Alright, buckle up! I sat down with Markus Gerszi on The RBL Media Podcast to unpack what it takes to build a thriving business—specifically, a CrossFit affiliate (but trust me, the lessons apply to any business). If you’re tired of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just want some actionable steps that won’t put you to sleep, keep reading.

Here are 5 golden nuggets that’ll help you stop spinning your wheels and actually start driving your business forward:

1. It’s Not About the Service, It’s About the Experience

Let’s face it: your clients can get fitness (or any service) anywhere. What sets you apart? The experience. Markus reminds us that to stand out, you have to think beyond the service and create an unforgettable experience. Whether that’s a killer welcome email, an atmosphere that feels like a second home, or a team that greets your clients with high-fives, it all matters.

Actionable Tip: Do a “customer journey audit.” How does someone feel from the second they land on your website to the moment they sign off for the day? If you wouldn’t want to experience it, change it. (Pro tip: People LOVE a good surprise, like sending them a fun follow-up after they book a call. Just sayin’.)

2. Sales, Marketing, Operations—Get Your House in Order

You can have the best service in the world, but if your sales process is a hot mess, good luck. Markus is all about refining the key areas—sales, marketing, and operations. Once those are humming along like a well-oiled machine, you can start scaling your business like a pro.

Actionable Tip: Take a deep breath and review your sales funnel like you're your most annoying customer. Is your sales process smoother than your last Zoom meeting? (Side note: if it's not smooth, maybe ditch that 15-step sign-up process.)

3. Your Mindset Is Your Superpower

Mindset matters. Markus talks about how shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset can change everything. If you’re stuck in “this is how we’ve always done it,” it’s time to let go of that comfy, but dangerous, thinking. Growth is messy, but it’s SO worth it.

Actionable Tip: Next time you hit a wall, ask yourself: "What can I learn from this?" Treat every setback like a tiny plot twist in your own business adventure. 

4. Create a Culture That Makes People Actually Want to Show Up

No one wants to work (or train) in a place that feels like a corporate dungeon. Markus’ secret? Build a fun, engaging culture. If your business isn’t exciting to be part of, don’t be surprised if your team and clients start making excuses to bail.

Actionable Tip: Do a “vibe check” on your business. If your team and clients aren’t excited to be there, what would it take to turn things around? Maybe some inside jokes, a monthly “random act of kindness,” or just offering your team the chance to have fun (yes, fun at work!).

5. Consistency = Results (So Stop Chasing the Shiny Object)

Yes, it’s fun to get distracted by the latest business trend, but at the end of the day, what matters is consistent execution. No fancy tricks—just good old-fashioned consistency. Markus swears by operational consistency, and I’m here for it.

Actionable Tip: Pick one thing you can do every single day (no excuses). Whether it's showing up on social media, replying to customer emails, or tracking your metrics, make it your “non-negotiable.” Stick to it like it’s your favorite Netflix show—binge-worthy results will follow.

So, what are you waiting for? It's time to stop making excuses and start putting these insights into action. Whether you’re running a gym, an agency, or just trying to stay afloat, these strategies will help you thrive.

🎧 Listen to the full episode and get even more actionable tips that will change the way you think about your business. Then, let me know which tip you’re implementing first!

Drop a comment below and let’s get the conversation started. 🚀