On Your Terms®

Sam Vander Wielen
  • 5.0 (129)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
On Your Terms®

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 45,000 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!). 145,000 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.

  1. 5D AGO

    240. I Pulled Off a $338k Digital Product Launch in 4 Days. It Started With a Tiny Shift I Made 6 Years Ago.

    What if your next big launch didn’t feel like sprinting a marathon in heels? What if, instead, it felt calm, strategic, and (dare I say it?) kind of fun? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I orchestrated a $338,000 launch for the Ultimate Bundle® in just four days—without burning out or sacrificing my sanity. I’m breaking down exactly why this launch was so successful, what mindset shifts made the biggest difference, and how you can start building toward your own peaceful and powerful launch, too. In this episode, you’ll hear… Why being “chill” about your launch might be the secret to your biggest revenue yetHow detaching your self-worth from your income can unlock better resultsThe 4 surprising ingredients that made this launch feel so… easyHow one webinar (and a killer replay strategy) drove massive conversionsWhat I stopped doing during launches that actually helped me sell moreThe strategic shift that took our webinar conversion rate from great to bonkers (think: 11%!) Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode. RESOURCES: Sign up for my free weekly email Sam’s SidebarRead From Sign-Up to Show-Up: Launch Success Tips on SubstackOrder my book, When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy: A Practical No-BS Guide to Successful Online 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 Instagram DISCLAIMER

    39 min

  2. MAY 5

    I’m Back—with $338k Launch Secrets Coming Your Way

    I’ve been a little quiet here on On Your Terms—but for good reason. In this quick update, I’m sharing where I’ve been (hint: launching a book!) and what’s coming next (some juicy behind-the-scenes lessons I’ve learned after 2 super successful launches so far in 2025). If you think that online business is dying or you’re wondering whether it’s true that things are changing, next week’s episode is definitely for you. Can’t wait to be back in your ears this Monday, May 12. RESOURCES: Order my book, When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy: A Practical No-BS Guide to Successful Online EntrepreneurshipSign up for my emails Sam's Sidebar CONNECT: Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramSam on YouTubeSam on Substack DISCLAIMER

    7 min

  3. APR 24

    239. I Flew to Chicago to Get Interviewed by ConvertKit’s CEO (behind the scenes)

    What do you do when a dream podcast opportunity comes knocking… and the universe throws every travel disaster at you to stop it? In this week’s episode of On Your Terms®, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes (and in-the-air) chaos that nearly kept me from being interviewed by Nathan Barry on the Nathan Barry Show. From flight fiascos and airport sprints to finally stepping inside Kit's new Chicago studio—this episode is part travel diary, part entrepreneur pep talk. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to do press while launching a book, or just love a good behind-the-scenes adventure with a few marketing and mindset nuggets sprinkled in, this one’s for you. In this episode, you’ll hear… The wild travel journey that almost made me miss my biggest podcast interview yetWhat it’s like inside Kit’s brand-new Chicago studio (it’s next-level!)How I stay productive and grounded even when things go off the railsMy thoughts on what top-tier podcast producers do differently—and what we can learn from themA sneak peek at how I’m marketing my new book and building an audience beyond social media Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode. RESOURCES: Order my book, When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy: A Practical No-BS Guide to Successful Online EntrepreneurshipWatch this episode on YouTubeCheck out my episode with Nathan on the Nathan Barry Show CONNECT: Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on Instagram DISCLAIMER

    28 min

  4. APR 14

    238. Behind the scenes: My book launch is tomorrow

    When I signed my Big 5 book deal years ago, this moment felt so far away. And now… it’s here. Tomorrow, When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy hits shelves, and honestly? I’m feeling everything. I wanted to sit down, cozy-style, and share what this experience has really been like — unfiltered. I’m answering the 5 most common questions I’ve gotten about writing the book, landing a book deal, running my multi-7-figure business while doing it all… and what this whole experience has taught me. In this episode, you’ll hear… Why I wrote this book and what I hope it gives youWhat shocked me most about writing it (hint: vulnerability)How I balanced the writing process with running a full-time businessThe biggest lessons I learned about myselfAnd how I’m really feeling, now that it’s finally here Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode. RESOURCES: Order my book, When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy: A Practical No-BS Guide to Successful Online Entrepreneurship CONNECT: Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on Instagram DISCLAIMER

    29 min

  5. APR 7

    237. Why Your Email List Isn't Growing (+ how to fix it)

    Is your email list growing at a snail’s pace (or not at all)? If so, I can almost guarantee you’re making at least one of these four mistakes. And even worse? These mistakes are probably costing you more than just subscribers—they're costing you customers. I’ve built an engaged email list of over 47,000 subscribers who reply to my emails, buy my products, and even refer my newsletter to others in their industry. And in today’s episode, I’m sharing exactly what’s stopping your email list from growing—plus how to fix it. In this episode, you’ll hear… Why no one is downloading your freebie (and how to create one that people actually want)How to find simple, low-effort email list growth opportunities that don’t involve PDFs, webinars, or complicated downloadsThe BIGGEST mistake I see when it comes to promoting your freebie (hint: you’re probably not talking about it enough)How to tap into referrals and share-ability to bring in more of the right subscribers with way less effort Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode. RESOURCES: Pre-order my book, When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy: A Practical No-BS Guide to Successful Online EntrepreneurshipThe Ultimate Guide to Building Your Email List Join my weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarHow I Grew My Email List to 47K+ Subscribers CONNECT: Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on Instagram DISCLAIMER

    17 min

  6. MAR 31

    236. Your Next 90 Days: A Simple Plan to Grow Your Online Business in 2025

    Can you believe quarter one is already over? If you’re like me, the first three months of the year flew by in a blur. But before we sprint into Q2, let’s take a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect. Because if you want the next three months to be more productive, joyful, and successful, you need to know what worked—and what didn’t. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact process I use in my multi-seven-figure online business to reflect on the past quarter and plan for the next one. Whether you’re celebrating big wins, wondering what happened to that one goal (whoops), or realizing you need a major shift, this episode will help you take stock, gain clarity, and set yourself up for success. Plus, I’ll walk you through how to use my free annual planning guide to make this process even easier! In this episode, you’ll hear… How to properly reflect on the last quarter so you can make smarter decisions moving forwardThe biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when planning their next quarterWhy understanding the mechanism behind what worked (and what didn’t) is crucial for business growthThe key questions you should ask yourself to assess your goals, progress, and overall business well-beingA simple framework to set your Q2 goals (and actually achieve them) Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode. RESOURCES: Pre-order my book, When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy: A Practical No-BS Guide to Successful Online EntrepreneurshipGrab my Free Annual Planning GuideWatch this episode on YouTube CONNECT: Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on Instagram DISCLAIMER

    14 min

  7. MAR 24

    235. Why Working Harder Won’t Grow Your Business (Try This Instead) [Happy Trap Series #4]

    If working harder was the secret to success, every burned-out entrepreneur would be rolling in cash. But we both know that’s not how business works. If you feel like you're constantly grinding, spinning your wheels, and still not seeing the growth you want, this episode is for you. We’re diving into the biggest myths about hustle culture, why working more doesn’t equal more success, and what actually moves the needle in your business (without burning you out). In this episode, you’ll hear… Why more work doesn’t always mean more success (and what actually does)The three biggest problems that come from overworking without a real strategy A smarter way to grow your business that doesn’t lead to burnout Why “toilet content” is keeping you stuck—and what to do insteadThe one content strategy that helped me scale my business while working less Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode. RESOURCES: Pre-order my book, When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy: A Practical No-BS Guide to Successful Online Entrepreneurship Listen to Why Hitting Your Goals Won’t Make You Happy (But What Actually Will) [Happy Trap Series #1]Listen to The Business Advice That’s Keeping You Stuck (And What Actually Works) [Happy Trap Series #2]Listen to Why More Followers Won’t Fix Your Business—But This Will [Happy Trap Series #3]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

    17 min

  8. MAR 17

    234. Why More Followers Won’t Fix Your Business—But This Will [Happy Trap Series #3]

    If you’ve ever thought, “If only I had more followers, then I’d make more sales…”—this one’s for you. Because, spoiler alert: That’s just not how it works. There are people with 10,000 followers struggling to make ends meet, while others with just 1,000 followers are making multiple six figures. So what actually moves the needle in your business? Today, we’re busting the “more followers = more money” myth and getting into what really makes your business grow. Plus, I’ll share how to make the most of the audience you already have—so you can start seeing results right now. This is part three of my Happy Trap series! If you missed parts one and two, don’t worry—I’ve linked them below so you can catch up. In this episode, you’ll hear… Why more followers won’t magically increase your revenueThe real factors that drive sales (and why they have nothing to do with your follower count)How to position yourself as an authority, so people trust and want to buy from youWhy focusing on engagement > growth will make all the difference in your businessMy best tips for turning your current audience into paying customers Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode. RESOURCES: Pre-order my book, When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy: A Practical No-BS Guide to Successful Online Entrepreneurship Listen to Why Hitting Your Goals Won’t Make You Happy (But What Actually Will) [Happy Trap Series #1]Listen to The Business Advice That’s Keeping You Stuck (And What Actually Works) [Happy Trap Series #2]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

    21 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
129 Ratings

About

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 45,000 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!). 145,000 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Sam Vander Wielen
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    247
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Sam Vander Wielen
  • Show Website
    On Your Terms®

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