Small Business Pivots

Send us a textWhat if the pirates of the high seas never disappeared — they just moved online? According to cybersecurity expert and Oklahoma City business owner Josh Cochran, that's exactly what's happened. In this must-listen episode of Small Business Pivots, Josh shares how today’s cybercriminals use AI-powered tactics to quietly infiltrate your business, steal sensitive data, and redirect payments — sometimes without you noticing for months.Josh is the owner of Diverse CTI, a leading managed IT and cybersecurity company in Oklahoma City. As a second-generation entrepreneur in IT services and a first-generation founder of an automotive upholstery business, he offers a rare dual perspective on risk, business growth, and protecting your digital empire.In this conversation, you’ll learn: • Why the internet today is like the lawless oceans of the past — and what that means for small business owners • How hackers use AI to scan thousands of emails, create fake invoices, and siphon money undetected • The biggest myth about cloud storage (hint: it doesn’t actually back up your data) • The essential cybersecurity steps every small business should implement today — from multi-factor authentication to endpoint detection and response (EDR) • What cybersecurity insurance really covers (and what it doesn’t) • How running both first- and second-generation businesses shapes leadership decisions and risk toleranceJosh shares real stories, including one about hackers who redirected $150,000 in payments through a fake invoice that looked exactly like the real thing.Whether you’re a startup founder, a multi-generational business owner, or just beginning to think about IT security, this episode will help you understand the modern threats facing your business — and how to defend against them.👉 Visit diversecti.com to try their free cybersecurity assessment tool and find out where your business is vulnerable.Josh Cochran: CEO of Diverse CTIWebsite: https://www.diversecti.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshjcochran/Blog: https://www.diversecti.com/category/blog/#CyberSecurity #BusinessProtection #JoshCochran #DiverseCTI #AITech #DigitalThreats #Hackers #Malware #FamilyBusiness  #SmallBusinessOwner #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #OklahomaBusiness #ITServices #ManagedIT #BusinessStrategy #BusinessCoaching #BuildYourEmpire #OurBusinessIsHelpingYoursGrow #BOSS #BOSSBusiness #BOSSLoans #BOSSEmpire #SmallBusinessPivots #MichaelMorrison #OklahomaCitySupport 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

Send us a textDiscover the mental edge that sets elite performers apart with Gary Chupik, Founder & CEO of Elite Mindset Nation.In this powerful episode, Gary shares his unexpected journey from ordained minister to high-performance mental coach after experiencing severe burnout in 2017. He reveals how his pastoral background became his superpower, helping him guide professional athletes and top business leaders toward lasting success.Gary challenges the common belief that motivation fuels high performance. Instead, he explains why self-leadership — the ability to guide yourself even when you feel unmotivated — is the true foundation of greatness. You’ll learn how building systematic rhythms and consistent habits empowers you to perform at your best regardless of emotional ups and downs.Gary dives deep into the psychology of belief and confidence. Rather than relying on hype or vague encouragement, he offers a practical framework: real belief requires optimism grounded in evidence. By stacking small wins and creating momentum, you can build genuine self-confidence and shatter performance plateaus.You’ll also hear exclusive insights from Gary’s work with pro athletes, emphasizing that elite success isn’t about extraordinary talent alone. It’s about "perfecting the simple" — mastering key routines and focusing on income-producing activities instead of getting lost in busy work.Plus, discover Gary’s powerful CAPE system to navigate high-pressure situations:Control yourself (take a breath)Assess the situationPlan your responseExecute with trust in your preparation and instinctsWhether you're a business owner, athlete, or parent, this episode offers actionable strategies to build unshakable confidence, develop self-leadership, and unlock your potential.Gary Chupik: Founder & CEO of Elite Mindset NationWebsite: https://www.elitemindsetnation.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garychupik/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitemindset/#GaryChupik #PersonalDevelopment #EliteMindsetNation #BusinessMindset #ElitePerformance #SelfLeadership #HighPerformance #BusinessSuccess #GetUnstuck #GrowYourBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #BossBusinessGrowth #MichaelDMorrison #BreakTheBarriers #ScaleYourBusiness #ConfidenceBuilding #OvercomeChallenges #EliteMindset #PerformanceCoachingSupport 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

Send us a textEvery website click is a chance to win a new customer — but are you actually converting those visitors into paying clients?In this episode, we sit down with Trevor Levine, founder of Marketing Experts and a direct response copywriting powerhouse since 1998. Trevor has spent decades helping businesses transform lukewarm website traffic into loyal buyers — without spending a dime more on ads.Trevor breaks down the biggest conversion killers and reveals what really drives people to say “yes” to your offer. He shares why action-driven verbs beat fluffy adjectives every time, how to craft offers that build instant trust and urgency, and the secrets behind "better than risk-free" guarantees that boost conversions while protecting your bottom line.You’ll learn: ✅ How to build sales pages that guide browsers smoothly toward the “buy” button ✅ The right time to reveal your price (hint: it’s later than you think) ✅ How conditional guarantees and decoy pricing lead prospects to choose your premium options ✅ Strategies to slash cart abandonment with smart checkout page copy ✅ Why testimonials with real names and tangible results outperform generic praise ✅ Why AI can help you draft — but only your human insight can make it truly persuasiveFrom his own journey building and selling a six-figure monthly business to helping countless others, Trevor’s no-nonsense, psychology-driven approach will inspire you to rethink your website, your offers, and your entire sales strategy.Ready to turn your website into a non-stop sales machine? Visit marketingexperts.com to claim your free 30-minute sales copy critique — no strings attached.🎧 Tune in and learn how to convert more visitors into happy, paying customers — without spending more on ads.Trevor Levine: Founder & CEO of Marketing ExpertsWebsite: https://marketingexperts.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrtrevorlevine/#BusinessGrowth #WebsiteConversions #SalesCopy #DirectResponseMarketing #HighConverting #SmallBusinessMarketing #CopywritingTips #DigitalMarketing #IncreaseSales #TurnClicksIntoCustomers #TrevorLevine #MarketingExperts #BusinessStrategy #BusinessSuccess #EntrepreneurTips #GrowYourBusiness #SmallBusinessPivots #BOSS #BOSSBusiness #BusinessOwnershipSimplified #MichaelMorrison #BusinessCoach #OklahomaCitySupport 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

Send us a textYour business might show a healthy profit on paper — but why does your bank account still feel empty? In this eye-opening episode, Avi Pinsky, founder & CEO of Pinsky Consulting and a sought-after fractional CFO, uncovers the hidden reasons so many business owners struggle with cash flow despite seeing "profits" in their statements.Avi explains the real difference between profit and cash, breaking down the three essential financial statements every business owner needs to understand: the profit & loss statement, the balance sheet, and — most importantly — the statement of cash flows. You'll discover why the cash flow statement is often ignored but tells the true story of your business health.Through relatable stories and real-world examples, Avi shares how accounts receivable delays and inventory buildup quietly drain your cash, even while your P&L looks strong. You'll also learn his powerful six-step cycle for business growth — a clear, actionable framework to turn financial data into better decisions, stronger cash flow, and sustainable success.Feeling embarrassed about messy books? You're not alone. Avi shares why perfection isn’t the goal, and why understanding trends matters far more than having every number exactly right.If you want to gain true financial clarity, stop feeling cash-strapped, and start making confident growth decisions, this episode is a must-listen.Avi Pinksky: Founder & CEO of Pinsky ConsultingWebsite: https://www.pinskyconsulting.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avrahampinsky/Prosperity Playbook: https://www.pinskyconsulting.com/prosperity-playbook #BusinessFinances #CashFlow #SmallBusinessGrowth #ProfitVsCash #FractionalCFO #FinancialClarity #PinskyConsulting #EntrepreneurTips #BusinessStrategy #KnowYourNumbers #AviPinsky #PinskyConsulting #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusinessPivots #MichaelDMorrison #BusinessPodcast  #OklahomaBusiness #BOSS #BusinessCoach #OklahomaCitySupport 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

Send us a textWhat if your business was designed to give you freedom—not take it away?In this powerful episode of Small Business Pivots, I sit down with Scott Jarred, Founder & CEO of Invst, to unpack how he went from growing up in Section 8 housing to achieving financial freedom—and how he’s now helping other entrepreneurs do the same.🔑 Scott shares the one mindset shift that transformed everything: stop building a job and start designing a business that works for you.We dive deep into topics every small business owner needs to hear:Why most entrepreneurs unintentionally build jobs instead of real businessesThe difference between an abundance mindset vs. scarcity mindset—and how it impacts growthWhy personal clarity must come before business clarityHow to build scalable systems and processes that reduce your daily involvementWhat to do when you hit a "growth ceiling" and the old ways stop workingThe power of aligning your business vision with your personal “why”Why the most valuable asset in your business is you—and how personal growth fuels business success💡 “Money traces value,” Scott says. When you stop chasing dollars and start adding real value, your business becomes a magnet for growth.Whether you're stuck wearing every hat in your company, struggling to scale, or simply feeling unfulfilled despite hitting your revenue goals—this episode will challenge how you think about success, systems, and sustainability.🎁 FREE GIFT Email Scott at scott@invst.com and mention "The BOSS Podcast" to receive a free copy of his book Accelerate and access to his Financial Freedom Game Board—tools designed to help business owners create wealth that lasts.Scott Jarred: Founder & CEO of InvstWebsite: https://invst.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-jarred-cfp%C2%AE-85792b1/#BusinessGrowth #AbundanceMindset #EntrepreneurMindset #FinancialFreedom #BuildARealBusiness #BusinessClarity #SmallBusinessTips #ScaleYourBusiness #BusinessOwnerLife #SystemsThatScale #BusinessCoaching #EntrepreneurJourney #FromJobToBusiness #MindsetShift #WorkOnYourBusiness #AutomationForGrowth #FreedomThroughBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #BottleneckToBreakthrough #PodcastForEntrepreneurs #SmallBusinessPivots #MichaelDMorrison #BusinessCoach #OklahomaCity ScottJarred #InvstSupport 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

Dr. Tom Dufore, CEO of Big Sky Franchise Team, shares his extensive knowledge of franchising with over 21 years of experience. He discusses the three critical components for franchising success: strong profitability, teachable systems, and scalable market potential. Tom emphasizes the importance of aligning franchising with personal business goals and highlights how clear documentation can streamline operations. He reflects on navigating challenges during COVID-19, underscoring the role of core values in decision-making. This insightful conversation is a must-listen for aspiring franchisors!

Send us a textWant to stop chasing one client at a time and start influencing hundreds with a single message? Public speaking may be the most overlooked growth tool in your business—and Robert Kennedy III is here to change that.In this episode of Small Business Pivots, I sit down with Robert Kennedy III, professional speaker, coach, and Founder of Kennetik Kommunications, to talk about how small business owners can harness the power of public speaking to grow visibility, credibility, and revenue.Robert shares how he went from unemployed—with three kids and zero speaking gigs—to building a business that trains leaders, business owners, and entrepreneurs to master their message and confidently communicate from any platform.Inside the episode:How to turn public speaking anxiety into energetic deliveryWhy speaking is one of the most scalable marketing tools you’re not usingThe E.A.S.E. Framework: Energy, Ask, Story, Explain—your go-to system for crafting clear and powerful messagesThe 3 core stories every entrepreneur needs to have readyHow video, livestreaming, and podcasts count as public speaking—and how to make them count for your businessWhy getting help before you need it is one of the smartest moves in entrepreneurshipWhether you're afraid of public speaking or ready to level up your voice, this episode will help you pivot from fear to influence. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to amplify your business.Robert Kennedy III: Founder & CEO of Kennetik KommunicationsWebsite (company): https://kennetikkommunications.com/Website (personal): https://robertkennedy3.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertkennedy3/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertkennedyiiiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/robertkennedy3 #RobertKennedyIII #KennetikKommunications #PublicSpeakingForBusiness #BusinessCommunication #SmallBusinessSuccess #SmallBusinessPivots #MichaelDMorrison #BusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurPodcast #OklahomaCity #BusinessGrowth #SpeakWithConfidence #StorytellingInBusiness #PresentationSkills #AmplifyYourVoice 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

Send us a textWhat causes some businesses to scale while others stay stuck in survival mode?Jennifer Christensen, co-founder of Beacon Media + Marketing, knows the answer firsthand. After growing her Alaska-based digital marketing agency to the Inc. 5000 list, she shares the honest story of how expanding too fast—and too wide—nearly ended it all.In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Jennifer pulls back the curtain on the real growth strategy that saved her business: radical clarity. By cutting services, redefining her mission, and doubling down on what worked, Jennifer turned a debt-ridden company into a thriving national agency.She explains:Why clarity must come before marketingHow chasing every marketing trend can sabotage growthWhy trust is the most valuable currency in today's economyHow customer reviews and a humanized website outperform flashy funnelsAnd how her biggest breakthrough came not from strategy—but from personal developmentNow operating in the “age of intelligence,” Jennifer says modern business owners must evolve or risk being left behind.If you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or unsure where to focus—this episode is a must-listen.Jennifer Christenson: Beacon Media + Marketing Co-FounderWebsite: https://www.beaconmm.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferchristensenak/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beaconmmInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beaconmm/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BeaconMediaMarketingPodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BDBxY9jDasCTJtRkX7EJ2 #SmallBusinessPivots #JenniferChristensen #BeaconMediaMarketing #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #DigitalMarketingExpert #Inc5000 #EntrepreneurJourney #MarketingClarity #SmallBusinessSuccess #BusinessTransformation #WomenInBusiness #TrustInMarketing #PersonalDevelopment #BusinessCoach #AlaskaEntrepreneur #MarketingMistakes #ScalingSmart #MichaelDMorrison #BusinessPodcast #Oklahoma 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

Send us a textAre you tired of networking events that feel like a waste of time? Sybil Hale gets it—and she’s here to flip the script. In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Sybil, Founder & CEO of both Pro’s Make Ready Sanitizing Services and Mix and Mingle, shares how she turned authentic connections into real business growth.As an entrepreneur who started her journey cleaning homes and navigating pandemic challenges, Sybil discovered that success doesn’t come from handing out the most business cards—it comes from building real relationships. That’s how her local lunch idea grew into 15 Mix and Mingle chapters with over 3,200 members across Oklahoma.You’ll learn:Why traditional networking often doesn’t work—and what to do insteadHow to structure one-to-one meetings that lead to referrals and trustEasy tips for introverts who dread big networking eventsThe role of systems and follow-up in turning connections into clientsHow community-based networking builds business resilienceWhether you’re stuck in a cycle of bad networking or looking for a better way to grow your business, this episode is packed with practical insights.🔥 Plus, hear Sybil’s exciting announcement about new Mix and Mingle membership tiers launching August 1st.Sybil Hale: Pro's Make Ready, Founder & CEO / Mix & Mingle, Founder & CEOWebsite (Pro's Make Ready): https://www.prosmakeready.com/Website (Mix & Mingle): https://mnmbusinessnetworking.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sybil-hale-74203616/Mix & Mingle Social Media -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mix-Mingle-Business-Networking-Organization/61558392294037/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixnminglebusinessnetworking/#SybilHale #MixAndMingle #ProsMakeReady #BusinessNetworking #NetworkingTips #SmallBusinessConnections #ReferralMarketing #RelationshipBuilding #NetworkingForEntrepreneurs #OklahomaBusiness #SmallBusinessPivots #MichaelDMorrison #BusinessGrowth #NetworkingSuccess #EntrepreneurLife #OneToOneMeetings #NetworkingEvents #NetworkingSuccess #Sales #Prospecting #BusinessReferrals #CommunityNetworking #GrowYourBusiness  #BusinessPodcast #OklahomaSupport 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

Jim Heininger, Principal at Rebranding Experts, specializes in brand transformation for organizations. In this conversation, he clarifies that branding is about customer experience, not just logos. He discusses three types of brand change and his proven four-step rebranding process. Jim emphasizes that internal alignment can be tougher than external updates and explains why small businesses have unique advantages. He also warns against naming your business after yourself, sharing insights on how to leverage customer research for effective branding.