Small Business Pivots

Michael D. Morrison
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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Stuck in your business and not sure what's next? Small Business Pivots delivers honest, real-world conversations with entrepreneurs and business owners who've made bold moves to grow, adapt, and build something that lasts. Hosted by nationally recognized business coach and keynote speaker Michael D. Morrison, each episode goes beyond the highlight reel. Guests share the real turning points, hard lessons, and strategies that actually moved the needle, whether they were chasing six figures or scaling past seven. With 140+ episodes and ranked in the top 10% of podcasts globally, Small Business Pivots drops every Wednesday, giving small business owners a trusted weekly resource to help them grow. Each week you'll hear real conversations about: Small business marketing, branding, and social mediaSales strategies, referral networks, and building partnershipsLeadership, hiring, team culture, and systemsMindset, burnout, and decision-making as a founderScaling, SOPs, automation, and building a sellable business If you're a small business owner who's done guessing and ready to grow, this is your show. Subscribe and join thousands of business owners making pivots that actually matter. Ready to work with Michael D. Morrison?  Visit: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/consultation

  1. 6D AGO

    If You Want a Better Business, Become a Better Owner | John Nieuwenburg

    If your business feels stuck… it’s not the business. It’s the owner. In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael sits down with John Nieuwenburg of W5 Coaching to unpack a truth most business owners avoid: Business problems are personal problems in disguise From leadership mindset to delegation, cash flow to hiring, John shares what actually holds business owners back—and how to break through it. This conversation dives deep into:  Why mindset is the foundation of business growth  How to reclaim your time as a business owner  The real reason you “can’t afford” to hire  Why most businesses struggle with cash flow (even when profitable)  How culture—not skill—determines success  The systems required to scale without chaos If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or like your business is running you… This episode will challenge how you think—and how you lead. Key Takeaways:  Why “all business coaching is personal coaching”  The formula for real change (and why most stay stuck)  How to get 5–7 hours back every week through delegation  The mindset shift from operator → owner  Why culture drives performance more than talent  How systems reduce chaos as your business grows  Why your “burning bush” problem must be solved first This Episode Is For:  Business owners working too many hours  Entrepreneurs stuck doing everything themselves  Leaders struggling with hiring or team culture  Owners who feel profitable… but have no cash Support the show 1. Want professional business coaching with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com 2. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/consultation Connect and follow the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison to learn how to grow a successful business : - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDMorrisonOKC - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeldmorrisonokc/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc Email the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison: Michael@MichaelDMorrison.com

    44 min

  2. MAY 6

    Hire Better People Faster: The Systems Every Small Business Needs | Ryan Englin

    If your business feels stuck… It’s probably not a sales problem. It’s a people problem. In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael sits down with Ryan Englin, CEO of Core Matters and author of Hire Better People Faster, to break down why most small business owners struggle with hiring, retention, and team performance. Ryan shares the truth most entrepreneurs learn the hard way: - More revenue doesn’t fix broken teams  - Hiring without systems creates chaos  - Culture isn’t accidental — it’s built intentionally If you’ve ever felt like:  You’re constantly putting out fires  Your team doesn’t care like you do  You can’t find or keep “A players” This episode will shift how you think about building a business that actually runs. Key Takeaways:  When you’re truly ready to hire your first employee  Why culture fit matters more than skill fit  How to attract great employees without competing on pay  The real reason employees disengage (and leave)  Why onboarding starts before day one  How to fix team performance without constant stress  The CoreFit Blueprint for building scalable people systems A Must-Listen For:  Small business owners hiring their first team  Entrepreneurs stuck managing people instead of growing  Owners tired of turnover, burnout, and chaos  Anyone wanting a business that runs without them Small Business Pivots is a globally ranked Top 10% podcast (ListenNotes) helping business owners get unstuck and grow through real conversations with entrepreneurs.  Support the show 1. Want professional business coaching with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com 2. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/consultation Connect and follow the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison to learn how to grow a successful business : - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDMorrisonOKC - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeldmorrisonokc/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc Email the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison: Michael@MichaelDMorrison.com

    48 min

  3. APR 29

    How to Scale a Business Faster with Systems (Stop Relying on People) | John Ravaris

    If your business feels stuck, inconsistent, or overly dependent on you… this episode will change how you think about growth. In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael sits down with John Ravaris, founder of UVP Solutions, to break down what it actually takes to build a scalable business using systems, not people. They dive deep into business growth strategy, why most companies struggle to scale, and how aligning sales and marketing can unlock consistent revenue. If you’ve ever wondered why your business isn’t growing the way it should… or why your sales team isn’t performing… this episode gives you the clarity you’ve been missing. What You’ll Learn:  Why most businesses fail to scale (and how to fix it)  How to build a scalable business system What a unique value proposition (UVP) really is—and why it matters  How to align sales and marketing for consistent growth  When NOT to hire a salesperson  The role of systems in predictable revenue Key Takeaway: Growth doesn’t come from doing more.  It comes from building systems that allow your business to grow without you. About the Guest: John Ravaris is the founder of UVP Solutions, where he helps businesses define their unique value proposition, align their teams, and scale with clarity and structure. Frequently Asked Questions Why do businesses struggle to scale? Because they rely on individuals instead of systems and lack clear differentiation in the market. What is a unique value proposition? A unique value proposition clearly explains how your business solves problems better and differently than competitors. How do you align sales and marketing? By creating shared messaging, clear positioning, and systems that support both teams working toward the same goals. Should I hire a salesperson early? Not until you have clear messaging, defined systems, and a proven sales process in place. Support the show 1. Want professional business coaching with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com 2. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/consultation Connect and follow the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison to learn how to grow a successful business : - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDMorrisonOKC - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeldmorrisonokc/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc Email the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison: Michael@MichaelDMorrison.com

    39 min

  4. APR 22

    How to Start a Business the RIGHT Way (Validate, Fund, Pitch & Grow) | Mary Scott

    If you’re thinking about starting a business—or struggling to grow one—this episode will challenge everything you think you know about getting started. In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael D. Morrison sits down with Mary Scott, founder of Pitch STL and longtime startup advisor, to break down what actually works in the early stages of business. From validating your idea before spending money… to building a clear pitch… to finding funding and customers… this conversation is packed with real-world advice most business owners never hear. Mary shares why most startups fail before they even begin, how to avoid turning your business into a hobby, and the simple framework you can use to clearly explain what you do in seconds. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start—this episode will help you reset and move forward with clarity. 🔑 What You’ll Learn:  Why validating your idea is the FIRST step (before spending money)  The biggest mistake new business owners make when starting  How to find customers where they already are (not where you think they are)  The truth about startup funding and where to actually get money  A simple 30-second pitch formula anyone can use  Why most entrepreneurs spend time on the wrong things  How to use video effectively without overcomplicating it  The role of AI in startups (and what to watch out for)  Why asking for help is the most underrated growth strategy 💡 Key Takeaway: 💡 If you’re not generating income, you don’t have a business—you have a hobby.  🎯 Who This Episode Is For:  New entrepreneurs  Business owners under 5 years  Anyone stuck and not growing  Coaches, consultants, and service providers  Anyone thinking about starting a businessSupport the show 1. Want professional business coaching with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com 2. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/consultation Connect and follow the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison to learn how to grow a successful business : - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDMorrisonOKC - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeldmorrisonokc/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc Email the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison: Michael@MichaelDMorrison.com

    39 min

  5. APR 15

    $140 Billion Problem: How Ad Fraud Is Stealing Your Marketing Budget | Rich Kahn

    What if 25% of your digital marketing budget is being wasted… right now? In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael sits down with Richard Kahn — entrepreneur, Inc. 5000 leader, and co-founder of Anora.io — to expose one of the biggest hidden problems in business today: Ad fraud With over $700 billion spent on digital marketing annually, Rich reveals how $140 billion is lost to fraud — and why most business owners don’t even realize it’s happening.  💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:  What ad fraud actually is (and where it’s hiding)  Why 1 in every 4 marketing dollars is wasted How bots fake clicks, traffic, and conversions  The truth about buying followers and fake engagement  How AI is making fraud harder to detect—and easier to commit  Simple ways to immediately reduce fraud in your ad campaigns  Why relationships still outperform digital-only strategies  How to grow from $0 to $1M with real outreach (not just content) 🚨 Key Takeaway There’s no longer a question of if you have ad fraud… 👉 It’s how much. 🎯 Who This Episode Is For:  Small business owners running ads on Google, Facebook, or YouTube  Entrepreneurs trying to improve ROI  Marketers scaling digital campaigns  Anyone spending money online and not seeing results 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Anora.io Traffic Quality Audit (free analysis mentioned in episode)  Book: How to Win Friends and Influence PeopleAd fraud is when fake users (bots or manipulated traffic) interact with digital ads, costing businesses money without generating real customers. On average, businesses lose up to 25% of their ad spend to fraud.  Support the show 1. Want professional business coaching with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com 2. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/consultation Connect and follow the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison to learn how to grow a successful business : - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDMorrisonOKC - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeldmorrisonokc/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc Email the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison: Michael@MichaelDMorrison.com

    44 min

  6. APR 8

    Earned Media vs Paid Hype: Ronica Cleary on PR That Builds Real Trust

    If you have ever wondered whether public relations is still worth it in a world full of ads, social media, and AI-generated content, this episode will help clear that up. In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael D. Morrison talks with Ronica Cleary, founder and CEO of Cleary Strategies, about what PR actually is, why earned media still carries so much weight, and how business owners can think more strategically about visibility. Cleary Strategies describes itself as a full-service PR agency that helps clients secure media opportunities, preserve their image, and build the skills needed to thrive in today’s media climate.  Ronica explains the critical difference between earned media and paid placements. Paid media has value, but earned coverage — television, radio, digital, print, and podcasts secured because a story is genuinely newsworthy — tends to carry more credibility because audiences know it was not bought. Cleary Strategies’ own materials emphasize earned media, publicity planning, and strategic media exposure as a core part of its work.  Michael and Ronica dig into:  what public relations really means for a small business  why earned media builds trust in a way advertising cannot fully replicate  how to spot “pay-to-play” publicity dressed up as real press  what a good PR agency should actually be doing behind the scenes  how Ronica’s journalism background shaped her agency’s process  why niche focus and repeatable systems made Cleary Strategies stronger  how media training should make you more authentic, not more robotic Ronica also shares how her background in communications, systems engineering, and television journalism shaped the way she built Cleary Strategies. Her firm highlights media placements, crisis communications, and media training, and Ronica’s own founder page highlights agency press, contributed pieces, and award recognition including PRNEWS’ Top Women Awards “Rising Star” mention and Inc. Power Partner recognition.  If you are a small business owner trying to build trust, authority, and long-term visibility — not just get attention for a week — this conversation will help you think differently about PR. What you’ll learn  What public relations actually means for a business owner  Why earned media and paid media are not the same thing  How PR supports credibility, trust, and long-term brand authority  What to ask before hiring a PR agency  Why “featured for a fee” is not the same as real earned press  How to think about media strategy in a more systematic way  Why a focused niche often strengthens a business  How authenticity matters more than on-camera perfection in media trainingSupport the show 1. Want professional business coaching with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com 2. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/consultation Connect and follow the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison to learn how to grow a successful business : - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDMorrisonOKC - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeldmorrisonokc/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc Email the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison: Michael@MichaelDMorrison.com

    35 min

  7. APR 1

    Why Business Owners Stay Stuck: Cori Fonville Foster on Systems, Marketing & Implementation

    Cori Fonville Foster joins Small Business Pivots to break down why so many business owners stay stuck even when they have great ideas, strong offers, and real talent. This episode covers implementation, systems, marketing, mindset, and how to pivot when life or business throws you something unexpected. If you have ever thought, “I know what I need to do in my business — so why am I still not doing it?” this episode is for you. In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael D. Morrison talks with Cori Fonville Foster, CEO and founder of IROC Marketable Business Solutions, about one of the biggest challenges small business owners face: implementation. Cori works with coaches, consultants, speakers, and authors to help them market their businesses, build stronger systems, and actually get things done. Her LinkedIn profile identifies her with IROC Marketable Business Solutions in Hampton, Virginia.  Cori shares her own path from the medical field into entrepreneurship after a rare eye condition forced her to leave her nine-to-five job. She talks openly about building a business with a disability, starting with very little money, navigating setbacks, and learning how to create systems that work. Michael and Cori dig into:  why business owners often know what to do but still struggle to implement  how to create systems that fit your real life, energy, and season of business  why SOPs and automations matter if you want to grow  what marketing is actually working now  how to repurpose content instead of constantly creating from scratch  why mindset matters when business gets hard  how to think about scaling before you feel “ready”  when and how to bring on a VA or support team One of the strongest themes in this conversation is the idea of the pivot. Cori explains that business owners do not fail because every strategy is wrong — many times, they fail because they stop adjusting. Her message is simple: if you are willing to pivot, learn, and keep going, you give yourself a real chance to build something sustainable. If you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or like your business has potential but no momentum, this episode will help you think differently about systems, implementation, and what it really takes to keep moving forward. What you’ll learn  Why having a great business idea is not enough  What SOPs and automations should actually look like for a small business  How to repurpose content to save time and market smarter  Why mindset and resilience matter more than most people admit  How to scale before you feel “big enough”  What to outsource first when you are trying to grow  Why being willing to pivot is one of the biggest keys to business survivalSupport the show 1. Want professional business coaching with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com 2. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/consultation Connect and follow the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison to learn how to grow a successful business : - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDMorrisonOKC - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeldmorrisonokc/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc Email the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison: Michael@MichaelDMorrison.com

    42 min

  8. MAR 25

    Overwhelmed at Home and in Business? Lisa Woodruff on Escaping Quicksand

    Lisa Woodruff, founder of Organize 365, joins Small Business Pivots to talk about the hidden mental load that overwhelms so many business owners at home and at work. If you feel like household chaos is draining your focus, time, and energy, this episode will help you think differently about systems, organization, and getting out of reactive mode.  Overwhelmed at Home and in Business? Lisa Woodruff on Escaping Quicksand If you are a business owner who feels like your company is hard enough — and then you go home to more decisions, more clutter, more logistics, and more invisible work — this episode will hit home. In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael D. Morrison talks with Lisa Woodruff, founder and CEO of Organize 365, about the real mental and emotional weight of running a household while also trying to build a business or career. Lisa shares how chaos in the home can spill into work, why so many women hit a point of overload in their late 30s and 40s, and how systems at home can create the same kind of clarity and momentum that systems create in business. Lisa started Organize 365 as a blog, grew it into an in-home professional organization company, then pivoted into podcasting, courses, books, and a broader productivity brand. Today, Organize 365 offers planning tools, courses, and practical systems designed to help people reduce overwhelm and run their homes more intentionally. Michael and Lisa dig into: why home organization is not just about pretty spaceshow household systems work a lot like business SOPswhy women often become the default CEO of the householdhow invisible work and cognitive overload build over timehow planning, batching, and simplifying can reduce decision fatiguewhy “getting organized” often leads to a bigger life transformation than people expecthow household stability can free up time and energy for business growthLisa also talks about her new book, Escaping Quicksand, which Simon & Schuster describes as a psychology-driven guide for women who feel buried by the mental load of modern home life.  If your business growth keeps colliding with home-life chaos, this episode will help you see that getting organized is not shallow or optional — it can be strategic. What you’ll learn Why business owners can feel overwhelmed at home even when they are strong at workHow household systems mirror business systems and SOPsWhat “invisible work” really looks like inside a homeWhy cognitive overload builds over timeHow batching and themed days can reduce chaosWhy organization creates more time than it costsWhat transformation usually happens after someone gets organizedWhy dreaming bigger gets easier when life is less reactiveSupport the show 1. Want professional business coaching with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com 2. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison? https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/consultation Connect and follow the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison to learn how to grow a successful business : - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDMorrisonOKC - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeldmorrisonokc/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc Email the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison: Michael@MichaelDMorrison.com

    36 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Stuck in your business and not sure what's next? Small Business Pivots delivers honest, real-world conversations with entrepreneurs and business owners who've made bold moves to grow, adapt, and build something that lasts. Hosted by nationally recognized business coach and keynote speaker Michael D. Morrison, each episode goes beyond the highlight reel. Guests share the real turning points, hard lessons, and strategies that actually moved the needle, whether they were chasing six figures or scaling past seven. With 140+ episodes and ranked in the top 10% of podcasts globally, Small Business Pivots drops every Wednesday, giving small business owners a trusted weekly resource to help them grow. Each week you'll hear real conversations about: Small business marketing, branding, and social mediaSales strategies, referral networks, and building partnershipsLeadership, hiring, team culture, and systemsMindset, burnout, and decision-making as a founderScaling, SOPs, automation, and building a sellable business If you're a small business owner who's done guessing and ready to grow, this is your show. Subscribe and join thousands of business owners making pivots that actually matter. Ready to work with Michael D. Morrison?  Visit: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/consultation

Information

  • Creator
    Michael D. Morrison
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    143
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Small Business Pivots
  • Show Website
    Small Business Pivots