Small Business Pivots

Michael D. Morrison
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

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. 2d ago

    How to Build a Business That Runs Without You | Jay Adewole

    Most business owners believe hustle is the answer. Work harder. Stay later. Handle everything yourself. But what happens when your business depends entirely on you? In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael D. Morrison sits down with Jay Adewole, executive coach, business consultant, founder of Point of View Consulting, and host of the Winner Circle Podcast, to unpack one of the biggest reasons businesses stay stuck: Lack of structure. Jay shares the painful story of launching his first business, losing everything within a year, and realizing that passion alone does not create sustainable success. His lesson? Passion without structure eventually becomes pressure. This conversation dives deep into founder dependency, leadership growth, CRM systems, SOPs, business automation, client retention, and how business owners can shift from being overwhelmed operators into true CEOs. If your business cannot survive when you step away, this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why businesses collapse without systems  How founder dependency limits growth  Why passion alone is not enough  The difference between hustle and leadership  How CRM systems increase retention and revenue  Why SOPs matter in scaling a business  Jay’s CSS Framework: Clarity, Systems, Scale  How business owners become bottlenecks  Why automation creates freedom  How to move from operator to CEO mindset Key takeaway: If your business dies when you stop working, you do not own a business. You own a job. The path forward is clarity, systems, and scalable leadership. Listen now. 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

    42 min

  2. Jun 3

    Why Your Business Is Stuck: The Leadership Bottleneck Every Owner Must Fix | Croft Edwards

    Most business owners think their team is the problem. But what if the real bottleneck is the leader? In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael D. Morrison sits down with Croft Edwards, leadership coach, ontological coach, author, and founder of Croft + Company, to talk about what leadership really is and why business owners must grow before their business can grow. Croft has coached leaders since 2001, working with frontline supervisors, CEOs, Navy admirals, founders, and business owners across industries. In this conversation, he explains why leadership is not just a title, position, or personality trait. Leadership is a practice. You’ll hear why management gives you authority, but leadership earns commitment. Croft breaks down why business owners often struggle to create real team buy-in, why employees do not automatically give more just because you are the boss, and why the owner’s growth sets the ceiling for the company’s growth. If you feel like your team is not motivated, your culture is stuck, or your business depends too much on you, this conversation will challenge you. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why leaders are developed through practice  The difference between management and leadership  Why you cannot mandate motivation or commitment  How business owners become the bottleneck in their own company  Why leadership is closer to coaching than commanding  How to build commitment instead of compliance  Why curiosity, practice, and beginner mindset matter  How leadership impacts culture, team performance, and business growth Croft also shares lessons from his military background, coaching underground mine supervisors, writing leadership books, and helping leaders shift how they show up physically, emotionally, and mentally. Key takeaway: Your business’s ability to grow is directly connected to your ability to grow as a leader. If you want a stronger team, stronger culture, and stronger business, start practicing leadership. Listen now to learn how to stop being the bottleneck and start becoming the leader your business needs. 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

    38 min

  3. May 27

    Why Customers Buy on Emotion (Not Logic) | Paul Larche on Branding, Sales Psychology & Business Growth

    Most business owners believe customers make rational buying decisions. They don’t. In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael D. Morrison sits down with Paul Larche, branding strategist, former business owner, and author of The Divided Brain, to break down why customers actually buy based on emotion first… and justify with logic later. If your marketing isn’t converting, your sales feel inconsistent, or your brand message isn’t sticking, this conversation explains why. Paul shares his “Divided Brain” framework — a practical business model built around how human decision-making actually works. You’ll learn why your customer’s subconscious “old brain” is constantly scanning for trust, safety, familiarity, and emotional payoff… and why facts, features, and logic often fail to close sales. This episode covers branding, customer psychology, decision-making, leadership, hiring, systems, and what every small business owner needs to understand about AI’s growing ability to influence buying behavior. If you’ve ever wondered:  Why customers hesitate  Why marketing doesn’t connect  Why rebranding can backfire  Why business owners struggle with indecision  Why familiar brands dominate …this episode is for you. In this episode: ✔ Why people buy on emotion and justify with facts  ✔ The “old brain vs new brain” decision-making model  ✔ How branding builds familiarity and trust  ✔ Why consistency matters more than creativity  ✔ The Tropicana $65 million branding mistake  ✔ How AI is learning emotional targeting  ✔ Why business owners get stuck in indecision  ✔ Hiring great employees vs keeping the wrong ones too long  ✔ Systems that help businesses scale Q&A you'll learn: Q: Why do customers buy emotionally? Customers make subconscious emotional decisions first because the brain prioritizes safety, trust, familiarity, and emotional outcomes before rational logic. Q: Why doesn’t fact-based marketing always work? Because features and facts appeal to logic, but buying decisions are often triggered emotionally before logic gets involved. Q: Why is branding consistency important? Consistency creates familiarity, and familiarity builds trust — making customers more likely to choose your business. Q: Why do business owners struggle with decision-making? Because emotional subconscious reactions often influence decisions before conscious reasoning catches up. 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

    45 min

  4. May 20

    From Prison to CEO: How Fleet Maull Built a Scalable Business Through Radical Responsibility

    What if the biggest breakthrough in your business had nothing to do with strategy… and everything to do with YOU? In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael sits down with Fleet Maull — founder of HeartMind Institute, Inc. 5000 entrepreneur, and former federal inmate turned business leader — to unpack one of the most powerful transformations you’ll hear. From spending 14.5 years in prison to building a high-growth company, Fleet shares how radical ownership, nervous system regulation, and CEO thinking changed everything. We dive deep into:  Why most business owners stay stuck as operators  How to shift from working IN your business → working ON it The real reason you feel overwhelmed (and how to fix it)  Why AI is forcing every business owner to pivot right now  How to build systems that increase business value and scalability  The power of daily routines and “habit stacking” for peak performance  Why regulating your nervous system may be your biggest competitive advantage If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what the next move is… this episode will challenge how you think about business and leadership. Key Takeaways:  The difference between operator vs CEO mindset Why systems (SOPs) are critical for scaling  How to “buy back your time” as a business owner  The hidden cost of doing everything yourself  Why personal growth = business growth  How AI is reshaping business models across industriesSupport 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

    45 min

  5. May 13

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    147
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Small Business Pivots
  • Show Website
    Small Business Pivots

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