Small Business Pivots

In this episode of Small Business Pivots, I sit down with Elina Panteleyeva, founder of Dood Woof, a rapidly growing Austin-based e-commerce brand serving a highly specific niche inside the pet industry: doodle dog owners. After being laid off in 2023, Elina built a 7-figure brand in under two years with only two products—proving what can happen when you stop trying to serve everyone and start serving the right someone.Elina shares exactly how niching down unlocked her growth, how she validated her first product by interviewing doodle owners inside Facebook groups, and how she used organic content and storytelling to build a community before she ever launched. She breaks down the process of triggering Amazon’s algorithm without paid ads, why you must build your brand off Amazon before selling on it, and the systems she created that now help every new product hit #1 New Release.Inside this conversation, we cover: • How choosing one specific customer can explode your growth • Why most entrepreneurs fail because they refuse to niche • How Elina built a 7-figure brand with no ad budget • The exact steps she used to validate her first product idea • Why customer conversations matter more than product ideas • How to build hype so your Amazon launch succeeds on day one • Why you must know your numbers to take calculated risks • How Elina uses AI to operate with a tiny team • How she handles product development and manufacturing • Why systems, email storytelling, and transparency build trust • What new founders misunderstand about e-commerce • How to grow without burning yourself outIf you’re an e-commerce entrepreneur, a product-based business owner, or someone with an idea who hasn’t yet taken the leap, this episode gives you a blueprint for launching, growing, and scaling a niche brand—even in crowded markets.Ranked globally in the top 10% by ListenNotes, Small Business Pivots brings you real, honest conversations with entrepreneurs who’ve built something from nothing. My goal is simple: help you grow your business faster and avoid the mistakes that keep small business owners stuck.Timestamps00:00 Intro01:07 Elina’s background + immigration story03:04 How being laid off sparked the business05:12 Niching down into doodle owners07:40 Product idea discovery using Facebook groups10:11 Launching without paid ads12:25 Building community + storytelling emails15:48 Triggering Amazon’s algorithm18:05 Knowing your numbers in e-commerce20:42 Product development + manufacturing23:15 Scaling with systems25:58 Using AI to run lean28:17 Advice for new entrepreneursSupport the show1. 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.com4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultationFOLLOW US ON:- WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/-WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/-LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/-YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified

Azgari Lipshy, a serial entrepreneur and consultant, shares her insights on scaling service businesses. She reveals why many get stuck at $200K–$300K due to inadequate systems and operations. Azgari emphasizes the importance of training employees over just searching for talent and discusses effective time management strategies. She also explains how to validate business ideas before launching and the significance of using SBA funding for growth. The conversation offers actionable advice for business owners looking to overcome stagnation and achieve sustained success.

In this episode of Small Business Pivots, I sit down with Amber Hollingsworth — Master Addiction Counselor, licensed mental health counselor, and founder of Hope for Families Recovery Center. With more than 730,000 YouTube subscribers on her channel Put the Shovel Down, Amber has become a leading voice helping entrepreneurs, parents, and families understand addiction long before it destroys a business, marriage, or life.Together, we unpack how addiction quietly shows up in the entrepreneurial journey, including:✅ Why business owners are uniquely vulnerable to addiction ✅ The early warning signs most entrepreneurs ignore ✅ Why “high performers” struggle to slow down, rest, or mentally disconnect ✅ How work stress, ADHD tendencies, and perfectionism fuel addictive cycles ✅ What to do when your spouse, partner, or employee is in denial ✅ Why long-form content and authenticity helped Amber build her massive YouTube following ✅ How systems, delegation, and online structure helped her scale her practice ✅ The surprising connection between entrepreneurial traits and addictive behaviorsWhether you’re feeling overwhelmed, hiding stress from your team, stuck in an unhealthy habit, or supporting someone you care about — this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.Connect with Amber Hollingsworth:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT8PE1v0xFR9zLXOijxM6hgWebsite: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/addictionrecoveryhopeTune in for an honest, practical, and deeply relatable look at addiction, mental health, and the hidden emotional battles business owners carry.About Amber Hollingsworth Master Addiction Counselor, mental health professional, founder of Hope for Families Recovery Center, and creator of Put the Shovel Down with 730,000+ subscribers.What You’ll Learn:How addiction shows up early for entrepreneursWhy ADHD/high-drive personalities are more vulnerableHow families can support without enablingHow YouTube became her #1 growth engineThe role of systems and delegationAmber’s biggest business pivotsEpisode Highlights:The “entrepreneurial seizure” momentEarly addiction signs business owners overlookWhy long-form content outperforms shortsAmberAI and the future of recoverySupport the show1. 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.com4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultationFOLLOW US ON:- WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/-WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/-LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/-YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified

Are you feeling stuck in your business—even though you’re already successful? In this episode of Small Business Pivots, host Michael D. Morrison sits down with Athena Captain, a nationally recognized business coach, consultant, and speaker based in Oklahoma City, who helps business owners scale to their next level of success.Athena shares her powerful story of resilience—from growing up in extreme adversity to leading multi-million-dollar companies—and reveals the three controllable “knobs” that drive every thriving business:✅ Your Database — why your contact list is your most valuable business asset and how to finally use it. ✅ Your Clients — how to nurture relationships that create repeat customers and referrals. ✅ Your Referrals — how to turn trusted partners into your true sales force.You’ll also hear how Athena built multiple businesses while raising a child with special needs, what she learned from her mentor Darren Hardy, and how every entrepreneur can rebuild their mindset, routine, and revenue from the ground up.This conversation will help you refocus on what really drives growth—relationships, systems, and revenue. You’ll also hear insights from her mentor Darren Hardy, practical tips on choosing a CRM, and her philosophy on staying grounded through faith, systems, and discipline. 🎧 Listen now to learn how to simplify, scale, and strengthen your business.Connect with Athena Captain:Website: https://www.athenacaptain.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athenacaptain/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/athenacaptaincoachingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/athenacaptain/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@athenacaptain1373Podcast: https://www.athenacaptain.com/podcast/Blog: https://www.athenacaptain.com/blog/Show Notes / Time Stamps00:00 – Welcome & intro to Athena Captain01:30 – Business today vs 5 years ago: why owners must adapt04:45 – Athena’s story: from trauma to resilience and leadership11:00 – Mindset and routine: how successful people fight limiting beliefs16:15 – The importance of faith, therapy & daily discipline19:40 – “Stop the Noise”: why inertia is killing business growth22:00 – Knob #1 – Your Database: own your data vs depend on social media27:20 – CRM 101: how to choose the right system for your industry31:15 – Knob #2 – Nurturing Clients for Repeat Revenue37:30 – Knob #3 – Referrals as Your True Sales Force43:40 – The $70K lesson: why basics beat shiny objects47:50 – Building intentional referral partnerships and relationships52:10 – Athena’s resources: Goal-Setting Bootcamp & upcoming book54:00 – Final takeaway: “Don’t underestimate the knowledge you already possess."Support the show1. 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.com4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultationFOLLOW US ON:- WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/-WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/-LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/-YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified

Are you a small business owner thinking about launching a podcast — or wanting to make your existing show work harder for your brand? In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael Morrison sits down with Josh Troche, founder of Pedal Stomper Productions, to unpack how video and audio content with intention can amplify your marketing. Josh shares his journey from mowing lawns as a teen to creating million-view YouTube videos, launching a full-service video and podcast production business, and coaching entrepreneurs on content strategy. They dive into:Why most podcasts stall before episode 15 (and how to avoid the trap)How to define your “one person” audience, structure your podcast, and build a systemWhen and why to outsource editing, production and social / short-form clipsHow to use email, social and guest‐collaboration to get your show discoveredThe mindset shift required for business owners: let go, delegate, growIf you want actionable insights to use podcasting and video as a marketing engine for your business, this episode is for you.Subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with a business owner who’s ready for growth!Connect with Josh TrocheLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtroche/Website: https://www.pedalstomperproductions.com/Blog: https://www.pedalstomperproductions.com/blogShow Notes Summary (Bullet + Timesamps)00:00 – Intro: Meet Josh Troche, founder of Pedal Stomper Productions02:00 – Josh’s journey from trucking to video and podcasting 07:00 – Why most podcasts fail before episode 15 12:00 – How to define your audience and podcast purpose 17:00 – DIY vs professional podcast production 22:00 – Promotion: email lists, clips, guest collaboration 27:00 – Delegating and building a strong team 32:00 – AI’s role and the future of podcasting 36:00 – Final insight: “It’s always a moving target.” Small business owners: Discover how to use podcasting and video content to build trust, scale your brand and get found. In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael Morrison welcomes photo-video expert Josh Troche of Pedal Stomper Productions as they break down the mindset, strategy and actionable steps behind launching and growing a podcast for your business. Support the show1. 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.com4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultationFOLLOW US ON:- WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/-WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/-LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/-YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified

Are you trapped doing the work in your business instead of on it? In this episode of Small Business Pivots, host Michael Morrison welcomes business systems expert Allison Bridges, founder of Experts Only, to unpack how service-based business owners can finally build a business that grows without you.With over 20 years and 46,000 hours in the trenches, Allison shares why trading time for money doesn’t scale, how to create your secret-sauce system, and the exact tools and frameworks you can implement this week to avoid burnout and turn your business into a freedom machine.We dive into:The system mindset vs. the founder-doer trapWhere to start when you don’t even know where your SOPs beginHow to store and deploy your systems for maximum impactChoosing your version of success and designing your business around life (not the other way around)Whether you're a doctor-turned-entrepreneur, running a field-service business, or simply ready to scale, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to stop being the business and start owning the business.Connect with Allison BridgesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/expertsonlyallisonbridges/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expertsonlyconsultingWebsite: https://expertsonlyconsulting.com/Show Notes Summary (Bullet + Timestamps):00:00 – 02:30 – Introduction: Allison Bridges sets the stage — 20 years, 46,000 hours, fascinated by systems. 02:30 – 08:00 – Allison’s upbringing: serial entrepreneur since age 10, multi-sport athlete, corporate roles, and the shift to being truly “unemployable”. 08:00 – 15:00 – The big trap: You are the business. Why that kills scalability and what to do instead. 15:00 – 23:00 – Defining burnout and success: It’s unique to you, not a generic checklist. Designing your business around life. 23:00 – 33:00 – Where to start when there are no Systems: Allison’s guest-situation working with a 30-year business that never had SOPs. Her approach: Grab your phone, voice record, build SOP bank. 33:00 – 40:00 – Storage & rollout of systems: binder vs. online knowledge-base; leveraging tools like ChatGPT, Loom, ManyChat for automation & training. 40:00 – 50:00 – Proprietary secret-sauce: If you don’t have something unique, you’re in the sea of sameness. How to claim your edge and document it. 50:00 – 58:00 – Full-circle: Allison’s services explained, how to connect with her, and one last actionable tip: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” 58:00 – end – Wrap-up & closing. Allison Bridges is the founder of Experts Only Consulting and owner of a children’s athletics franchise. With 20+ years in entrepreneurship and 46,000+ hours logged, she has built, scaled, sold and consulted in numerous service-based industries, including med-spa, construction and franchise rollout. Support the show1. 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.com4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultationFOLLOW US ON:- WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/-WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/-LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/-YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified

Danny DelVecchio, founder of Video on Easy Mode, shares his journey from corporate sales to helping small businesses thrive through video content. He discusses overcoming common barriers like camera shyness and editing struggles. Danny reveals a streamlined method for generating a month’s worth of content from a single conversation and emphasizes the importance of authenticity over algorithms. He outlines how to effectively engage with your audience, choose the right platforms, and turn casual interactions into paying clients, all while maintaining a consistent upload schedule.

In this episode of Small Business Pivots, host Michael D. Morrison talks with Molly Ruland, Founder & CEO of Heartcast Media, a Washington D.C.–based full-service podcast production agency now operating from Costa Rica.Molly shares how small business owners can start, grow, and monetize a podcast the right way — focusing on SEO (Search Engine Optimization), AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), and genuine relationship-driven content instead of chasing downloads.💡 You’ll learn: • How to build a podcast that fills your pipeline and creates real connections • Why SEO and AEO matter more than virality in 2025 and beyond • How to use long-tail keywords, show notes, and transcripts to get found • Outsourcing tips that save time and maximize impact • Monetization strategies that go beyond ads and downloads • Creative ways to pitch yourself as a guest (think Loom videos + relationship building)🌍 Molly’s Story: From Washington D.C. to Costa Rica, she built a global agency helping brands and creators launch powerful podcasts without burnout or vanity metrics.Molly Ruland: Founder & CEO of Heartcast MediaWebsite: https://www.heartcastmedia.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heartcastmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeartcastMedia/videos#SmallBusinessPivots #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #BusinessOwnershipSimplified #OurBusinessIsHelpingYoursGrow #PodcastGrowth #PodcastSEO #AEOStrategy #HeartcastMedia #MollyRuland #PodcastProduction #PodcastStrategy #PodcastMonetization #PodcastTips #SmallBusinessMarketing #BusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurPodcast #BusinessGrowth #ContentMarketing #DigitalMarketing #RelationshipMarketing #AuthenticContent #SmallBusinessOwner #OklahomaCity #WashingtonDC #CostaRica #Entrepreneurship #BusinessCoaching #OnlineBusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategy #BuildYourEmpire Support the show1. 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.com4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultationFOLLOW US ON:- WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/-WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/-LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/-YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified

Tired of hearing that cold calling is dead? Patrick William Joyce, CEO of Outboundless, joins Small Business Pivots to debunk the biggest myths in outbound sales and explain why human-to-human calling is still one of the most effective ways to grow a business in 2025.From his early career as a math teacher in Boston to running a high-performance outbound SDR agency, Patrick shares how he built resilience through rejection, what most businesses get wrong about outbound sales, and why personalization in AI emails doesn’t equal connection.We dig into:Why cold calling still works in the age of AI and automationThe “95/5 rule” of rejection vs. success in outbound salesHow early-stage businesses can use outbound to test their market and build pipelineWhy the sales development role is one of the most important — yet overlooked — in businessPatrick’s new book, The Illuminati Sales Manifesto, and the truth about personalization mythsIf you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or sales leader who needs qualified conversations that actually convert, this episode is packed with insights to help you break through the noise and generate results.Patrick Joyce: CEO of OutboundlessWebsite: https://www.outboundless.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pwilliamjoyce/Purchase Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH7JC5QQ#SmallBusinessPivots #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #OklahomaCity #BusinessPodcast #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #ColdCalling #OutboundSales #B2BSales #LeadGeneration #BusinessGrowth #Outboundless #PatrickJoyce #SalesStrategy Support the show1. 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.com4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultationFOLLOW US ON:- WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/-WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/-LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/-YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified

In this episode of Small Business Pivots, host Michael D. Morrison, Founder & CEO of BOSS, sits down with Kristi Chaves, a seasoned business coach with over 11 years of experience helping service-based entrepreneurs grow and scale online the non-conventional way.Kristi shares her journey of building her business organically without the “corporate safety net,” focusing on client retention, transformational coaching, and marketing that plays to your strengths. From overcoming mindset blocks to designing a business that aligns with your lifestyle, Kristi breaks down what it really takes to scale sustainably—without burnout, rigid rules, or chasing unrealistic revenue promises.You’ll discover:Why clarity about your life vision is the foundation of business growthThe early mistakes that kept Kristi “stuck” and how she broke throughThe role of mindset, nervous system regulation, and resilience in business successHow to market to your strengths instead of forcing cookie-cutter strategiesPractical insights for service-based business owners ready to scale beyond referralsWhether you’re just starting out or feeling stuck after years in business, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on creating a business that not only makes money but also supports the lifestyle you truly want.📌 Small Business Pivots is ranked in the Top 10% of podcasts globally. Subscribe now for authentic conversations with entrepreneurs and experts who know the struggles and share the solutions.Kristi Chaves: Business CoachWebsite: https://kristichaves.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristichaves/ #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BusinessCoaching #KristiChaves #SmallBusinessPivots #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #BusinessOwnershipSimplified #ServiceBasedBusiness #ScalingBusiness #MindsetMatters #EntrepreneurMindset #OnlineBusinessCoach #BusinessStrategy #BusinessLoansWithSupport #GrowYourBusiness #CoachingForEntrepreneurs #WestCoastBusinessCoach Support the show1. 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.com4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO? https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultationFOLLOW US ON:- WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/-WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/-LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/-YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified