On Your Terms® - podcast cover

On Your Terms®

Sam Vander Wielensamvanderwielen.com
A podcast for online business owners who refuse to choose between revenue and a real life. Most business advice tells you to hustle harder, post more, and "always be on." I'm here to tell you that's BS—and I have the multi-seven-figure business to prove it. I'm Sam Vander Wielen, and I've built a thriving online business while protecting my mornings, unplugging at night, and actually living the life I built my business for. Every week, I share the marketing strategies, legal foundations, and lifestyle boundaries that keep my business profitable without stealing my peace. Whether you're building your first six figures or scaling past seven, this show will help you grow your revenue without sacrificing your presence, your sleep, or your sanity. Because success isn't just about how much you make—it's about having the freedom to actually enjoy your life. New to my world? I’m a lawyer-turned-entrepreneur who built an 7-figure digital product business helping thousands of founders legally protect and grow their online businesses. These days, I’m here to share not just the legal clarity but the lessons, stories, and strategies that make business and life more fulfilling. I'm the author of the best-selling book, When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy, and a weekly newsletter called Sam's Sidebar. Originally a proud Philly girl, I now live ON Long Island with my husband, Ryan, and bernedoodle/velcrodog, Hudson.
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Episodes

119. 10 Lessons from My Team Break-Ups

As an entrepreneur who has built a multi-seven-figure business, I've had my fair share of experiences when it comes to hiring and firing employees and contractors. In this episode, I want to share my top 10 tips for managing these relationships and navigating the complexities of staffing your business. My goal is to help you build a successful team while maintaining healthy working relationships with your employees and contractors. In this episode, you’ll hear… Getting clear on what you’re hirin...

May 15, 202330 minEp. 119

118. Do I Need to Read Disclaimers Out Loud to Clients?

Today we’re going to talk about disclaimers. Do you need to read disclaimers out loud to clients during a session in order for them to count? Let’s discuss! In this episode, you’ll hear… When and where to use your disclaimer Nurturing the follower to client journey Pre-qualifying clients before you work with them If 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...

May 11, 20238 minEp. 118

117. How I've Grown My Business During Tough Times

Starting and growing a business is hard. And then, you still have to deal with all of the hard stuff that life regularly throws at you on top of all that. Over the years, I have experienced some of the most challenging times of my life, from brain surgery and caring for my father during his battle with cancer, to coping with the loss of my father and my mother's ongoing health struggles. So, we're breaking our usual routine to have a heart-to-heart conversation about how I’m coping and finding w...

May 08, 202327 minEp. 117

116. What's a Non-Compete Agreement & Can I Use One?

Let’s say you don’t want to spend time and money training an employee only to have them go work for a competitor or start their own business in your field. What can you do about it? In this episode, we’re discussing non-compete agreements, and whether or not they’re right for you. In this episode, you’ll hear… What a non-compete agreement is Whether or not you would be able to enforce a non-compete Alternatives to non-competes that could serve you better If you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to...

May 04, 20238 minEp. 116

115. My Book Update!

Have you ever considered writing a book? There’s a stat floating around that says 81% of people hope to write a book one day, so chances are you’re one of them — and so am I! I’m going to share what my journey of writing a book proposal and querying agents has looked like so far, and what’s happening next. I’ll also give tips I’ve learned from my writing coach as well as naturally along the way. In this episode, you’ll hear… Why I’ve always wanted to write a book Where I’m at in the writing and ...

May 01, 202327 minEp. 115

114. Are You Too Small For Copycats to Steal From You?

You know copycats are a big issue for online businesses, but that’s only a problem for big businesses, not ones just starting out — right? I’m going to address whether you need to worry about copycats even when very few people know about your business. In this episode, you’ll hear… Are small businesses at risk of copycats What I’ve seen in my own business and others Why you should protect your business at any size Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode. RESOURCES:...

Apr 27, 20239 minEp. 114

113. How to Legally Protect Your Content [Copyright Registration 101]

Unsure about the difference between trademarks and copyrights in online business? In this episode, we dive into the essential aspects of trademarking and copyrighting for online businesses. While trademarks are valuable for safeguarding the outward-facing elements of your business like names and logos, copyrights play a vital role in protecting your product or course content. We discuss Ashley's real-life example — a content creator who faced legal challenges because she hadn't copyrighted her c...

Apr 24, 202326 minEp. 113

112. Should You Trademark Your Business Name?

If you’ve already registered as an LLC, do you need to trademark your business name? That’s what I’m going to discuss in this episode! In this episode, you’ll hear… The difference between a trademark and LLC What protections a trademark offers your business name Cases when you trademarking your business name may not be possible If 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 t...

Apr 20, 20236 minEp. 112

111. Writing a Book, Online Business Changes & Discipline with Amy Porterfield

If you’re in the online business world, you probably know the incredible Amy Porterfield. She’s recently published her first book, “Two Weeks Notice.” I had the privilege of chatting with Amy and picking her brain about everything from how she spends her day to the challenges she faces as a successful entrepreneur. I'll be sharing some of her insights and tips for building a business you love, as well as some exclusive behind-the-scenes information about her new book. So get ready to be inspired...

Apr 17, 202348 minEp. 111

110. Can I Get Paid If Someone Steals My Content?

Today we get to talk all about copyright infringement — What can you do when you find a content thief, and can you get paid for damages? In this episode, you’ll hear… What happens when someone steals your content Why you need to register your content to copyright it How to take action and protect your content If 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 sho...

Apr 13, 20234 minEp. 110

109. All Your Trademark Questions: Answered

I'm excited to share with you all the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about trademarks. Whether you're a new business owner or just looking to learn more about trademarks, this episode has something for everyone. In this episode, you’ll hear… What documents and information you need to get a trademark How long it takes to get a trademark approved The difference between state and federal registration How to police your trademark What happens in the case of conflicting trademar...

Apr 10, 202314 minEp. 109

108. Should You Copyright That?

How do you copyright something? And when should you do it? That’s what we’re discussing in this week’s episode! In this episode, you’ll hear… The difference between copyright and trademark How to register a copyright What’s actually worth copyrighting If 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: Visit t...

Apr 06, 20237 minEp. 108

107. What to Do If Someone Steals Your Business' Content

Have you ever found someone stealing your business's content, whether it's on social media, your products, or programs? It's a frustrating and disheartening experience, and it's essential to know what steps to take and how to react appropriately. I've been through this situation multiple times and have learned what works and what doesn't. In this episode, I'm going to break down the exact steps to take if someone steals your content, and share some valuable tips and strategies to protect your bu...

Apr 03, 202320 minEp. 107

106. How Do You Make Your Contracts Enforceable?

You might not know this, but it's not good enough to just have a contract. You want to make sure that that contract is enforceable so that it has some teeth and will actually legally protect you. In this episode, you’ll hear… How to make sure a contract is properly written How to send and sign a contract correctly Making sure client information is accurate Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode. RESOURCES: Episode 8. What Makes a Good Contract? How to Make Sure Yo...

Mar 30, 20235 minEp. 106

105. Stealing Content vs. Inspiration: When Does It Become Illegal?

Have you ever found your content being copied or mimicked by others? It can be a frustrating experience to see your hard work being stolen, whether it's through plagiarism or infringement. As an online business owner, it's crucial to understand the difference between stealing content and mimicking others. In this episode, I'll dive into these two concepts and explain how to protect your intellectual property. In this episode, you’ll hear… The difference between mimicking and stealing online cont...

Mar 27, 202320 minEp. 105

104. Can You Put Business Expenses on Your Personal Card?

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 this episode. Let's dive in! In this episode, you’ll hear… How to set up a business bank account Where to charge your business expenses What to do if you make a charge to the wrong card or account If 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! Cli...

Mar 23, 20236 minEp. 104

103. 3 Legal Nightmares & How to Avoid Them

Are you tired of losing sleep over legal nightmares in your online business? Well, fear not, because I've got you covered. I'm here to help you avoid those pesky legal scenarios that can keep you up at night. Join me as I walk you through the steps you need to take to protect yourself and your business from three legal nightmare scenarios. In this episode, you’ll hear… The value in imagining the worst-case scenario Keeping customer relationships from going south What to do if someone steals your...

Mar 20, 202322 minEp. 103

102. Can Legally Protecting My Business Actually Grow It?

Can legally protecting my business actually grow it? That’s what we’re tackling in this episode! We’ll discuss three ways legal protection can help your business grow. In this episode, you’ll hear… How legal protection gives you visibility Gaining trust and professionalism Recouping (or protecting) your profit with legal protection If 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 he...

Mar 16, 20236 minEp. 102

101. Real Talk: Why Some of the Biggest Online Business Owners Have Quit

Are you curious why so many big names in the industry are announcing sabbaticals or even closing up shop altogether? In this episode, I dive deep into the underlying issues of the online business world, exploring the aspirational marketing techniques that are driving many entrepreneurs to burnout and disillusionment. Join me as I examine what's really behind the trend of successful entrepreneurs stepping back from the limelight and how we can learn from their experiences to build more sustainabl...

Mar 13, 202331 minEp. 101

100. ALL MY BEST PODCAST TIPS (Q&A + MAJOR GIVEAWAY!)

To commemorate my 100th episode, I'll be delving into one of my favorite topics - hosting a podcast! In this episode, I'll provide you with insights into my content planning process, the tools I use, software, editing, and much more. In this episode, you’ll hear… Where to come up with episode ideas and how to stay inspired What tech and tools you need to start a podcast How I plan out and batch my podcast episodes What to do if your topic is already covered How to enter my PODCASTING GEAR GIVEAW...

Mar 09, 202329 minEp. 100

99. Let's Get Personal: Behind the Scenes of Running a 7-Figure Business, Grief + Mindset Work

We're taking a break from legal topics to dive into a grab bag of things that have been on my mind. In this episode, you’ll hear… The mindset shift I’m making to rethink what’s possible My home renovation progress The importance of prioritizing your health as an entrepreneur How I’m continuing to process my grief My updated approach to Instagram Stories (+ one quick bonus legal tip!) If you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a ...

Mar 06, 202331 minEp. 99

98. When Should You Update Your Contracts?

How often do you need to update your contracts and when do you need a client to sign a new contract? Let’s dive in and find out! In this episode, you’ll hear the 3 key times you need to update your contracts: After learning a lesson Incorporating law changes into your contracts Performing quarterly checkups to ensure you’re legally legit If 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! Cl...

Mar 02, 20236 minEp. 98

97. The Biz Pep Talk You Didn't Know You Needed

When you’re creating content, everyone’s going to have an opinion. In this episode inspired by an episode of Frasier , you’ll hear which opinions truly matter when it comes to creating content, expressing yourself in business, and establishing your brand and vibe. In this episode, you’ll hear… What to pay attention to - and ignore as a business owner Why you can’t rely on external validation in your business Discovering what it means to build a business on your terms If you’d like a shoutout (an...

Feb 27, 202323 minEp. 97

96. Can I Get Blamed for Clients' Results?

In this episode, you'll get legal tips all about how to use a disclaimer as a service provider. In this episode, you’ll hear… Who needs a disclaimer How a (properly worded) disclaimer can protect you How to make sure your disclaimer is legally legit If 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: Pick the ...

Feb 23, 20236 minEp. 96

95. "I Can Do It Better Myself" - What to Outsource + Do Yourself

Do you need to be a jack of all trades to run an online business? This episode explores the dilemma of having to wear multiple hats as a business owner. I share my personal experience and how I balanced my passions with the demands of running a business. Listen to learn how you can grow your business without sacrificing your sanity — and still indulge in your favorite business activities. In this episode, you’ll hear… Why some business owners struggle to hand off tasks and delegate The skills mo...

Feb 20, 202334 minEp. 95

94. Can I Teach What I Learn in My Certification Program?

In this 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 practice What dictates what you’re allowed to teach in your business Doing your homework on what you can legally teach as a coach If you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screen...

Feb 16, 20239 minEp. 94

93. Sustainable Scaling [ft. Business & Mindset Coach, Naomi Powell]

Naomi Powell is the owner of The Lifestyle Edit, and she joins me to chat about business, money mindset, and how our childhood and experiences influence us as entrepreneurs. We discussed building a business on our own terms, designing it around our lives instead of the other way around. In this episode, you’ll hear… How to build a successful business while enjoying the process Healing your relationship with money Being adaptable to new trends Building a business geared towards your actual goals ...

Feb 13, 202346 minEp. 93

92. Which Legal Contract Do You Need?

Do you know what contracts you need depending on what you offer? In this week’s “Sam’s Sidebar,” 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 clients The different contracts of agreements needed for websites, social media, and other content How the Ultimate Bundle® walks you through the process of filling out and using every contract template Click here to find the full show notes...

Feb 09, 20238 minEp. 92

91. Business Expenses 101

Are you unsure about what qualifies as a business expense? Confused about when you can start counting them or what happens to expenses incurred before registering your business? In this episode, we'll be diving into all of that and more. Learn about what business expenses you may be missing out on — and what things you may think are an expense but actually aren't. Let’s make sure you're not missing out on any deductions for your business. In this episode, you’ll hear… What business expenses are ...

Feb 06, 202331 minEp. 91

90. The Ultimate Bundle® FAQs: Answered!

Let’s dive into your most-asked questions about my signature program, the Ultimate Bundle®. In this episode, you’ll hear… How the Ultimate Bundle® differs from what you get at big box legal stores Whether you should buy the Ultimate Bundle® before getting your first client What it looks like inside the Ultimate Bundle® and how long it takes to use Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode. RESOURCES: Get the Ultimate Bundle ® right here Episode 88. What's in the Ulti...

Feb 02, 20238 minEp. 90
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