Why does selling feel so uncomfortable—for both sides? In this solo episode, Chuck Blakeman flips the script on traditional sales thinking and reveals why nobody wants to be sold, but everybody wants to buy. Chuck unpacks four timeless principles that help you stop pushing products and start building relationships that naturally lead to business. You’ll learn how to move from transactional to relational selling and create conversations that make people say, “Oh, you get me.” Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode: ✅ The four core principles that transform selling into serving ✅ Why consistency builds trust—and how to make it practical ✅ How to “meet people where they are,” not where you wish they were ✅ Why listening (not pitching) is your greatest business development tool ✅ How to create real connections that make people want to buy If you’ve ever dreaded “selling,” this episode will help you rethink everything you know about business development—so you can stop selling and start serving. 💡 Listen now and learn how to flip the script for good.

How can small business owners grow faster without chasing one client at a time? In this inspiring conversation, Chuck Blakeman sits down with Valerie Reid to unpack a powerful mindset shift — stop hunting trees, and start finding lumberjacks. Valerie shares how the concept of “lumberjacks”; strategic partners who already have trusted relationships with your ideal clients, has transformed her approach to marketing, partnerships, and growth. Together, they explore what happens when you stop competing and start collaborating, and how to build win-win relationships that multiply opportunity for everyone involved. You’ll learn: ✅ The difference between “hunting trees” and “finding lumberjacks” ✅ Why trust, not money, is your greatest business asset ✅ How collaboration with competitors can actually scale your business ✅ Practical ways to identify and nurture your own network of lumberjacks If you’ve ever felt exhausted by chasing leads, this episode offers a smarter, more sustainable way to build your business through authentic relationships and mutual growth. 🔗 Want to go deeper into the concept of Lumberjacks? Check out Episode 27 – Stop Networking and Start Building a Network Instead! ----more---- About Valerie Reid Valerie Reid is the CEO and Founder of Simple Cremation USA, a national online platform connecting families with funeral homes. A strategic and results-oriented leader, Valerie brings over a decade of experience advising Fortune 100 and 500 companies during her time at Deloitte. She’s passionate about innovation, collaboration, and helping others build scalable businesses rooted in trust and purpose. 🌐 Website: simplecremationusa.com 📞 Phone: 1-866-333-5130

How do you stay top-of-mind with the people who matter most to your business without feeling like you’re “selling” to them? In this solo episode, Chuck Blakeman dives into the power of a Drip System, a relationship-driven approach to marketing that keeps you consistently connected with potential clients and your key referral partners (what Chuck calls “Lumberjacks”). Chuck lays out practical principles for creating a drip system you’ll actually enjoy doing for years, focusing on serving, not selling, while building the trust that fuels long-term success. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or running a team, this episode will help you: Design consistent, energizing touchpoints with your audience Use recency and frequency the right way, without being pushy Pace yourself for long-term success instead of short-term sprints Build relationships that naturally turn into clients and referrals 🔗 New to the term “Lumberjacks”? Go back to Episode 27: Stop Networking – And Start Building a Network Instead! for the full backstory. This is the roadmap to growing your business through authentic, relationship-based marketing, one steady drip at a time.

What if you could grow your business without “selling” at all? In this episode, Chuck sits down with Carey Lindeman to unpack the radical (and freeing) idea of Serve, Don’t Sell. Carey shares how shifting from transactional sales to relational service has transformed her business and how principles like finding “lumberjacks,” hosting catalyst events, and asking the right questions can help you build trust, attract clients, and enjoy the process instead of dreading it. Together, they explore practical strategies from the FasTrak framework that show why focusing on relationships, not transactions, is the path to sustainable growth. If you’ve ever hated the idea of selling, this conversation will give you a fresh mindset and real-world steps to build your business in a way that feels natural, fulfilling, and effective. 🔗 Carey also joined Chuck earlier in Episode 28 – The Power of Moving From Rugged Individualism to Living in Business Community. Don’t miss that one for even more insights into building community in business! ----more---- Learn more about Promise Care: https://promisecareinc.com/ Get a hold of Carey at carey@3to5club.com 

In this solo episode, Chuck Blakeman dives deep into the art and science of lasting personal change and why it’s fundamental for business owners who want to keep growing. Chuck unpacks the four essential questions we all face around change: Can we change? Should we change? Will we change? And if so, how? Along the way, he explores how our nervous system is wired for transformation, why knowledge alone won’t move the needle, and why true change comes from identity shifts, community, and attachment. You’ll also hear practical insights about learning agility, reframing stress as growth, and the simple but profound truth: “If you want something to change, you have to change something.” If you’ve ever struggled to make change stick or wondered how to grow without burning out, this episode will give you the mindset and tools to create permanent transformation in both life and business.

Sometimes, the biggest obstacle to success isn’t failure—it’s waiting for the “perfect” plan. In this milestone 50th episode, Chuck welcomes back Jennifer Stapleton to explore why having a bad plan is often far better than no plan at all. Jennifer shares her insights from the FasTrak program, including how creating a simple “bad plan for success” helped her break through analysis paralysis, build consistency, and drive real results. Together, they unpack practical ways to design a plan you can actually execute, how accountability tools (like giant paperclips!) can keep you on track, and why movement—not endless planning—creates clarity. Jennifer Stapleton is the founding partner of Fire & Bliss, a communications and marketing firm serving philanthropies and nonprofits. With decades of experience as a strategist, advocate, and senior communications executive, Jennifer has helped organizations achieve major legislative wins, secure funding, and land coverage in top publications. Her unique mix of creativity and strategy continues to empower mission-driven businesses and nonprofits to thrive. If you’ve ever found yourself overthinking, stuck in planning mode, or waiting for the perfect conditions to start, this episode will help you take action—because even a bad plan can lead to great outcomes. 🔗 Learn more about Jennifer’s work at fireandbliss.com  🔗 Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn ----more---- For more from Jennifer, go back and listen to her first guest episode: Episode #26: Serve, Don’t Sell: The Path to Sustainable Success Listen here

As entrepreneurs, we’d never dream of blowing off an appointment with a client—so why do we so often blow off the appointments we set with ourselves? In this episode, Chuck sits down with Mark Bellestri—a seasoned entrepreneur, 3to5 Club facilitator, and Crankset leader—to explore why honoring your own calendar may be the most important discipline in business ownership. With a diverse career spanning real estate, insurance, banking, consulting, and business ownership, Mark has successfully grown companies in the locksmith, healthcare, and education sectors. Drawing from his wide-ranging experience, he shares why keeping appointments with yourself isn’t just a productivity hack—it’s a long-term strategy for freedom, balance, and abundance. Together, Chuck and Mark unpack: The difference between signal vs. noise and why most of us get stuck in the noise. How “playing office” keeps us busy but not productive. The one thing you can do each week to create permanent momentum in your business. Why your strategic work needs a different place than your tactical work. How keeping appointments with yourself leads to less stress, more impact, and lasting freedom. If you feel trapped by the tyranny of the urgent, this conversation is for you. Learn why your own calendar is the first place to start—and how committing to yourself can change your entire business trajectory.

What if you could look at your business like a map—one that clearly shows where you are today and how to get to the life you actually want? In this powerful conversation, Chuck sits down with Bryan Farley, President of Association Reserves Colorado, to unpack the Seven Stages of Business Ownership—a framework that shifts the focus from just growing a business to building one that truly serves you. Together, they break down the journey from startup to freedom, share the pitfalls of getting stuck in “Stage Four” (where your business makes money but steals your time), and reveal the mindset shift that moves you toward a company that thrives even when you’re not there. Whether you’re in survival mode, chasing stability, or ready to design your ideal lifestyle, this episode gives you the clarity and direction to move forward with intention. 🔗 Learn more about Bryan Farley and Association Reserves at reservestudy.com 🎧 Don’t miss Bryan’s first guest appearance in Episode 18: Unlocking Freedom in Business: The Power of Freedom Mapping — Listen here.

In this solo episode, Chuck Blakeman challenges one of the most deeply held beliefs in business: the idea that you have competition. What if competition doesn’t exist? Chuck shares how adopting a scarcity mindset—where business is a zero-sum game—leads to fear, stress, and toxic culture. But when you embrace an abundance mindset, everything changes. You stop chasing other people’s success, and start building something truly your own. You’ll hear: ✅ Why “competition” is a distraction, not a threat ✅ How copying other businesses leads to mediocrity ✅ Why abundance-minded leaders build more successful (and joyful) businesses ✅ Real stories from Microsoft, Apple, and Chuck’s own journey that illustrate the difference ✅ How to focus your time and energy on your unique value instead of playing defense 💡 “You weren’t built to chase someone else’s dream. You were built to create your own.” If you’ve been looking over your shoulder, measuring your value by someone else’s success, this episode is your wake-up call.

How do you create consistent results in your business while stepping further out of the day-to-day? In this powerful follow-up episode, Chuck sits down again with Stacy Voss to unpack the real-world impact of Freedom Mapping—a system Stacy uses to empower her remote team, improve client experience, and eliminate the need for constant management. Together, they explore why documenting your core business processes (even if you're a solo entrepreneur) is a game-changer, how it fosters consistency and trust, and the mindset shift that allows business owners to move from control to collaboration. You’ll also hear practical ways to begin Freedom Mapping and how it ties directly to your company’s core values and mission. If you're tired of feeling like the bottleneck in your business and want to build something that thrives without your constant oversight, this episode is your roadmap. 🔗 Learn more about Stacy Voss and her work at northstargrantwriting.com  🎧 And if you missed Stacy’s first appearance on the show, go back and catch it—it’s a brilliant look at her journey from solopreneur to business owner with freedom. Check out Episode 22 here.

In this episode, Chuck Blakeman dives into one of the most counterintuitive truths about business ownership: You shouldn’t try to fix your weaknesses. Chuck outlines three powerful reasons why working on your business weaknesses not only wastes time—it actually limits your success. You’ll learn: ✅ Why trying to be great at everything is a dangerous myth✅ How focusing on weaknesses creates codependence and kills freedom✅ Why doubling down on your strengths makes your business—and life—more effective and fulfilling Chuck also introduces the Apex Profile—a groundbreaking tool designed specifically for business owners to identify their unique strengths and lead accordingly. If you’ve ever felt stuck or overwhelmed trying to “do it all,” this episode will set you free. 🔗 Check out the Apex Profile at ApexProfile.com🎁Plus—listen in to catch an exclusive discount code for GOTT Podcast listeners!

In this episode, Chuck Blakeman welcomes back business strategist and wellness educator Vanessa Emerson, founder of The Evolving Expert. Together, they explore why most business plans fail—and how a simple, dynamic two-page strategic plan can transform the way you run your business. Vanessa and Chuck share how this living document keeps you focused on what truly moves your business forward—helping you move past the tyranny of the urgent and toward long-term significance. 🎧 You’ll discover: ✅ The difference between a static business plan and a rolling strategic plan ✅ Why the best strategic plan impacts what you do today ✅ How to separate tasks that change your business forever from those that just keep it running ✅ The importance of revisiting your plan daily or weekly ✅ Real-life stories of entrepreneurs who used this process to double revenue and reclaim their time 💡 “If your strategic plan doesn’t impact your daily actions, it’s just shelf help.” ----more---- 📍 Connect with Vanessa Emerson: Website: theevolvingexpert.com Email: info@vanessaemerson.com 👉 Missed Vanessa’s first guest episode about life vision and the big why? Listen here → Episode 16

In this special solo episode, Chuck Blakeman explores why moments of tension, discomfort, and even chaos are not something to run from—but the very moments that spark our deepest growth. Drawing from music, Chuck illustrates how rhythm, melody, harmony, dissonance, and discord mirror our personal and business lives—and why leaning into what feels uncomfortable can lead us to new breakthroughs and richer, more meaningful experiences. 🎧 You’ll hear: ✅ Why we don’t grow in our flow—we produce there✅ How dissonance and discord act as invitations to transformation✅ The difference between reacting to life vs. responding with intention✅ What it means to find freedom within your circumstances—not from them✅ How music teaches us to embrace life’s off-notes as part of a bigger harmony 💡 “Circumstances don’t make me who I am. How I respond to them does.”

In this energizing roundtable, Chuck Blakeman, John Heenan, and Henry McCrory explore the powerful link between daily routines and long-term success—not just in business, but in life. From morning habits and mindset shifts to setting your priorities with intention, this episode offers practical takeaways for entrepreneurs who want more than just productivity… they want significance. 🎯 You’ll discover: ✅ The simple principles behind building a meaningful daily routine✅ Why your inputs—books, people, and environment—shape your future✅ How to lead yourself first before leading your business✅ Why getting grounded daily helps overcome the tyranny of the urgent✅ Tools like vision boards, gratitude, and breathing that actually work 💡 “What you do daily reflects what you truly value—whether you admit it or not.” — Recorded on the road in Spain. Chuck shares fresh insights while traveling to a live event—proof that business (and breakthroughs) don’t wait for perfect timing.

Is “work-life balance” even real—or just a leftover idea from the factory era? In this candid and energizing conversation, Chuck Blakeman, John Heenan, and Henry McCrory unpack what it really means to live an integrated life—where work and personal priorities aren’t constantly at war, but intentionally woven together. Together, they challenge the outdated notion of balance and offer a refreshing perspective on how to build a business and life around purpose, not pressure. 🎧 You’ll hear: ✅ Why traditional “balance” creates rigidity, not freedom✅ How integration gives you more control over your time and energy✅ The one question that helps you focus on what truly matters✅ Why managing tasks isn’t the same as leading your life✅ How to schedule your days around values—not just obligations 💡 “What will I be glad I did today—10 years from now?” — Recorded on the road in Spain. Chuck shares fresh insights while traveling to a live event—proof that business (and breakthroughs) don’t wait for ideal conditions.

What if your company’s culture is running on an outdated operating system—and no one even realizes it? In this insightful conversation, Chuck Blakeman welcomes back Josh Allan Dykstra, CEO of The Work Revolution and one of today’s most respected thought leaders on the future of work and human energy. Together, they explore the idea that company culture functions like an operating system—often invisible, but massively influential. Josh challenges us to move beyond default behaviors and start designing intentional, energizing systems that empower people to thrive—while freeing business owners from the daily grind. 🎧 You’ll discover: ✅ Why most company cultures happen by accident (and how to fix that)✅ How to spot outdated “factory system” beliefs running in the background✅ The power of creating a shared “Culture Book” to make values tangible✅ How input equals ownership—and leads to lasting buy-in✅ Why working on your system frees you from working in the chaos “People only support what they help create. If you want your team to own the culture, they need a voice in building it.” — Josh Allan Dykstra If you’re ready to stop running on autopilot and build a more intentional, human, and high-energy workplace—this episode is your blueprint. Missed Josh's first appearance on the show? Check it out here: Episode 14: Human Energy in the Workplace 🔗 Connect with Josh and request a copy of his Culture Book: joshallan.com 📺 Watch Josh’s TED Talk for more on energy-based leadership systems

Are you spending more and getting less from your marketing? It might be time to ditch the noise and go where the gold is. In this solo episode, Chuck Blakeman breaks down the Four Quadrants of Marketing—from high-cost advertising to the underused strategy that consistently delivers results for small business owners: Relationship Marketing. Whether you’re overwhelmed by ad budgets, tired of cold outreach, or just want to build a more human business, this episode gives you the clarity to choose the right marketing strategy for your size, stage, and values. 🎯 You’ll discover: ✅ Why small businesses struggle with Quadrant 1 (and why that’s okay)✅ The difference between shotgun marketing and laser-focused direct outreach✅ Real-world examples of how PR can drive big results with small budgets✅ Why Relationship Marketing is the #1 growth strategy for small businesses✅ Chuck’s personal favorite metric: “The closer you are to a hug, the more likely you are to sell something.” 💡 “In a small business, you don’t ‘have to’ build relationships—you ‘get to.’” If you want more leads, less pressure, and better long-term ROI, this episode is your blueprint.

In this episode of Get Off the Treadmill, Chuck Blakeman sits down with Lynn Whitbeck, the queen of joyful sales, to explore how shifting your mindset from “selling” to “serving” can transform your business—and your happiness. Lynn shares how worthy intent, authenticity, and a simple sales plan can make sales not only effective, but fulfilling. If you’ve ever said “I hate selling,” this episode is for you. 🎙️ You’ll discover: ✅ Why “worthy intent” creates genuine client connection✅ The power of showing up authentically (no scripts, no sleaze)✅ How to build a sales strategy that feels natural—and scalable✅ What to do when a prospect isn’t a good fit (hint: it’s still a win)✅ How joy in the process leads to better clients and longer relationships 💡 “When you lead with service, joy follows—and so do your ideal clients.” ----more---- 👤 About Lynn Whitbeck:Lynn Whitbeck is the Queen of Joyful Sales. Business owners and entrepreneurs hire Lynn to ignite winning sales—because most fail to connect, capture, and close their ideal clients. She is the Founder and CEO of Petite2Queen, and host of Claim Your Career Crown and the Get More Clients Show streaming on Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV. Lynn loves visiting national parks, cooking, and playing Pokémon Go. 📌 Connect with Lynn & Explore More: 🔹 Website: https://petite2queen.com 🔹 Facebook: @petite2queen 🔹 Instagram: @petite2queen 🔹 YouTube: Petite2Queen Channel 🔹 Get More Clients TV Show: Watch Here 🔹 LinkedIn: Lynn Whitbeck 🔹 Grow Your Business Masterclass 🔹 Fortune 500 Sales Secrets eBook 🔹 Get More Clients Checklist

In this solo episode, Chuck Blakeman tackles a question most business owners never stop to ask:Why are we still selling to strangers—and what if we didn’t have to? Drawing from his decades of entrepreneurial experience, Chuck breaks down the outdated, industrial-age mindset that still drives most sales strategies today—and introduces a far better alternative. The episode explores how building trust and connection before the sale can eliminate the awkwardness, pressure, and inefficiency of chasing cold leads. 🎙️ You’ll discover: ✅ Why “the closer you are to a hug, the more likely you are to sell”✅ How to build a steady stream of warm prospects (without cold calls)✅ The second and third degree of separation strategy to unlock your network✅ Why relationship-based selling beats transactions—every time✅ A mindset shift that makes business more human (and more fun) 💬 “It’s not about selling harder. It’s about connecting deeper.” If you’re tired of chasing cold leads, awkward closes, and old-school sales tactics—this episode will show you how to grow through trust, not transactions.

In this powerful follow-up conversation, Chuck Blakeman sits down once again with Allison Harvey—founder of Benediction Counseling—and business advisor Mark Bellestri to explore what it really takes to get your business finances right-side up. Allison shares candidly about a time when she was on the brink: maxed out loans, dipping into personal savings, and carrying the emotional weight of protecting her team. With help from outside eyes and a strategic shift in mindset, she rebuilt her business on a foundation of clarity, accountability, and sustainable growth. 🎙️ You’ll discover: ✅ What to do when your business is bleeding cash✅ The “3 or 4 major levers” that affect profitability✅ How mindset shifts around money and leadership changed everything✅ Why knowing your break-even number is a game-changer✅ How moving from “employer” to “stakeholder” culture helped her team thrive 💡 “Profit isn’t greedy—it’s what makes the risk of ownership sustainable.”