min
174. Can A Business Even Do Well Without a Black Friday Sale?
Are you ready to rethink the Black Friday hustle? Let's dive into a conversation that challenges the norm and embraces a business philosophy that's true to you. I'm sharing insights from my journey, where I've consciously chosen not to participate in these sales. It's a decision rooted in aligning my business with my personal values, like supporting eco-friendly and ethical practices.In this episode, you’ll hear…The importance of aligning business practices with personal values.Rejecting the Black Friday sale frenzy in favor of tranquility and work-life balance.Building a successful business that aligns with personal lifestyle and goals.Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:What Happens if You *Don't* Run a Black Friday Sale? My REI Moment173. Things That Keep Me Grounded OfflineClick here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by NOVA Media

Nov 20, 2023 • 49min
173. Things that Keep Me Grounded Offline
Sometimes we get so caught up in doing more and more for our business that we forget that we need to do more for ourselves. Taking care of ourselves outside of work matters. It gives us renewed creativity and energy while helping us be calm and thoughtful. In this episode, I talk about the top 10 things I do to ground myself offline, plus some that I would like to work on. Let me know if any resonate with you!In this episode, you’ll hear…How movement and community can be a great combo.The importance of only doing one thing at a time and taking breaks from tech.How art can give us inspiration and be an outlet for big feelings.Nonfiction books and YouTube channel recommendationsA reminder to book your annual health exam!!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:79. Feeling Business Burnout? Honor Your EnergyCecilia Blomdahl’s YouTube Channel: Gorgeous videos from an island close to the North Pole.Hannah Adkins’ YouTube Channel: British lifestyle videos that celebrate every season.Kahvihuone8487’s YouTube Channel: Day in the life videos from Helsinki, Finland.Moving On Doesn't Mean Letting Go: Gina Moffat's book about grief.CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by NOVA MediaMentioned 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

Nov 16, 2023 • 12min
172. What Can You Teach as an Online Coach?
I'm hard at work on my new book. While I put my head down and I focus on writing this month, we'll be revisiting some of your FAQs here about legal and business questions here on On Your Terms® throughout November. So whether you miss them the first time around or you just need a refresher because you're like me and you like to hear things a couple of times in order to get it, we've curated a selection that's a must-listen for any online business owner.In this week’s episode, I'm tackling a question about scope of practice in the health and wellness field. But don't tune out just yet, because this applies to all types of coaches, regardless of industry.In this episode, you’ll hear…Understanding scope of practiceWhat dictates what you’re allowed to teach in your businessDoing your homework on what you can legally teach as a coachClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Submit your legal question here136. My Big Secret: REVEALED!158. Book Update (+ a secret excerpt from my book!)68. Permission to Slow Down & Do Things On Your Terms2. Scope of Practice for Coaches (What You're Legally Allowed to Do)69. What Coaches Can Legally Do (Scope of Practice Part 2)86. What can coaches legally do?Download my free Legally Legit Checklist5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online BusinessCONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by NOVA Media

Nov 13, 2023 • 30min
171. My Costliest Mistakes in Business + How to Avoid Them
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the daunting mistakes you could be making in your business? I know I've been there. But here's the good news: I've navigated through these choppy waters and I'm here to steer you clear of the common pitfalls that many entrepreneurs, including myself, have faced. From hiring blunders to unnecessary purchases, I'm diving deep into the lessons I've learned the hard way so you don't have to.In this episode, you’ll hear…The significance of careful hiring and management in business growth.The impact of unnecessary purchases on business finances and how to avoid them.Strategies for effective marketing beyond social media, emphasizing email marketing and SEO.The importance of personalizing your legal and business strategies.Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:119. 10 Lessons from My Team Break-Ups29. 10 Reasons Why My First Business Was an Epic FailureCONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by NOVA MediaMentioned 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

Nov 9, 2023 • 9min
170. How to Avoid This Business Expense Mistake
I'm hard at work on my new book. While I put my head down and I focus on writing this month, we'll be revisiting some of your FAQs here about legal and business questions here on On Your Terms throughout November. So whether you miss them the first time around or you just need a refresher because you're like me and you like to hear things a couple of times in order to get it, we've curated a selection that's a must listen for any online business owner.Can you charge business expenses to your personal card... and still have it count? Will that get you in trouble? That’s what I’m answering in today’s FAQ episode!In this episode, you’ll hear…How to set up a business bank accountWhere to charge your business expensesWhat to do if you make a charge to the wrong card or accountIf 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:136. My Big Secret: REVEALED!158. Book Update (+ a secret excerpt from my book!)Want to learn more about business taxes? Tune into my conversation with CPA Keila Hill-Trawick of Little Fish Accounting in Episode 77Take a deep dive into business expenses in Episode 91Submit your legal question hereShop the Ultimate Bundle®CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by NOVA Media