Small Business Pivots

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

Small Business Pivots with Michael D. Morrison welcomes Tania P. Brown, a Job Exit Strategist from Lawrenceville, Georgia, who helps women over 40 build a confident path from corporate life to self-employment freedom.In this inspiring episode, Tania shares her journey from growing up in Brooklyn, to military service, to financial services, and ultimately into entrepreneurship. She breaks down: ✅ Why financial strategy is the key to leaving your 9 to 5 without going broke ✅ The difference between what clients need and what they want when starting a business ✅ How toxic corporate experiences can follow you unless you heal before launching your business ✅ Practical boundaries and time-blocking tips that keep entrepreneurs focused and balanced ✅ Why hope, confidence, and clarity matter more than hype when planning your leap into businessIf you’ve ever wondered how to quit your job, build a financial exit plan, and create a business that lights you up—this episode is for you.Ranked in the top 10% of podcasts globally, Small Business Pivots brings you the raw stories and strategies from entrepreneurs who’ve been in your shoes.Tania P. Brown: Founder & CEO of Tania P. Brown Services, Job Exit StrategistWebsite: https://www.taniapbrown.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taniapellewbrown/Blog: https://www.taniapbrown.com/blog#SmallBusinessPivots #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #BusinessLoans #BusinessCoaching #AtlantaBusiness #GeorgiaEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #JobExitStrategist #SelfEmploymentFreedom #CorporateEscape #EntrepreneurJourney #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusinessPodcast #WomenOver40 #QuitYour9to5 #AtlantaPodcast #BusinessOwnershipSimplified #OklahomaCityPodcastSupport 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 discussion, Dave Burnett, founder of AOK Marketing and PromotionalProducts.com, shares 27 years of valuable entrepreneurial insights. He elaborates on the critical moment to pivot your business and the five stages of customer awareness, emphasizing why many fail to start. Dave also dives into SEO for AI, highlighting its impact on search behavior and the necessity for businesses to adapt quickly. His practical tactics for awareness and unique differentiators will help businesses stand out in an overwhelmed digital landscape.

What if your business decisions weren’t based on gut feelings or bank balances—but on clear daily insight?In this episode of Small Business Pivots, entrepreneur Leigh Angman introduces the SPRUCTIS Framework—eight pillars (systems, processes, redundancy, urgency, communication, technology, integrity, and sales) designed to help small and medium-sized businesses turn insight into action.Leigh shares:How he transformed a struggling restaurant into a $6M operation using simple Google Sheets systemsWhy tracking daily sales is the single most powerful habit for ownersThe mindset shift he calls “delusional optimism (done right)” and how it fuels resiliencePractical ways to build redundancy, urgency, and communication into your company cultureWhether you’re running a $250K shop or a $15M company, Leigh’s lessons prove that clarity, systems, and mindset—not luck—drive sustainable success.Resources:Leigh Angman: Founder of Mondofi Media, Managing Director of BC Frontier Housing Society, Director of Gentle Earth Products, President of  Peak Hospitality, Director of HumanBeam Technologies Website: https://spructis.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-angman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighangman/#SmallBusinessPivots #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #BusinessLoans #BusinessCoaching #OurBusinessIsHelpingYoursGrow #OklahomaCity #LeighAngman #SPRUCTIS #FromInsightToAction #SmallBusinessGrowth #KnowYourNumbers #GoogleSheets #SystemsAndProcesses #EntrepreneurMindset #Sales #Redundancy #Urgency #Communication #Technology #IntegritySupport 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 enlightening discussion, Jim Cathcart, a legendary speaker and author of 27 books, shares his journey from an ordinary guy to a top industry expert. He introduces the transformative 'Hour-a-Day' approach, advocating that focused study can establish you as a national authority. Jim debunks public speaking fears by reframing them as fear of judgment and discusses the power of niching down for credibility. His experiences with Earl Nightingale inspire his mindset shift, highlighting how calculated persistence can turn modest beginnings into significant success.

What does it really take to grow a small business from two people in a tiny Alaska office to a 30-person, multi-state digital marketing agency?In this episode of Small Business Pivots, host Michael Morrison interviews Adrienne Wilkerson, co-founder and CEO of Beacon Media + Marketing, a nationwide digital agency specializing in mental health and addiction recovery marketing. Adrienne opens up about the struggles of entrepreneurship—burnout, hiring mistakes, and control issues—and how she learned to scale by defining roles, building systems, and hiring for culture.You’ll discover:How to scale your small business without losing your freedomWhy defining roles (instead of people) helps break growth bottlenecksThe importance of constructive conflict and tough conversations as a leaderHow systems and SOPs actually increase creativity instead of stifling itThe latest shifts in digital marketing: why AI is the new gatekeeper, how to adapt with Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and why social media ads now outperform Google AdsIf you’ve ever felt stuck in the grind, overwhelmed by employees, or unsure how to pivot when the market changes, this conversation is packed with practical strategies and encouragement to help you push through the “messy middle” of business ownership—and build a company that lasts.Adrienne Wilkerson: Co-Founder & CEO of Beacon Media + MarketingWebsite: https://www.beaconmm.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennewilkerson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beaconmmInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beaconmm/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BeaconMediaMarketing#SmallBusinessPivots #AdrienneWilkerson #BeaconMediaMarketing #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #BusinessOwnershipSimplified #OklahomaCity #SmallBusinessCoachOKC #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BusinessCoaching #BusinessLoans #Leadership #ScalingABusiness #DigitalMarketing #AIandMarketing #MarketingStrategy #SystemsAndProcesses #GenerativeEngineOptimization #GEO #SocialMediaMarketing #SmallBusinessSupport #BuildYourEmpire #BusinessCoachSupport 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

What if the secret to better sales isn’t selling harder—but helping buyers feel safe enough to buy?In this episode of Small Business Pivots, I sit down with St John Craner, founder of Agrarian Rural Marketing, to explore a fresh, psychology-driven approach to sales that flips traditional methods upside down.Drawing on his unique background—farm life in rural England combined with decades of psychology and sales expertise—St John explains why most sales training fails: it activates the wrong part of the buyer’s brain. He breaks down the three parts of the buyer’s brain (fear, feel, and think) and shows how to keep prospects in the “feel” brain, where trust and connection are built.Instead of pushing products, St John teaches how to become a “buyer’s assistant”—a trusted guide who asks better questions, creates urgency naturally, and helps prospects close themselves when they’re ready.We also dig into his proven lead generation strategies, including:Building multiple “legs” for your lead generation stool so your business never wobblesHow a weekly sales email generated hundreds of thousands in revenue over timeWhy closing problems are really opening problems—and how to fix themHow consistency beats intensity in sales successWhy “out-teaching” your competitors is the ultimate sales advantageWhether you’re a small business owner, rural entrepreneur, or sales professional, this conversation will help you rethink everything you know about selling—and replace pressure tactics with trust, psychology, and proven systems that actually work.St John Craner: Founder & CEO of Agrarian Rural MarketingWebsite: https://www.agrarian.co.nz/Website: https://www.ruralsalessuccess.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner/Podcast (Apple): Click HerePodcast (Spotify): Click Here#StJohnCraner #AgrarianRuralMarketing #RuralSalesSuccess #SmallBusinessPivots #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SalesStrategy #SalesPsychology #BuyerPsychology #LeadGeneration #SalesCoaching #MarketingTips #BusinessMindset #OklahomaCity #BOSS #MichaelDMorrison 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

From Sleep Apnea Clinics to Better Health Coverage — Lessons from Building Four BusinessesIn this episode of Small Business Pivots, host Michael Morrison sits down with Ernest Diaz, founder of Better Coverage Consultants, to unpack the hard-earned lessons from a lifetime of entrepreneurship.Ernest has built four successful companies — from launching sleep apnea clinics across multiple states to now helping small businesses and self-employed individuals access private health insurance plans that are 40–50% less expensive than marketplace options and fully tax-deductible. Licensed in 34 states, Ernest reveals why most entrepreneurs don’t know these plans exist, and how they can offer national PPO coverage through UnitedHealthcare.But this conversation goes far beyond insurance. Ernest shares his personal journey — starting his first business at 23, enduring a hostile business partnership while taking a company public, weathering bankruptcy, and rebuilding stronger than before. Along the way, he delivers powerful insights on:Partnership pitfalls and how to protect yourself legally and financially.Why discipline — not motivation — is the real driver of success.How to avoid sacrificing your family for your business.The daily habits that keep him focused, grateful, and growth-oriented.If you’re a small business owner, self-employed professional, or entrepreneur navigating the highs and lows of business ownership, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, faith-centered perspective, and real-world strategies you can apply today.Listen now and discover how to protect your business, your health, and your future.Ernest Diaz: Founder & CEO of Better Coverage ConsultantsWebsite: https://bettercov.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bettercov/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettercovEmail: ernest@bettercov.com#ErnestDiaz #BetterCoverageConsultants #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #SmallBusinessPivots #OklahomaCity #SmallBusinessSuccess #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #PrivateHealthInsurance #NationalPPO #UnitedHealthcare #BusinessPartnerships #DisciplineOverMotivation #FaithBasedBusiness #SelfEmployedSuccess #HealthInsuranceForSmallBusiness #BusinessResilience #FaithInBusiness #GodSupport 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

Jimmy Owens, Founder & CEO of Design Tunnel in Oklahoma City, has spent over 14 years helping businesses transform their brand through strategic, high-quality video production. In this episode, he explains why video isn’t just a tool—it’s a clarity accelerator that forces you to define your message, tighten your focus, and show up professionally.You’ll learn:Why most DIY videos fall flat—and what separates them from intentional contentThe production process every business owner should know (script to screen)What it really costs to build a studio setup ($1,500–$10,000—and why)How Jimmy’s team creates custom podcast sets with 13 studio designsWhy AI can’t replace the human touch in brand storytellingLater in the episode, Jimmy opens up about a major turning point in his life: getting sober. That decision didn’t just change his personal life—it reshaped his leadership, mindset, and capacity to grow a business with purpose. His take on “healthy pressure” and why he wishes he would’ve gotten serious sooner is a wake-up call for entrepreneurs running on fumes.If you're ready to elevate your content—and yourself—this conversation delivers both strategy and heart.Jimmy Owens: Founder & CEO of Design TunnelWebsite: https://www.designtunnel.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designtunnel/Video Production: https://www.designtunnel.com/our-work/Video Podcast: https://www.designtunnel.com/podcast/#SmallBusinessPivots #BusinessPodcast #BOSS #BusinessOwnershipSimplified #MichaelDMorrison #JimmyOwens #DesignTunnel #VideoMarketing #OklahomaCity #EntrepreneurMindset #ProfessionalBranding #PodcastProduction #SmallBusinessGrowth #StorytellingStrategy #ContentCreation #BusinessOwnerTips #FromDIYtoPro #SobrietySupport 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