🥳 [FREE LEGAL TRAINING] 5 STEPS TO LEGALLY PROTECT YOUR ONLINE BUSINESS 🥳

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Remember when I said that your business doesn't al

Remember when I said that your business doesn't always have to light your soul on fire?

Well, these are just some of the things I enjoy during those moments when my business doesn't. As entrepreneurs, I believe it's important to have hobbies and priorities beyond our businesses to be well-rounded humans.

It's so easy to get consumed by your business (I know I'm guilty of it 😣), and while that's okay in some seasons, I find that my relationship with my business and the quality of my work is so much better when I step out of the weeds to do other things I enjoy.

I'm currently mourning the loss of both of my parents, so I'm taking extra care to do things that bring me even an ounce of extra joy. Whether you're mourning, feeling burnt out, or feeling a lack of balance between life and business, I hope you do the same.

xoxo,

Sam

P.S. You know I have to ask: what are some things that make you smile when running your business feels hard? Tell me all about it in the comments, and if you haven't already, tune into episode 123 of the On Your Terms podcast, where we chat about defining ourselves beyond our businesses.

#entrepreneurmindset #savvybusinessowner #savvybusinesswomen #onlineentrepreneur #onlinebusinesstips #legallylegit #newbusinessowner #wellnesscoaching #mindsetcoaching

It might take a lifetime for it to sink in that my

It might take a lifetime for it to sink in that my Mom is no longer here 💔

On Saturday, Ryan woke me from a deep sleep in a panic — I was making awful noises in my sleep, like I was in pain.

As soon as I woke up, my phone rang.

“Your mom has passed.”

And with that, the world lost a force to be reckoned with.

She was a doctor, incredible plant lady, avid reader, professional figure skater, ballroom dancer, see-thru shirt wearing, incredibly strong woman.

She may not have always been a mom in the most traditional sense — but she taught me more than most could.

She would want you to know that:
💋 bras are always meant to be seen
🧺 you should always iron your sheets
🙌 leave things better than you find them (especially in public restrooms)
📚 you should re-read important books at different points in your life to see what you take away
🫶🏽 you can be anything you want to be
💕 the squeaky wheel gets the oil
🚪 you shouldn’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out (one of her go-to’s)

I cannot believe I’ve lost both of my parents in a year.

The grief feels insurmountable and unreal, tbh.

But both of my parents (who I hope are now at a deli somewhere in the sky) passed on incredible strength to me.

And I will rise from the ashes again one day. I don’t know when or how. But I know I can ❤️

I love you, Mom. I hope you’re at peace and free from pain 💔

xo,
Sam

Real Talk: Your business doesn't have to light you

Real Talk: Your business doesn't have to light your soul on fire...

...At least, not ALL the time. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm annoyingly obsessed with what I do and with being an entrepreneur. I recognize that the freedom I have in my life is largely due to this thing I've built, and I'm immensely proud of the way that my work positively impacts so many people like me on this entrepreneurial path.

AND.... there are days, and sometimes even seasons, that this feels like a slog. Not because I don't love my customers or the individual tasks I'm doing — but because I'm human.

I have my moments where I'm like, "Yeah! This is a JOB. It's going to evolve and change over time. I'm sure you do too, and you might not love every single change — just like you wouldn't if you were in corporate. But overall, I get to control and dictate the outcome WAY more.

If you want to use your day off for the holiday to talk about work with me 😆 tune into episode 123 of the On Your Terms podcast for a biz pep talk you didn't know you needed plus tips on how to push through during those moments (or even seasons) when you simply don't have that fiery passion for your business.

🔗 in bio to listen now 🎧

#entrepreneurmindset #savvybusinessowner #savvybusinesswomen #onlineentrepreneur #onlinebusinesstips #legallylegit #newbusinessowner

I'll be honest: right now, my life doesn't look ba

I'll be honest: right now, my life doesn't look balanced & joyful in real life as it does in this recap of my last month.

I recently got the news that my mother will be transitioning very soon. This is a really rough time for me, especially with it being just a few weeks from the one year anniversary of my father's passing. But looking back at all of the practices I've introduced AND kept up with in my life to cope with losing my dad - from taking tennis lessons to prioritizing wellness and rest - I feel proud.

I know that in this next season of life, these practices will become even more essential for me to make it through the day to day of running my business while grieving the loss of both of my parents.

I hope that whether you are grieving a loss like me or seeking to prioritize rest & balance more as a business owner, you're finding ways to cope better and better with each day.

As I take time to grieve and process, you'll still see my team putting out educational content that we've been preparing for you all. Thanks for being here, and I'll talk to you soon.

xo,

Sam

P.S. You'll continue to see educational content for the next few weeks from our team while I'm on bereavement leave. If you have any questions about our products or you're a customer in need of support, please send any questions to help@samvanderwielen.com and not the DM's. Thank you!

#entrepreneurmindset #savvybusinessowner #savvybusinesswomen

Google images may feel like an endless goldmine of

Let's face it, most online business owners don't o

Let's face it, most online business owners don't open on Day 1 with all their legal ducks in a row.

So, what if you need to get the right contracts, policies, and legal resources in place AFTER you've already started — or built your business?⁠

While you can't go back in time and add legal protection after the fact, you can make some quick edits to your existing content and the way you do business. For example, you can:⁠

💻 Add all 3 website policies to your website footer⁠

💌 Update your freebie and email marketing with a mini-disclaimer⁠

✍️ Require that all new clients or students sign your contract⁠

Instead of wasting any time beating yourself up for having this stuff in place already, take a deep breath, thank yourself for doing the best you could, and now that you know better — let's do better 🙂⁠

Need help getting started? Take my free training, "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business," to learn the fundamentals of making your biz legally legit™️ Access it now with the link in my bio 🔗

xo,

Sam

#legaltemplates #legaltips #onlinebusinesses #onlinebusinesstips #mindsetcoaching #healthcoaching #healthcoachlife #healthcoaches #wellnesscoaching #careercoaching #datingcoach #lifecoachforwomen #moneycoach #businesscoaching #coursecreator #selfcarecoach #fitnesscoaching #rdsofinstagram #registereddietitian #registereddietitiannutritionist #iinhealthcoach #copywritersofinstagram #legallylegit

How are legal contracts and general biz stuff diff

How are legal contracts and general biz stuff different for small shops vs larger ones?

I recently received this question during a legal q&a sesh, and I found it to be such an interesting one that I’m asked often.

As small business owners, there seems to be this idea that we have to wait until a special point or milestone to legally protect our businesses. But let me clear one thing up:

ALL businesses need legal protection - regardless of their bank account, number of clients, or followers on Instagram/TikTok.

You don’t get any sort of pass or protection for not being profitable or far along. The law expects you to take the necessary steps to protect yourself from the start.

Do I have the same amount of legal protection that Nordstrom has? Of course not.

Do I even have the same legal protection I did 1 or 2 years ago? Nope! It’s grown with me.

Legal protection may look different for all of us based on what we do, what phase of business we’re in, and other important factors, but we all need legal protection, all the same.

Swipe ⬅️ for a breakdown of the fundamentals of legally protecting your business. And if you’re looking for a place to start with legally protecting your business, check out my free legal training “5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business.”

In it, I’ll give you my full 5-step strategy to legally cover your personal assets, business money, client relationships, and more.

Was this helpful? Comment ‘yes’ if it was 🙂 and drop your legal questions below - I may just answer in our next legal Q&A!

#legaltips #onlineentrepreneur #onlinebusinesstips #legallylegit #newbusinessowner

Hot Take: We don't all have to be the 'Kenny G's'

Hot Take: We don't all have to be the 'Kenny G's' or 'Taco Bells' of our industries...

Our goal doesn't have to be to become popular, mega rich, widely known, or a household name in our industry.

Success looks different for every business, and customers and clients who come to us may prefer us in the same way they prefer the 'real' jazz artists over the Kenny G's (like my husband Ryan, who HATES Kenny G. haha 😆) or the local mom & pop shop with a strong niche that is supported by a passionate group of people.

We can learn a lot from studying what they do right so we can infuse that in our own businesses. I do this a lot with my own business. It can be a great way to learn about consumer buying behavior, trends, and the psychology of marketing.

OR you can use it to discover ways to differentiate yourself by making your business the opposite of what your audience hates about companies in the 'big' leagues so you can provide a more personalized, intimate experience.

Either way it goes, it's essential that you create an experience for your audience that centers on what you stand for over what you don't.

In Episode 121 of the On Your Terms podcast, we're talking about Kenny G vs. "real jazz," and the importance of authenticity, value, and standing out in a crowded market as an entrepreneur.

Say “yes!” in the comments if you plan to give it a listen 🙂 I 10/10 recommend tuning in while getting your steps in!

xo,

Sam

#onlinebusinesses #onlineentrepreneur #businesstips101 #entrepreneurmindset #smallbiztips #savvybusinessowner #smallbizmarketing

LEGAL STEPS FOR BEGINNERS ⤵️ New business own

LEGAL STEPS FOR BEGINNERS ⤵️

New business owners have lots to deal with: applying for an EIN, getting a business address, starting a business bank account, forming an LLC, etc.

I get it. It feels like you’re putting the cart before the horse if you don’t have an audience, customers, an email list, or any offers yet.

But there are plenty of easy legal steps to knock out before everybody comes knockin’ on your door. I unpack it all in Episode #120 of my podcast On Your Terms™.

WHEN TO GET LEGAL:

1. You’re Liable for Free Content
Even when you’re “just” posting actively on social media - you need to have legal coverage already. You can get sued for what you say/post on social. Just because it’s free content doesn’t make it any less liability-inducing.

2. Start-Up Steps
You’re already posting on social - which is great! Now you can use this time to get your EIN (free from the IRS), form your business, and set up your business bank account.

3. Future-Proofing
A lot of people think that they need to have the email list, client roster, sales rolling in, etc. before they need legal protection. But in reality, it’s sorta the opposite.

You need to know how to legally build an email list (you can’t just add anyone you want!), have your website policies on your site when you go live, and have your contract ready for your first offer before anyone sets foot in your digital door.

Which step is holding you back right now?

Tell me in the comments! ⤵️

I probably have a quick resource for you 😉

xo,
Sam

#legaltips #onlineentrepreneur #onlinebusinesstips #legallylegit #newbusinessowner

FREE LEGAL TRAINING:

🥳 5 STEPS TO LEGALLY PROTECT YOUR ONLINE BUSINESS 🥳

This is not a law firm. Nothing on this site should be construed as legal advice. Sam does not provide you or your company legal advice. We simply provide legal information & education for you to customize and use on your own and have reviewed by your own local attorney. Sam is an attorney licensed in NJ and PA, but is not practicing law or establishing an attorney-client relationship with you, ever. Some states may consider this attorney advertising (although it isn't intended to be). Thank you!

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