Episodios

  • 284. My Best Kept Secret That Feeds My Content, Testimonials, and $500k Launches

    284. My Best Kept Secret That Feeds My Content, Testimonials, and $500k Launches
    Apr 13 2026

    Automation is great — until it makes people forget there's a real human behind your business. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the tool I've been quietly using to generate content ideas, boost webinar show-up rates, and collect testimonials, all while making my audience feel personally connected to me. It contributed to a $500K launch, and I'm walking you through exactly how I use it for content, sales, and social proof.

    In this episode, you'll hear…

    • What VideoAsk actually is and why it's more like FaceTiming your audience than filling out a form
    • How I'm using it to generate content ideas directly from my audience (in their own words)
    • The exact funnel I built to improve webinar show-up rates and make my workshop better in real time
    • How I'm collecting video testimonials that I can use in ads, social content, and more
    • Why building in "surprise and delight" moments is one of the highest-return investments you can make in your marketing

    Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.

    EPISODE RESOURCES:

    • Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s Sidebar
    • Grab Sam's book When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy and join the Live Book Club Call (purchase book by April 29th to get your invite)
    • If you have a question you’d like Sam to answer on a future podcast episode, you can submit it here.
    • Check out VideoAsk (affiliate link)
    • Click here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come out

    CONNECT:

    • Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
    • Follow Sam on Instagram
    • Follow Sam on YouTube
    • Subscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond Business
    • Take Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"

    DISCLAIMER
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    27 m
  • 283. How I Actually Decide What to Send My Email List (Even When I Have No Idea)

    283. How I Actually Decide What to Send My Email List (Even When I Have No Idea)
    Apr 6 2026

    If you've ever opened a blank document to write your newsletter and immediately closed it again, this one's for you.

    I've been sending my weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar, consistently for years, and in this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on exactly how I decide what to write every single week. Including the time I scrapped a completely finished email the morning it was supposed to go out, wrote something raw and real in about five minutes, and watched my inbox light up with replies all day long.

    This is the behind-the-scenes process I use to make email feel less like a chore and more like one of the most powerful, reliable tools in my business.

    In this episode, you'll hear…

    1. Why I always start by zooming out on my business before I write a single word
    2. How to reverse engineer your email from your call to action so everything you write actually has a point
    3. Why your call to action doesn't always have to be a sale (and what to do between launches)
    4. The one habit that makes finding topics infinitely easier, even when your brain is totally blank
    5. How I turned a frustrated, throw-it-all-out moment into one of my most-responded-to emails ever

    Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.

    EPISODE RESOURCES:

    1. Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s Sidebar
    2. Get your copy of Sam's book When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy
    3. If you have a question you’d like Sam to answer on a future podcast episode, you can submit it here.
    4. Click here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come out

    CONNECT:

    1. Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
    2. Follow Sam on Instagram
    3. Follow Sam on YouTube
    4. Subscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond Business
    5. Take Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"

    DISCLAIMER
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    30 m
  • 282: The End-of-Quarter Habit That Will Change How You Run Your Business

    282: The End-of-Quarter Habit That Will Change How You Run Your Business
    Mar 30 2026
    Q1 is officially in the books — so before you barrel headfirst into Q2, let's actually stop and take stock of how it went.In this episode, I'm walking you through the end-of-quarter check-in I use in my own business — one that covers both your stats and your vibes — so you can go into the next quarter with one clear focus, a simple plan, and a lot less "why does running this business feel so chaotic?" energy.We'll talk about how to look at your numbers without spiraling into a shame spiral, how to figure out whether you have a leads problem or a sales problem (because the answer totally changes your Q2 plan), and why the things that are draining you in your business are probably directly connected to what's not working in your data.I'm also sharing my personal Q1 gap year update — what's working, what's not, the mastermind I very painfully said no to, and the morning routine that finally helped me get my writing practice off the ground.In this episode, you'll hear…How to review your Q1 stats without spiraling into a shame spiral (the "curious scientist" approach is a game-changer)Why picking one single focus for Q2 will get you further than 16 half-finished goals ever willThe "vibes check" — how to honestly assess how this quarter felt and what that means for Q2Why what's draining you in your business might be directly connected to what's not working in your statsMy personal Q1 gap year update, including the mastermind I painfully said no to, the morning writing routine that finally clicked, and why "gap year" does NOT mean I'm sitting on a beach doing nothingClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarSam's Substack post: Taking a Gap Year as an Entrepreneur: My Year of Letting Go in 2026Sam's Substack post: I called it a gap year—and everyone heard “year off.”Check out The Brick (affiliate link)Kit what I use to build my email list, send emails to my list, and create opt-in forms & pages (affiliate link)If you have a question you’d like Sam to answer on a future podcast episode, you can submit it here.Click here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER
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    37 m
  • 281. How I Made $500K in 4 Days (The Real Story)

    281. How I Made $500K in 4 Days (The Real Story)
    Mar 23 2026
    Sam pulls back the curtain on her biggest launch ever — $500K in revenue in just four days. She's sharing the real numbers: 11,000 webinar registrants, a 5% conversion rate, and exactly what she spent on ads to get there. But this isn't just a brag fest — Sam gets honest about what's actually behind a launch like this, why you can't just copy someone else's formula, and what entrepreneurs at every stage can take away and apply to their own business.Whether you're planning your first launch or looking to scale, this episode is packed with practical strategy on webinars, email list marketing, buyer objections, and building an online business that actually converts.In this episode, you'll hear…The actual stats from my $500K launch — including webinar registrations, show-up rates, conversion percentages, and ad spend (yes, I'm sharing the numbers)Why I switched from three live webinars down to one — and how it actually increased my resultsThe "show up" email strategy I use to get more people to attend the webinar live (and why it works way better than a basic reminder)How I think about Meta ads as their own social channel — and when you should (and absolutely should not) start running adsThe three main buyer objections I prepare for in every launch — and how I use testimonials to overcome each oneClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarGrab a copy of Sam's Book When I Start My Business, I'll Be HappyRead Sam's Substack post: I called it a gap year—and everyone heard “year off.”If you have a question you’d like Sam to answer on a future podcast episode, you can submit it here.Learn more about VideoAsk (affiliate link)Click here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER
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    1 h y 1 m
  • 280. How I Got My First 1,000 Subscribers on Substack

    280. How I Got My First 1,000 Subscribers on Substack
    Mar 16 2026
    Everyone's talking about Substack — and maybe you're curious, a little skeptical, and 100% wondering if you actually need to add another platform to your already-full plate. (Spoiler: you don't need to. But you might want to after this.)In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on exactly how I grew my Substack, Beyond Business, to 1,000 subscribers using only organic strategies — no importing my 60,000+ person email list, no fancy custom design, no team of people building it out for me. Just consistent writing, a growth mindset, and a few simple (but powerful) tactics I wish I'd known earlier.You’ll hear…Why I started a Substack when I already have an email list of 60,000+ people (and why it's absolutely not an either/or decision)The #1 mindset shift you need before you ever publish your first post Why becoming a fan of the platform first is one of the most underrated growth strategies out thereHow I built a consistent writing habit — and what happened to my creativity when I actually stuck with itThe "idea bank" strategy that keeps me showing up even when inspiration goes on vacationWhy you need to bank essays before you let the world respond to your writingHow to use Substack Notes to grow your audience without burning outThe referrals and recommendations strategy I used to accelerate growth (and exactly how to ask for them without being weird about it)Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessEpisode 271. Why I Started a Substack When I Already Have an Email ListEpisode 279. What to Focus on First If You Want to Build an AudienceSam's episode of Amelia Hruby's podcast, Off the Grid AI All Stars by Gemma Bonham-Carter (custom GPTs for your business) (affiliate link)Click here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER
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    43 m
  • 279. You Have to Get Good First (Then the Audience Follows)

    279. You Have to Get Good First (Then the Audience Follows)
    Mar 9 2026

    If you’re trying to grow your audience for your online business, you’ve probably heard advice like “build the audience first” or “you need followers before you can launch.” But what if that’s backwards?

    In this episode of On Your Terms®, Sam shares the real foundation of sustainable audience growth—and why focusing on followers, email list size, or social media metrics too early can actually slow you down. Instead, she breaks down how mastering your craft (whether that’s writing, podcasting, video, or your core service) is what truly builds an audience that sticks.

    You’ll hear…

    1. Why obsessing over audience size can distract you from building actual skill
    2. The “wedding vs. marriage” analogy that changed how I think about growth
    3. What I realized after being in a mastermind with serious writers
    4. How to practice your craft in public without spiraling over metrics
    5. How to consume content in a way that fuels your output (instead of becoming a content junk drawer)
    6. A simple way to audit whether your time matches what you say you want

    Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.

    EPISODE RESOURCES:

    1. Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s Sidebar
    2. Subscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond Business
    3. Get Sam's Book "When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy"
    4. Click here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come out

    CONNECT:

    1. Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
    2. Follow Sam on Instagram
    3. Follow Sam on YouTube
    4. Subscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond Business
    5. Take Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"

    DISCLAIMER
    Más Menos
    35 m
  • 278. Make This List If You're Burnt Out (It Changed Everything)

    278. Make This List If You're Burnt Out (It Changed Everything)
    Mar 2 2026

    Have you ever heard a quote at exactly the moment you needed it? Like it practically reached out and grabbed you by the shoulders?

    That happened to me recently when I heard this line from The Artist’s Way: "perfectionism isn’t a quest for the best… it’s a pursuit of the worst in ourselves.

    Oof. Holy cannoli. That one knocked me flat.

    In this episode, I’m sharing the simple exercise that helped me see my burnout in black and white—and how you can use it to finally exhale.

    You’ll hear…

    1. The quote about perfectionism that stopped me in my tracks
    2. The unexpected way I realized I am a perfectionist (even though I swore I wasn’t)
    3. What I wrote on my “trying to do this perfectly” list—and why it shocked me
    4. How this one list immediately softened my burnout and anxiety
    5. Why doing “everything right” might actually be the thing holding you back

    Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.

    EPISODE RESOURCES:

    1. Click here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come out

    CONNECT:

    1. Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
    2. Follow Sam on Instagram
    3. Follow Sam on YouTube
    4. Subscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond Business
    5. Take Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"

    DISCLAIMER
    Más Menos
    18 m
  • 277. The 6 Types of Rest (And Why Sleep Isn't Enough)

    277. The 6 Types of Rest (And Why Sleep Isn't Enough)
    Feb 23 2026

    If you’re building a business, doing “all the right things,” and still feel exhausted even after a full night of sleep… this episode is for you.

    So many entrepreneurs think rest is something you earn later — after the launch, after the revenue goal, after things finally feel “stable.” And that belief keeps you stuck in a cycle of pushing, white-knuckling, and wondering why you’re burned out even though you technically love your work.

    I’m breaking down the 6 different types of rest, why sleep alone won’t fix burnout, and how I’ve been intentionally weaving more play, creativity, and relief into my life and business — without stepping away from work entirely.

    In this episode, you’ll hear…

    • Why sleep isn’t the kind of rest most business owners actually need
    • The 6 types of rest and how burnout can show up even when you “love what you do”
    • How pressure, grief, and mental load quietly drain your energy
    • What it looks like to rest while building — not after
    • Simple ways to add more joy, play, and creativity into your everyday life

    Click 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"
    • Taking a Gap Year as an Entrepreneur: My Year of Letting Go in 2026
    • Subscribe to Sam's Substack Beyond Business
    • Leslie Stephens' Substack
    • American Psychological Association - Types of rest
    • Click here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come out

    CONNECT:

    • Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar
    • Follow Sam on Instagram
    • Follow Sam on YouTube
    • Subscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond Business
    • Take Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"

    DISCLAIMER
    Más Menos
    40 m