225 episodes

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 27,000 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 and Thursday tradition (that’s when new EPs drop!).

125,000 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® | Legal Tips Meets Marketing Strategies for Online Business Sam Vander Wielen

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 123 Ratings

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 27,000 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 and Thursday tradition (that’s when new EPs drop!).

125,000 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.

    223. ☀️ How a Rude DM Inspired Me to Do This [Summer Series]

    223. ☀️ How a Rude DM Inspired Me to Do This [Summer Series]

    The other day I received a comment on social media about how I did not look great in a video. In the past, I would have been reactive. Instead, I just laughed out loud.
    In today’s episode, I share my practice in becoming more confident and comfortable with myself and my online business.
    It has been a journey, and it is definitely still ongoing, but if this Philly-born, 90s era-raised girl can do it, so can you.
    In this episode, you’ll hear…
    Why perfectionism is the enemy of contentHow changing the stories you tell yourself can make you less reactive to negative commentsThe importance of practicing detachment from your business
    Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.
    RESOURCES:
    Join the waitlist for my book “When I Start My Business I’ll Be Happy: A Practical, No BS Guide to to Successful Online Entrepreneurship” Sign up for my free weekly email “Sam’s Sidebar” Join the Free Legal Workshop to learn how to get your business legally protected today! 


    CONNECT:
    Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms on Instagram

    DISCLAIMER

    Produced by NOVA Media

    • 17 min
    222. ☀️If Social Media Sucks… Where Can You Grow Your Online Business? [Summer Series]

    222. ☀️If Social Media Sucks… Where Can You Grow Your Online Business? [Summer Series]

    In the last episode, I talked some smack about social media: It’s bad for your mental health, your content won’t have great longevity or searchability, etc. So this episode I cover what to do instead, or in addition to, social media. 
    First, I break down discovery vs. nurturing. Then, I explain why email is a great nurturing platform. And finally I talk about when social media can be an effective marketing tool, if you still really want to use it.
    I hope you’re enjoying these “Online Business Summer School” episodes, including the background sounds from beautiful Long Island!
    In this episode, you’ll hear…
    The difference between discovery vs. nurture platformsWhy email is a great marketing toolWhere social media can be helpful
    Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.
    RESOURCES:
    Join the waitlist for my book “When I Start My Business I’ll Be Happy: A Practical, No BS Guide to to Successful Online Entrepreneurship” Sign up for my free weekly email “Sam’s Sidebar” Join the Free Legal Workshop to learn how to get your business legally protected today! 

    CONNECT:
    Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms on Instagram

    DISCLAIMER

    Produced by NOVA Media

    • 15 min
    221. ☀️ Social Media Wrecked My Brain [Summer Series]

    221. ☀️ Social Media Wrecked My Brain [Summer Series]

    Social media is designed to be addictive. Summer can be a great time to evaluate your social media usage– both consumption and creation. 
    In this episode, I describe my experience scaling back on social media and scaling up in other areas of my personal life and business. 
    I give you tips in case you want to do the same. I cover delegating to team members, pivoting towards more evergreen content, and re-evaluating your production approach.
    In this episode, you’ll hear…
    Why you might want to scale back on social mediaThe power of evergreen content like blogs, podcasts, and YouTube videosHow to approach the social media content you do decide to make
    Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.
    RESOURCES:
    Join the waitlist for my book “When I Start My Business I’ll Be Happy: A Practical, No BS Guide to to Successful Online Entrepreneurship” Sign up for my free weekly email “Sam’s Sidebar” Join the Free Legal Workshop to learn how to get your business legally protected today! Watch “Walking you through my CALM, social media-free, marketing strategy” by Art By Louise (YouTube)
    CONNECT:
    Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms on Instagram
    DISCLAIMER
    Produced by NOVA Media

    • 15 min
    220. ☀️ Real Talk: I Need a Bit of a Reset [Introducing: Summer Series]

    220. ☀️ Real Talk: I Need a Bit of a Reset [Introducing: Summer Series]

    Welcome to the first episode of the Summer School series! This summer I’ll be creating short weekly episodes on the go- while I’m at the gym, on a walk. etc. In each one, I’ll share one lesson I’ve learned about business and life.
    Today’s lesson: Find a balance between creativity and strategy in your business content creation. Don’t let strategy strangle your creativity and joy. But, of course, don’t get too far away from your business objectives.
    In this episode, you’ll hear…
    What you can expect from the Summer School seriesThe importance of finding balance between creativity and strategyWhy you need be clear on what you’re doing and how you’re doing it
    Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.
    RESOURCES:
    Join the waitlist for my book “When I Start My Business I’ll Be Happy: A Practical, No BS Guide to to Successful Online Entrepreneurship” Sign up for my free weekly email “Sam’s Sidebar” Join the Free Legal Workshop to learn how to get your business legally protected today! 

    CONNECT:
    Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms on Instagram

    DISCLAIMER

    Produced by NOVA Media

    • 10 min
    219. How to Start an Online Business in 2024

    219. How to Start an Online Business in 2024

    Today’s episode is a recording of my new free legal training “Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business”. I share the step-by-step plan you need to do to set the legal foundation to protect yourself, your business and have the ability to grow and scale successfully.
    Step one is adjusting your mindset. Step two is how to register as the right kind of business entity. Step three is getting business insurance in place so you don’t owe anything if you get sued. Step four is how to protect your boundaries with contracts. And step five is knowing your scope of practice. Don’t worry, I will explain each step in-depth.
    At the end of the episode, I take time to answer frequently asked questions about The Ultimate Bundle® and how it’s built to help you with these steps.
    In this episode, you’ll hear…
    Why you need to register your businessWhat business insurance protects you and your business fromWhy a scope of practice is important
    Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.
    RESOURCES:
    Join the waitlist for my book “When I Start My Business I’ll Be Happy: A Practical, No BS Guide to to Successful Online Entrepreneurship” Grab the Ultimate Bundle® on SaleSign up for my free weekly email “Sam’s Sidebar” 
    CONNECT:
    Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms on Instagram
    DISCLAIMER
    Produced by NOVA Media

    • 1 hr 8 min
    217. Do Free Contracts Protect You At All? My honest take

    217. Do Free Contracts Protect You At All? My honest take

    Are you using the free contracts provided by platforms like Thinkific or Kajabi to protect your online business? If so, you might be wondering if they’re really enough to keep you legally covered. Today, I'm breaking down why these default terms of use might not be as protective as you think and what steps you can take to ensure your business is truly safeguarded. We'll explore the inadequacies of these free contracts and discuss how to create customized terms that reflect your unique business needs.
    In this episode, you’ll hear…
    Why free contracts from platforms like Thinkific and Kajabi might not be enough.The importance of having customized terms of use for your business.Common inadequacies in free contracts and how they can affect your business.How to protect your intellectual property with tailored contracts.The role of customized financial terms and payment policies in your legal protection.
    Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.
    RESOURCES:
    Join the waitlist for my book “When I Start My Business I’ll Be Happy: A Practical, No BS Guide to to Successful Online Entrepreneurship” Sign up for my free weekly email “Sam’s Sidebar” Join the Free Legal Workshop to learn how to get your business legally protected today! 
    CONNECT:
    Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms on Instagram
    DISCLAIMER

    Produced by NOVA Media

    • 13 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
123 Ratings

123 Ratings

BrittandCinch ,

Big stress reliever!

Sam,

Thank you for the Ultimate Bundle! Because of you, I was able to figure out how to file for an LLC, get the right insurance coverage, confidently take payments (legally), and how to file the new BOI form! The step-by-step process you gave was top notch and I was able to file this form right along with you in the video. And most importantly, thanks for keeping Norm’s spirit alive with your stories!

AmandaMoffett ,

So good!

This is such a great podcast - I’d highly recommend! :)

Ruth_Ruth ,

EXTREMELY HELPFUL

Sam’s expertise is so compellingly delivered in the few episodes I’ve heard so far. Great blend of her personal experience, knowledge, and wisdom. Episode 186 really resonated for me as I work on developing my solopreneur service-based practice into a scalable business. Really looking forward to hearing more.

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