297. If I Started My Business Today, I'd Ignore My Own Advice (Here's What $9M Taught Me)

If you started your business today, would you actually follow your own old advice? I wouldn't. And after over $9 million in sales, I'm telling you exactly why.This isn't the first time I've tackled this topic either. Back in episode 28 (2022) and episode 186 (2024), I talked about what I'd do differently if I started over. Some of that advice still holds up. A lot of it doesn't anymore. So today I'm setting the record straight on what I'd keep, what I'd completely reverse, and what I think matters most for online business owners heading into 2026 and beyond.In this episode, you'll hear…Why I still believe there's no secret formula for building your business (and why copying what's "working" for everyone else can actually box you in)The one social media strategy I'd keep exactly the same, plus how I use AI tools to repurpose one cornerstone piece of content instead of creating from scratch everywhereWhy I'd ditch a "social media first" approach entirely and build an audience-first business insteadWhat I wish I'd done sooner when it comes to getting comfortable charging for my content and expertiseHow I shifted from "post everywhere, all the time" to focusing on fewer, bigger tasks that actually move my business forwardWhy "pace" today means being reactive and in the conversation, not just pumping out volumeClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarSubscribe to Sam's SubstackEpisode 280. How I Got My First 1,000 Subscribers on SubstackIf 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 SubstackTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER