Small Business Pivots

Send us a textWhat 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

Send us a textWhat 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

Send us a textFrom 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

Send us a textJimmy 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

Send us a textStruggling to turn business goals into consistent action? Discover why 95% of entrepreneurs fail to achieve their intentions and how one small business owner cracked the code to 25x income growth in just 4 years.In this episode of Small Business Pivots, entrepreneur John Mitchell reveals the missing secret hidden in Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich" - the bestselling business success book read by over 150 million people. At age 50, despite running multiple ventures, John wasn't achieving his true potential until a life-changing discovery transformed everything.The Problem Every Small Business Owner Faces: Your conscious mind sets business goals through logic, but your subconscious mind controls 95% of your daily actions. This disconnect explains why most business development strategies fail - they target your intentions but ignore the autopilot driving your behaviors.The Solution - Life GPS Methodology: John's breakthrough 12-minute daily practice programs your subconscious mind for business success by:Creating extreme clarity about your business vision and goalsProgramming success behaviors through daily repetitionAutomatically triggering better business decisions after 21 daysAligning your actions with your entrepreneurial aspirationsReal Results for Business Owners: This methodology is now taught at the University of Texas and licensed to business coaches worldwide. Students and entrepreneurs report dramatic improvements in income, decision-making, and goal achievement.Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: ✓ Why 95% of daily actions happen unconsciously ✓ The complete Think and Grow Rich secret Napoleon Hill discovered ✓ How to create a Life GPS template for business success ✓ The 21-day transformation process for automatic success behaviors ✓ Quarterly goal-setting system with measurable business outcomesStop "winging it" with your business success. Learn the science-backed method that turns entrepreneurial dreams into automatic daily actions.John Mitchell: Founder & CEO of Think It Be ItWebsite: https://thinkitbeit.com/The Book: Buy on Amazon here Podcast: https://thinkitbeit.com/net7-podcast/The Vault: https://thinkitbeit.com/the-vault/#JohnMitchell #SmallBusinessSuccess #EntrepreneurMindset #ThinkAndGrowRich #BusinessGrowth #Subconscious #EntrepreneurialSuccess #BusinessCoaching #IncomeGrowth #BusinessDevelopment #SuccessMindset #BusinessGoals #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessTransformation #PersonalDevelopment #BusinessStrategy #MichaelDMorrison #SmallBusinessPivots #BOSS #OklahomaCity 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

Andy Seeley, Founder & CEO of Creatively Disruptive, shares insights from over a decade of helping small businesses thrive. He discusses the common trap of skilled professionals who struggle to transition to true ownership. Andy emphasizes the need for systems and delegation, encouraging listeners to adopt a mindset of ‘captain, not crew.’ He addresses challenges like underpricing, staffing issues, and the importance of having a clear exit strategy, offering valuable tips to help business owners reclaim their freedom and grow sustainably.

In this engaging discussion, Josh Cochran, owner of Diverse CTI and a seasoned entrepreneur, reveals how modern cybercriminals have transitioned online, likening them to pirates of the past. He discusses the alarming tactics hackers employ, including AI to create fake invoices and siphon funds unnoticed. Josh also debunks myths about cloud storage safety and emphasizes vital cybersecurity steps for small businesses, such as multi-factor authentication. His unique perspective combines insights from managing IT services and a family automotive business, enhancing the dialogue.

Gary Chupik, Founder & CEO of Elite Mindset Nation, is a high-performance mental coach who transitioned from a 30-year ministry to coaching elite athletes and business leaders. He shares his insights on the true foundation of success: self-leadership over mere motivation. Discover how building consistent routines and stacking small wins fosters genuine self-confidence. Gary discusses navigating mindset shifts and introduces his powerful CAPE system to thrive under pressure. Plus, he emphasizes that achieving greatness involves mastering simple habits, not just talent.

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