Shannon Pruitt, founder of Sunday Muse Design, joins us to break down everything you need to know about strategic branding and web design. They dive deep into why your website isn't just a luxury—it's survival for your business. Shannon shares her journey from wedding planner to brand designer, revealing how she discovered the critical link between outdated websites and lost clients.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Why you need to approach branding with strategy, not just pretty colors
• The intentional process behind choosing fonts, colors, and design elements
• How to simplify your website for better conversion rates (one client doubled their inquiries in 3-4 months!)
• The debate behind copy vs. design first (Shannon's firmly in the copy-first camp)
• Practical tips for DIY branding when you're just starting out
• The importance of tracking where your clients actually come from

Shannon drops truth bombs about attention spans (apparently we've got 47 seconds now), why she hates the word "clarity," and how to create a brand that doesn't just look good—it works hard for your business. Whether you're starting from scratch or ready to elevate your existing brand, this episode gives you the strategic foundation to make it happen.

Resources from this episode:

• Shannon’s Newsletter: You can join her weekly newsletter where she shares practical branding tips, website advice, and behind-the-scenes insights from real client projects. Just visit sundaymusedesign.com/newsletter to sign up!

More about Shannon Pruitt:

Shannon Pruitt is the founder of Sunday Muse Design, a strategic branding and web design studio for women entrepreneurs who refuse to blend in. Since 2015, she's built multiple businesses, but branding? That's where she thrives. With a sharp eye for design, a no-BS approach to brand strategy, and a deep understanding of what makes businesses actually convert, Shannon helps service providers, boutique businesses, and course creators build brands that command attention—and get results.

Connect with Shannon Pruitt:

• Website: http://www.sundaymusedesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sundaymusedesign
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sundaymusedesign

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/

Are you feeling stuck about which CRM to choose for your business? In this episode, I break down my step-by-step process for selecting the perfect client relationship management tool without the overwhelm. I share a real client example of how I helped a busy coach streamline her client onboarding process by finding a CRM that matched her exact needs.

You'll learn why "making your grocery list" of must-have features before shopping for a CRM is the key to avoiding tech overwhelm and unnecessary subscription costs. I'll walk you through how to map out your client journey, identify the essential features you need, and evaluate whether an all-in-one solution or a custom tech stack makes more sense for your unique business.

I'm excited to share these practical tips that will save you hours of tutorial-watching and feature-comparing. Whether you're ready to invest in your first CRM or considering a switch from your current system, this episode will help you make a confident, informed decision.

• Resources from this episode:
• Systems to Scale Audit - My signature service where I help you choose the right tools and build custom automations for your specific business needs
• Whimsical - The tool I love for mapping out client journeys and workflows
• e-signatures.io - A budget-friendly contract tool at just 99¢ per contract
• Motion.io - A project management tool with advanced client portal features

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/

In this episode of Beyond the Systems Podcast, I sat down with multi six-figure entrepreneur Jennifer Morilla to dive deep into her "one product, one funnel" business approach. After experiencing serious burnout in 2023, Jen completely restructured her business around a single signature offer - her Simplify to Implify Accelerator - and hasn't looked back.

We explore how shiny object syndrome keeps entrepreneurs trapped in a cycle of creating multiple programs (when really, we should be doubling down on what's already working!). Jen shares the exact moment she realized she needed to simplify, including the hilarious story of making her OBM sign a contract promising not to let her create any new programs.

If you're feeling scattered with too many offers or struggling to stay focused on one revenue stream, this episode unpacks why simplicity leads to sustainability. We discuss how Jen structures her program to maintain quality while reducing her time investment, her content marketing strategy for a single offer, and the mindset shifts required to trust that one excellent product can outperform multiple mediocre ones.

What I love most about this conversation is Jen's transparency about her entrepreneurial journey - from travel blogger to burnt-out coach to focused business owner - and how personal development played a crucial role in her business transformation. Listen in for a refreshingly honest take on building a profitable, sustainable online business without the hustle.

More about Jennifer Morilla: Jennifer Morilla is a multi-six-figure entrepreneur, business mentor, and TEDx speaker with over 10 years of experience, helping entrepreneurs turn their personal brands into thriving six-figure businesses through online marketing and brand-building strategies.

Connect with Jennifer Morilla:

• Website: https://jennifermorilla.com/
• Instagram: @jennifer.morilla
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermmorilla/

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/

Ever wonder what your day could look like with proper systems in place? In this special episode of the Beyond the Systems podcast, I explain what a typical day looks like with and without business systems. Inspired by one of my most popular Instagram posts (it's pinned to the top of my profile!), I walk through different moments of the day—from morning coffee to evening wind-down—comparing the chaos of working without systems to the calm, productive flow when you have the right foundations in place.

I dive into the practical systems that make the biggest difference in your day-to-day life as a business owner, including:

• Weekly planning rituals that take just 20 minutes but save hours of stress
• Project management systems that eliminate the guesswork
• Team SOPs that prevent constant interruptions
• Automated client onboarding that works while you sleep
• Boundary-setting systems that protect your time and energy

Listen in as I reveal that you don't need 20 complex systems to transform your workday—just a few foundational ones implemented consistently. If you're tired of feeling like you're constantly putting out fires instead of enjoying your business, this episode is your roadmap to reclaiming your time and peace of mind.

Resources from this episode:

• SOP Episode: "SOPs Your Team Will Actually Use"
• Metrics Tracking Episode: "Metrics That Matter"
• Systems to Scale Audit

DM the word "scale" on Instagram if you're interested in the Systems to Scale Audit, or send me a voice memo about your systems challenges!

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/

In this episode of Beyond the Systems podcast, I chat with Jess Freeman, award-winning founder of Jess Creatives who has spent over 14 years transforming websites into high-impact business assets. We dive into the world of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and why it might be the most underrated form of business self-care you've been overlooking!

Jess shares her journey from small-town Kansas with limited exposure to entrepreneurship to building a thriving web design business. We explore why SEO often feels overwhelming to beginners, and Jess breaks down simple, practical ways to improve your website's searchability without getting lost in technical details.

One of my favorite takeaways? Jess's perspective that "SEO is self-care" because it allows you to continue attracting clients even when you need to step away from social media. Unlike Instagram posts that disappear into the void within days, SEO-optimized content can bring you clients years later with minimal maintenance. Jess shares a real example of how a blog post she wrote 5-6 years ago recently brought in a new client through Google's AI summary!

We also discuss the "full circle" trend in online marketing—how many business owners who abandoned websites for Instagram are now returning to blogging and SEO as social algorithms become increasingly unreliable. Plus, get Jess's take on when you really need a website and why SubStack might not be your best blogging option if you care about SEO.

Whether you're feeling burnt out by social media or just want more sustainable ways to attract clients, this episode offers practical tips to get started with SEO without overwhelming yourself. Listen in for Jess's simple homework assignment that could dramatically improve your website's visibility!

Resources from this episode:

• Keyword research tool: Ahrefs Keyword Generator (free version available)
• Check out Jessica’s podcast, BrandWhys!

More about Jessica Freeman:

Jess Freeman is the award-winning founder of Jess Creatives, and has spent over a decade transforming websites into high-impact business assets. Her no-nonsense approach to web design and digital marketing has helped hundreds of health and fitness businesses boost their online presence without chaining themselves to their screens.

Connect with Jessica Freeman:

• Website: JessCreatives.com
• Instagram: @JessCreatives

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/

Episode Description:

Ready to streamline your client journey? In this episode, I'm breaking down my Client Flow Formula - the exact system I use with my clients to turn prospect connections into lasting relationships.

I'll walk you through the three essential steps of this formula - Convert, Serve, and Retain - and break each one down into three tiers: basic, intermediate, and advanced. This way, no matter where you are in your business journey, you'll find actionable systems to implement right away.

Whether you're a solopreneur who wants to keep things simple or you're dreaming of scaling to a team, I'll show you exactly which systems to focus on first.

Remember, there's no "right" way to structure your business. I work with clients who want to serve hundreds of people AND those who want a streamlined business that gives them more freedom. This episode will help you identify which systems actually matter for YOUR specific vision.

By the end, you'll understand how to:

• Convert leads efficiently (without living in your DMs)
• Serve clients excellently (while gradually removing yourself from the day-to-day)
• Retain clients longer (with strategic touchpoints that feel personal but don't drain your time)

Resources from this episode:

• Previous episode: Revenue Ready Offers

Want to dive deeper into my Systems to Scale Audit? That's where we'd map out your exact client flow formula together. You can DM me "scale" on Instagram to learn more!

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/

In this episode of Beyond the Systems podcast, I chat with Bridget James Ling, the Freedom Queen and queen of million dollar movements. Having attended her Freedom Queen Live event in November 2024, I was excited to dive deeper into what makes a movement truly work and how Bridget has built hers.

Bridget shares her journey from quitting her New York City job in 2020 and booking a one-way ticket to Costa Rica, to building a multimillion-dollar business centered around community. We explore the fundamental difference between a coaching business and a movement—where a movement has "a soul of its own" and creates a self-compounding mechanism that brings people together toward one shared vision.

We also discuss:

• How Taylor Swift has created a movement (Swifties!) while other talented artists may just have businesses
• Why in-person events like Freedom Queen Live create deeper connections and transformational results for attendees
• The exciting updates for Freedom Queen Live 2025 (November 20-23), including specialized sessions focused on ads, funnels, and even a new "Freedom King" session for men
• Bridget's business systems approach: balancing "passive channels" (like email sequences and podcast content) with "active channels" (live programs)
• How Bridget's simple, templated systems allow her to launch programs in just 20 minutes that would take others weeks

What struck me most was Bridget's emphasis on building community and belonging. As she puts it: "When someone feels like they belong, they're never going to leave. And when someone feels like they belong and they're seen and heard, they can get a transformation that is far bigger than if they just bought into someone's coaching business."

If you're building an online business and want to create something that moves beyond just transactions, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about community, connection, and creating your own movement.

Resources from this episode:

• Freedom Queen Live 2025 (November 20-23)

More about Bridget James Ling:

Bridget James Ling, known as the "Freedom Queen", is a business mentor and community builder who helps ambitious women create businesses with both purpose and profit.

After quitting her corporate job in New York City in 2020, Bridget booked a one-way ticket to Costa Rica where she met her now-fiancé and began building her multimillion-dollar business. Drawing from her community-centered upbringing, she created Freedom Queen—a movement rather than just a coaching business—that focuses on connection, belonging, and transformation.

Beyond her business success, Bridget is passionate about helping women step into their authentic power and build movements that move people toward shared visions, rather than simply selling coaching services. Her straight-talking, no-nonsense style resonates with entrepreneurs who want to make "a disturbing amount of money" while creating meaningful impact in their communities.

Connect with Bridget James Ling:

• Website: www.freedomqueen.com
• Instagram: @bridgetjamesling

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services
• Instagram:

In this episode of Beyond the Systems, I'm diving into the often overwhelming world of metrics and data tracking for your business. If you've been avoiding metrics altogether or feel like you're drowning in spreadsheets without any real insights, this episode is for you! I'll share my practical approach to metrics tracking, how to identify which numbers actually matter for your business, and how to use that data to make better decisions without sacrificing your creativity. Whether you're just starting with metrics or looking to realign your focus, I'll walk you through the simple questions that will help you track the right data to grow your business.

What You'll Learn:

• Why the data itself isn't overwhelming—it's what you do with it that can be
• How to identify your "money-making metrics" that directly impact your bottom line
• The three key questions to ask yourself to determine what you should actually be tracking
• How to build a simple tracking system that gives you actionable insights
• Why setting realistic goals requires understanding your conversion rates
• How I approach metrics tracking with my own clients (and in my own business)

Resources from this episode:

Free Metrics Tracking Template: Grab the exact metrics tracking template (be sure to make a copy) I use with all my clients.

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/