Small Business Pivots

Michael Morrison
  • 5.0 (7)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Tired of fluff-filled business advice? Small Business Pivots delivers raw, honest conversations with entrepreneurs, content creators, and industry experts who’ve made bold pivots to grow—whether to six figures, seven, or simply the next stage of success. Hosted by nationally recognized small business coach and BOSS founder Michael Morrison, this show shares the unfiltered stories, mindset shifts, and behind-the-scenes strategies that help real business owners overcome burnout, build momentum, and grow a business that works—without working themselves into the ground. With over 100 episodes, Small Business Pivots is a trusted resource for small business owners who are serious about growth. From the early struggles to the key turning points, you’ll walk away with practical tools, honest encouragement, and actionable insight every week. 🎯 Sample episodes dive into: • Small business marketing and content creation • Building referral networks and strategic partnerships • Mindset, burnout, and decision-making as a founder • Time management, leadership, SOPs, hiring, and team culture  • Systemization, SOPs, and franchising • Social media, branding, automation, and scaling strategies Whether you're aiming for your first six figures or scaling beyond seven, this podcast gives you the real-world insight, inspiration, and community you need to take your next big step. Subscribe now—and start making the pivots that move your business forward. Want to visit with our host, Michael Morrison, about business coaching services for your small business? Go here: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/consultation

  1. 9H AGO

    Stuck Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck? This Simple Shift Changes Everything | Daman Grewal

    Financial Freedom Is a Choice: Breaking Your Money Limits with Daman Grewal Most people are raised to believe the same story:  Go to school, get a “safe” job, stick it out for 20–30 years, and hope the 401(k) or pension takes care of you. Daman Grewal grew up in a single-parent home, faced judgment, bias, and money stress—and still discovered something different: financial freedom is a choice, not a lottery ticket. Today, Daman runs LogisticSales.com, a free education platform that shows everyday people how to build financial freedom through logistics sales—without a fancy degree, a huge bank account, or moving to a big city. In this conversation with host Michael D. Morrison, you’ll hear a real, grounded breakdown of: Why so many people feel trapped by their job, salary, or benefitsHow our upbringing, environment, and “lid” thinking quietly cap what we believe is possibleThe difference between chasing shiny objects vs. building real skills that the market valuesHow entrepreneurship and sales can be an act of service, not pressure or manipulationSimple, practical first steps if you feel stuck financially and don’t know where to startDaman shares stories from his own journey—leaving traditional employment, starting multiple businesses, and realizing that who you partner with (in life and business) can either keep you stuck or push you to grow. You’ll also hear: Why so many people stay in jobs they dislike because of benefits and retirement plansHow to think about “owning 10% of a watermelon vs. 100% of a grape” in businessA healthier way to view wealth, sales, and success that’s rooted in contribution, not greedHow to use simple tools (like Google Maps!) to spot real opportunities in your own backyardWhy community, mentorship, and service-first selling matter more than slick tacticsIf you’ve ever thought:  “There has to be more than this paycheck… but I don’t know what else I can do,” this episode will give you perspective, hope, and concrete next steps. In This Episode, You’ll Learn How Daman went from a one-parent household and repeated job frustration to entrepreneurshipWhy so many people live paycheck-to-paycheck in “a great economy”—and what to do about itHow your environment, music, media, and friends quietly shape your money ceilingA simple framework to start expanding your “lid” and dreaming bigger againWhy sales is really about service and solutions, not scripts and pressurePractical ways to create win-win opportunities with business owners in your communityHow to use introspection and worksheets (like those on LogisticSales.com) to uncover your strengthsThe power of starting small, taking one courageous step, and letting momentum buildSupport the show 1. Want more resources to grow your business faster? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/ 2. Want to connect with our Host, Founder & CEO on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ 3. Want professional business coaching with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com 4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultation FOLLOW US ON: - WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/ -WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/ -LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ -YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified

    52 min

  2. FEB 25

    From NFL to CEO: How Rick Elmore Built Simply Noted with Systems, CRM, and Handwritten Notes

    In this episode of Small Business Pivots, host Michael D. Morrison sits down with former NFL linebacker and now founder & CEO of Simply Noted, Rick Elmore. Rick went from growing up in a lower-middle-class family, to leading the Pac-10 in sacks, to a short NFL career, to top-1% medical sales rep…and then pivoted again into building a software, automation, and robotics company that sends genuine handwritten notes at scale.  Rick shares how a throwaway comment in an MBA marketing class about handwritten notes getting sky-high open rates sparked the idea for Simply Noted, and how he validated the concept by sending 500 letters that produced nearly six figures in additional sales in just a few weeks. Industry data backs him up: personalized handwritten mail is reported to reach open rates as high as 90–99%, dramatically outperforming typical email campaigns.  From there, Rick walks through the unglamorous middle: eight years of grinding, building custom handwriting robots, securing patents, hiring and training a lean team, and learning to run a data-driven business using CRMs, automations, and—more recently—AI agents that now work 24/7 on his laptop.  If you’ve ever compared yourself to other founders, battled imposter syndrome, or wondered why your business still hasn’t passed that elusive million-dollar mark (less than ~10% of small businesses ever do), this conversation will feel like oxygen.  You’ll hear: How Rick turned grief, sports, and “chip-on-the-shoulder” energy into fuel to keep going in businessWhat really happens after the NFL and why his first “real money” came from corporate sales, not footballThe exact experiment that proved handwritten notes could outperform every other sales activity he triedWhy a CRM is non-negotiable if you want to grow, and how to start using automations even as a small teamHow he used 14 “phase zero” proposals to de-risk a huge engineering investment and avoid emotional decisionsThe mental game of entrepreneurship: imposter syndrome, comparison, and choosing not to quitHow Rick uses AI agents today to take repetitive work off his plate—and what that means for small business owners in the next 3–5 yearsWhether you’re in Oklahoma City or halfway across the world, if you’re a small business owner stuck working in your business instead of on it, this episode will help you rethink systems, leverage technology, and rediscover your “why” so you can keep climbing your own mountain. Support the show 1. Want more resources to grow your business faster? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/ 2. Want to connect with our Host, Founder & CEO on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ 3. Want professional business coaching with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com 4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultation FOLLOW US ON: - WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/ -WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/ -LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ -YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified

    42 min

  3. FEB 18

    Are You the Bottleneck in Your Own Business? (with Business Coach Marshall Stern)

    In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael sits down with fellow small business coach and long-time business owner Marshall Stern — host of THE STERN TRUTH: Business Unfiltered — to talk about the real reasons owners stay stuck, even after buying all the courses and programs. With 35+ years of owning businesses (including a 29-year sign & graphics company) and 14 years coaching, Marshall has seen the same pattern over and over: the owner is the bottleneck. Not because they’re lazy — but because of mindset, isolation, and trying to do everything alone. Together, you and Marshall unpack: Why so many “10x” courses and $10K–$20K programs don’t change anythingThe difference between growing a business and scaling one — and why the words matterHow business owners get trapped doing 80% admin and 20% revenue-generating workWhy it’s easier to hide in systems, emails, and estimates than to sell and leadWhat actually makes a good business coach (vs a consultant with a binder and a blueprint)Why you can’t outsource the hard work to a program — and what a real coach does insteadHow generational shifts and post-pandemic realities are changing how we must lead teamsWhy your mindset and leadership habits will cap your growth long before your tactics doYou’ll also hear: Marshall’s honest take on frameworks like the E-Myth and EOS — when they help and when they overwhelmSimple ways to start building systems without disappearing into them for monthsWhy documenting your sales process and follow-up is one of the first systems every owner needsA clear, real-world explanation of business coach vs consultant so you know who you actually needHow to interview a coach, what red flags to watch for, and why “as seen on…” logos aren’t enoughIf you’ve ever thought, “I’ve spent so much on programs and I’m still stuck,”  or  “I don’t have time for one more ‘thing’ on my plate,”this conversation will help you see where the true bottleneck is — and why nothing around you changes until you do. Support the show 1. Want more resources to grow your business faster? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/ 2. Want to connect with our Host, Founder & CEO on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ 3. Want professional business coaching with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com 4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultation FOLLOW US ON: - WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/ -WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/ -LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ -YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified

    49 min

  4. FEB 11

    DISC Personality Styles, Vulnerability & Getting Unstuck in Business | Mendy Turk

    Many business owners feel stuck—but rarely talk about why. In this episode of Small Business Pivots, host Michael D. Morrison sits down with Mendy Turk, owner of Three Arrows Coaching & Consulting Group, for an honest conversation about leadership vulnerability, imposter syndrome, and how understanding DISC personality styles can radically improve communication, decision-making, and team performance. Mendy works with established business owners and leaders—often 7+ years into business—who’ve survived the highs and lows but still feel unsure about their next move. Together, Michael and Mendy unpack why asking for help feels so hard, why most leaders feel like they’re “supposed to have it all figured out,” and how DISC reveals the hidden motivators, fears, and stress responses driving behavior at work. This episode goes beyond theory. You’ll hear real examples of:  – How DISC shows up under stress  – Why indecision is still a decision  – How leadership communication breaks down (and how to fix it)  – Why self-care isn’t optional for business owners  – How vulnerability actually builds trust with teams If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure how to lead people with different personalities—this conversation will hit home. What is DISC in business? DISC is a behavioral assessment that helps leaders understand communication styles, motivation, stress responses, and decision-making tendencies. Why is DISC important for leadership? DISC helps leaders adapt communication, reduce conflict, improve trust, and lead teams more effectively—especially under stress. How does DISC help business owners? It increases self-awareness, improves hiring decisions, strengthens team communication, and reduces leadership burnout. What are the four DISC personality types? Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C). Support the show 1. Want more resources to grow your business faster? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/ 2. Want to connect with our Host, Founder & CEO on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ 3. Want professional business coaching with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com 4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultation FOLLOW US ON: - WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/ -WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/ -LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ -YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified

    40 min

  5. FEB 4

    How to Get Business Traction with EOS — Leadership, Accountability & Execution with Chris Hallberg

    In this episode of Small Business Pivots, host Michael D. Morrison sits down with Chris Hallberg, known as The Business Sergeant, to break down what actually creates traction inside a business. Chris brings nearly a decade of military and paramilitary leadership experience into the business world, helping owners replace chaos with clarity using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). As an expert EOS Implementer and creator of the GoExpand platform, Chris works with organizations ranging from growing small businesses to companies doing $10M–$1B+ in revenue. This conversation dives deep into: Why businesses get stuck—even when revenue is growingThe six key components every business must strengthen to scaleHow clarity eliminates the wrong people (without firing them)Why accountability fails when vision isn’t fully sharedHow EOS creates traction in 90-day cyclesThe leadership mindset required to build a healthy, aligned companyIf you’re a business owner struggling with lack of clarity, people problems, or stalled growth, this episode delivers a practical framework you can apply immediately—without fluff or hype. Chris Hallberg is an expert EOS Implementer, leadership coach, and founder of The Business Sergeant. With a background in military and paramilitary leadership, Chris helps business owners replace chaos with clarity through disciplined execution, accountability, and alignment. He is the author of The Business Sergeant’s Field Manual and creator of the GoExpand business operating system platform. Connect with Chris Hallberg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hallberg-01516315/Website: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/chris-hallberg/Email: chris.hallberg@eosworldwide.com Support the show 1. Want more resources to grow your business faster? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/ 2. Want to connect with our Host, Founder & CEO on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ 3. Want professional business coaching with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com 4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultation FOLLOW US ON: - WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/ -WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/ -LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ -YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified

    41 min

  6. JAN 28

    Storytelling for Business Growth — The 5-Part Framework That Makes Sales Grow | Bill Blankschaen

    Business owners don’t need a “perfect” story—just a structured one. Bill Blankschaen (StoryBuilders) shares a 5-part storytelling framework to make any message matter, build credibility, and turn your story into impact, influence, and income.  If you’ve ever thought “my story isn’t that interesting”—this episode will change how you see your experiences (and how you use them to grow your business). Michael D. Morrison sits down with Bill Blankschaen, founder and Chief StoryArchitect of StoryBuilders, a team that helps entrepreneurs and thought leaders turn their ideas into brand stories, books, and learning experiences that increase impact, influence, and income.  Bill breaks down a simple, proven storytelling model you can use immediately—whether you’re: selling a servicepitching an idealeading your teamspeaking on stageor just trying to explain what you do in a way people actually rememberIn this conversation, you’ll learn: Why most business owners undervalue their story (Bill calls it the “normalcy trap”)How to make your story impactful without exaggerating or getting “too dramatic”The 5-part framework that makes any message matter: Attention → Tension → Connection → Solution → ActionHow to identify your core audience so your message lands with the right peopleThe real value of a book as a credibility and business-building tool—and why a book should be as long as it needs to be (no magic number)What it typically takes to publish a book (and why “30-day AI books” can backfire long-term)Bill also shares the concept of a “story ecosystem”—how your message can evolve from a brand story into a book and then into IP (courses, workshops, coaching, and more). Support the show 1. Want more resources to grow your business faster? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/ 2. Want to connect with our Host, Founder & CEO on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ 3. Want professional business coaching with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com 4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultation FOLLOW US ON: - WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/ -WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/ -LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ -YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified

    44 min

  7. JAN 21

    Sales Uprising: How to Sell Without Feeling Pushy or Gross With Katie Nelson

    Welcome back to Small Business Pivots, the podcast created for small business owners who want real conversations, real lessons, and real growth. In this episode, host Michael Morrison sits down with Katie Nelson, CEO of Sales Uprising and a serial entrepreneur on her third business journey. Katie is on a mission to help business owners stop hating sales — and start seeing it for what it really is: a human conversation that fuels business growth. Together, Michael and Katie dive deep into: Why sales feels “icky” for so many business owners — and how to change that mindsetThe real difference between sales vs. marketing (and why confusing the two hurts growth)Why sales is the most human function in any businessHow to simplify funnels, pipelines, and CRMs without overcomplicating themWhy your clients already have the answers to your best messagingHow to build a simple sales process that actually worksWhen to keep things simple — and when systems matterWhy pivots aren’t failures, but necessary iterations for long-term successKatie also shares powerful insights from her early days in sales, lessons learned from growing businesses to multi-million-dollar run rates, and practical advice for business owners who want to work on their business — not just in it. If you’re a small business owner who struggles with sales, avoids it altogether, or wants a simpler, more authentic approach — this episode will change how you think about selling. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who needs to hear it. Timestamps (Short)00:00 — Meet Katie Nelson & Sales Uprising 02:20 — Why sales feels “icky” for business owners 06:45 — Katie’s first sales job at 15 (and what it taught her) 12:10 — Why sales hasn’t really changed over time 16:40 — Sales vs. marketing: the real difference 23:05 — Why sales should come before branding 29:30 — Asking clients for messaging (the golden nugget) 35:20 — Simplifying funnels, pipelines & CRMs 43:10 — How many sales stages do you really need? 49:55 — Working on your business vs in it 56:30 — Pivots, iterations & long-term growth 01:02:15 — Sales playbooks, scripts & keeping it human 01:09:40 — Best beginner sales books 01:13:30 — Final mindset takeaway for entrepreneurs Support the show 1. Want more resources to grow your business faster? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/ 2. Want to connect with our Host, Founder & CEO on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ 3. Want professional business coaching with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com 4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultation FOLLOW US ON: - WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/ -WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/ -LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ -YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified

    45 min

  8. JAN 14

    Fortune 100 Secrets: Why Small Business Owners Fail (and how not to) With Stacey Bullman

    Are you running your business on gut instinct instead of data? In this episode of Small Business Pivots, host Michael D. Morrison sits down with Stacey Bullman, Founder & CEO of I’m Not Mad At You Consulting, to break down how small business owners can apply Fortune 100 systems, financial discipline, and decision-making frameworks without becoming corporate or losing agility. With over 25 years inside Fortune 100 companies, Stacey brings real-world insight into why most small businesses struggle with forecasting, cash flow clarity, delegation, and scalable systems — and how CEOs can fix it fast. You’ll hear why:  • Math and financial acuity drive every successful decision  • Systems beat hustle every time  • Small business owners avoid asking for help — and why that hurts growth  • CEOs must stop wearing every hat to scale  • Discipline, delegation, and belief separate growth companies from stalled ones Stacey also draws powerful parallels between marathon training and business leadership, showing how discipline, consistency, and coaching apply to both. If you’re a small business owner who feels overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to scale — this conversation will change how you think about your business. About the Guest: Stacey Bullman is the Founder & CEO of I’m Not Mad At You Consulting, a leadership and business consulting firm helping CEOs and leadership teams improve decision-making, financial clarity, and operational discipline.   Timestamps (Short)  00:00 — Meet Stacey Bullman & her consulting background 03:40 — From elite athlete to Fortune 100 executive 07:55 — Why marathon discipline mirrors business leadership 12:20 — The real difference between corporate & small business systems 18:10 — Why most small businesses don’t use math to make decisions 24:35 — Forecasting, inputs vs outputs, and financial discipline 31:50 — The 5 PL line items every CEO must understand 38:45 — Delegation, discipline, and why owners wear too many hats 45:30 — Why successful leaders always have coaches 52:10 — Why business owners avoid asking for help 59:00 — Belief, mindset, and the final takeaway for every CEO Support the show 1. Want more resources to grow your business faster? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/ 2. Want to connect with our Host, Founder & CEO on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ 3. Want professional business coaching with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com 4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultation FOLLOW US ON: - WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/ -WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/ -LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ -YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified

    44 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Tired of fluff-filled business advice? Small Business Pivots delivers raw, honest conversations with entrepreneurs, content creators, and industry experts who’ve made bold pivots to grow—whether to six figures, seven, or simply the next stage of success. Hosted by nationally recognized small business coach and BOSS founder Michael Morrison, this show shares the unfiltered stories, mindset shifts, and behind-the-scenes strategies that help real business owners overcome burnout, build momentum, and grow a business that works—without working themselves into the ground. With over 100 episodes, Small Business Pivots is a trusted resource for small business owners who are serious about growth. From the early struggles to the key turning points, you’ll walk away with practical tools, honest encouragement, and actionable insight every week. 🎯 Sample episodes dive into: • Small business marketing and content creation • Building referral networks and strategic partnerships • Mindset, burnout, and decision-making as a founder • Time management, leadership, SOPs, hiring, and team culture  • Systemization, SOPs, and franchising • Social media, branding, automation, and scaling strategies Whether you're aiming for your first six figures or scaling beyond seven, this podcast gives you the real-world insight, inspiration, and community you need to take your next big step. Subscribe now—and start making the pivots that move your business forward. Want to visit with our host, Michael Morrison, about business coaching services for your small business? Go here: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/consultation

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Morrison
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    134
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Small Business Pivots
  • Show Website
    Small Business Pivots