Get Off The Treadmill - Audio Podcast

Episode #33: How To Set An Appointment with a Potential Customer

In this solo episode, Chuck Blakeman dives into what he calls a counter-logical approach to filling your appointment calendar—one that starts with how you lead, not how you sell. He unpacks why most sales processes break down before the pitch even starts and shows you how to create a steady stream of potential clients using the Proximity Principle (aka the Hug Principle).

Chuck revisits the Four Walking-In Commitments and the Four Buying Questions, then breaks down the four types of marketing quadrants—explaining why relationship marketing gives small business owners an “unfair advantage.” You’ll learn a practical, proven system to schedule appointments with ease and confidence, helping you stand out as a leader, not just another salesperson.

If you're tired of chasing leads and want a strategy that actually fills your calendar, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Why being a leader starts with how you schedule appointments
✅ The "Proximity Principle" and why it works
✅ A two-step appointment-setting system that increases responses
✅ The surprising quadrant where most small business owners should focus their energy
✅ How to use polite persistence with multiple mediums (text, email, call) without being pushy

📌 Listen now and learn how to make your sales process work before the sales conversation even begins.

Episode #34: How to Build Trust and Grow Your Business with Liz Daeninck

In this episode of Get Off the Treadmill, Chuck Blakeman welcomes back Liz Daeninck, Founder of Valentis Wellness, to explore the simple—but powerful—principle that drives sustainable business growth: consistency.

Chuck and Liz break down why doing what you say you’ll do isn’t just good ethics—it’s the ultimate marketing tool. They explain how consistency builds trust, why it’s cheaper and smarter to keep a client than chase new ones, and how a simple, structured plan can lead to higher referrals and better client relationships.

Whether you’re in wellness, business coaching, or selling chairs, the truth is universal: clients refer those they trust—and trust starts with consistency.

Episode #35: How to Never Ask for a Referral Again

In this solo episode, Chuck Blakeman dives into a game-changing mindset shift for small business owners: how to get more referrals without ever asking for them—at least not in the way you've been taught.

Chuck introduces a powerful, proven question that flips the referral process on its head. Instead of centering yourself, you'll learn how to engage clients by focusing on how they can help their friends. He unpacks the psychology behind why traditional referral requests often fail and shows you how this one simple, intentional question can lead to stronger client trust and more business.

Plus, Chuck breaks down the four best moments to “not ask” for a referral—including one that might surprise you: when you’ve messed up.

If you’re tired of awkwardly asking for referrals or feeling salesy, this episode is your blueprint for authentic growth through real relationships.

🧠 Key Takeaway: “Do you know one other person who might benefit from the experience you’re having?”

Episode #36: Getting Your Numbers Right-Side Up with Allison Harvey

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.”

Episode #37: Why Do We Sell to Strangers?

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.

Episode #38: Making Sales Joyful with Lynn Whitbeck

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.”

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Episode #39: The Four Quadrants of Marketing

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.

Episode #40: What It Means to Work with a Revolutionized Operating System with Josh Allan Dykstra

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