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Want 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 delivery
• Why speaking is one of the most scalable marketing tools you’re not using
• The E.A.S.E. Framework: Energy, Ask, Story, Explain—your go-to system for crafting clear and powerful messages
• The 3 core stories every entrepreneur needs to have ready
• How video, livestreaming, and podcasts count as public speaking—and how to make them count for your business
• Why getting help before you need it is one of the smartest moves in entrepreneurship

Whether 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 Kommunications

Website (company): https://kennetikkommunications.com/

Website (personal): https://robertkennedy3.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertkennedy3/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertkennedyiii

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/robertkennedy3

#RobertKennedyIII #KennetikKommunications #PublicSpeakingForBusiness #BusinessCommunication #SmallBusinessSuccess #SmallBusinessPivots #MichaelDMorrison #BusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurPodcast #OklahomaCity #BusinessGrowth #SpeakWithConfidence #StorytellingInBusiness #PresentationSkills #AmplifyYourVoice

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What 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 marketing
• How chasing every marketing trend can sabotage growth
• Why trust is the most valuable currency in today's economy
• How customer reviews and a humanized website outperform flashy funnels
• And how her biggest breakthrough came not from strategy—but from personal development

Now 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-Founder

Website: https://www.beaconmm.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferchristensenak/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beaconmm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beaconmm/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BeaconMediaMarketing

Podcast: 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

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Are 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 instead
• How to structure one-to-one meetings that lead to referrals and trust
• Easy tips for introverts who dread big networking events
• The role of systems and follow-up in turning connections into clients
• How community-based networking builds business resilience

Whether 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 & CEO

Website (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 #Oklahoma

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What is a brand—and why do so many business owners get it wrong?

In this powerful episode of Small Business Pivots, host Michael D. Morrison sits down with Jim Heininger, Principal at Rebranding Experts, to unpack the true meaning of branding and why updating a logo is not the same as rebranding. From iconic transformations like Victoria’s Secret, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Meta (formerly Facebook), Jim breaks down how strategic rebranding fuels long-term business growth.

You’ll discover:

• Why branding is about customer experience, not just visuals
• The 3 types of brand change: refresh, reposition, and complete rebrand
• Jim’s proven 4-step rebranding process used by successful companies
• Why internal alignment is often harder than external updates
• How small businesses have unique advantages in the rebranding process
• Why naming your business after yourself might hurt your exit strategy
• How to use customer research to guide branding decisions—not opinions

Whether you're a small business owner preparing for growth or an entrepreneur building from scratch, this episode is packed with branding insights that could reshape your business.

🎧 Whether your business is stuck or just ready for more growth, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to think differently about your brand.

Jim Heininger: Rebranding Experts, Founder & Principal

Website: https://www.rebrandingexperts.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimheininger/

Rebranding Guidance: https://www.rebrandingexperts.com/rebranding-expertise

Blog: https://www.rebrandingexperts.com/blog

#JimHeininger #RebrandingExperts #MichaelMorrison #SmallBusinessPivots #Podcast #OklahomaCity #BOSS #BrandStrategy #RebrandingTips #SmallBusinessGrowth #BusinessBranding #EntrepreneurMindset #BrandRefresh #BusinessTransformation #MarketingStrategy #BrandIdentity #RebrandYourBusiness #ExitStrategyPlanning #CustomerExperience #SmallBusinessCoach #BusinessDevelopment #BrandEvolution #BusinessPodcast #LeadershipTips #BusinessSuccess #GrowthMindset #EntrepreneurJourney

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1. Want more resources to grow your business faster?
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In this powerful episode of Small Business Pivots, mental health advocate and nonprofit founder Stacee Goetzinger shares her life journey navigating anxiety, depression, anorexia, self-harm, and borderline personality disorder—while also running a business and helping others do the same.

Forget the polished success stories. Stacee offers something different: raw honesty from the middle of the battle, not just the other side. For small business owners juggling leadership with hidden struggles, this episode sheds light on how embracing vulnerability can lead to stronger leadership, healthier teams, and more connected workplaces.

You’ll learn:

• Why so many entrepreneurs suffer in silence—and how to break that cycle
• How to lead a business without pretending to have it all together
• Why mental health support in the workplace is critical to team performance
• How to turn personal pain into purpose, and lead with authenticity
• Simple first steps business owners can take to protect their mental wellness

Whether you're facing burnout, emotional exhaustion, or just trying to support others better, this conversation is a must-listen.

Stacee Goetzinger: Founder & Director, Speak Out Loud

Website: https://www.speakoutloud.me/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakoutloud.me

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakoutloud.me

Podcast: https://www.speakoutloud.me/podcast

Books: https://www.speakoutloud.me/books

#MentalHealthAwareness #DepressionSupport #MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #SelfHarm #PersonalityDisorder #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessOwner #BusinessLeadership #MentalHealthMatters #VulnerabilityInLeadership #SmallBusinessOwners #MentalHealthInBusiness #AuthenticLeadership #BurnoutRecovery #BusinessStruggles #StaceeGoetzinger #SpeakOutLoud #SmallBusinessSuccess #MichaelDMorrison #SmallBusinessPivots #BusinessPodcast #Oklahoma

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When Kayla Trent traded spreadsheets for smoked brisket, she wasn’t just changing careers—she was reclaiming her life. In this inspiring episode, Kayla, the founder of KatHouse BBQ in Oklahoma City, shares how she left a stifling accounting job to build a thriving female-owned barbecue business fueled by passion, grit, and community.

Like many new entrepreneurs, Kayla encountered unexpected challenges—such as learning about city regulations the hard way when she was reported for selling food from home just days before Christmas. Rather than throwing in the towel, she adapted, improvised, and pushed forward, eventually securing a food trailer to keep growing her dream while staying fully compliant. Today, she's carving out space in the male-dominated world of barbecue, proving exceptional food doesn’t need sauce—and neither does a determined entrepreneur.

In this episode, you'll hear how Kayla:
✅ Broke free from the corporate rat race to prioritize family and fulfillment
✅ Pivoted her small business after facing legal hurdles
✅ Navigated gender bias in the barbecue industry
✅ Built a loyal following of over 1,000 fans without a website
✅ Found her voice, charged her worth, and embraced uncomfortable growth

Whether you're dreaming of pivoting careers, starting a food business, or just need encouragement to take the leap, Kayla’s story will inspire you to bet on yourself—even when it’s scary.

🔗 Listen now and learn why not trying is the only true failure.

Kayla Trent: KatHouse BBQ, Founder & CEO

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathousebbq

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylareshee/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kathouse_bbq

#KaylaTrent #KatHouseBBQ #SmallBusinessPivots #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #OklahomaCity #BusinessPodcast #WomenInBusiness #FemaleEntrepreneur #BarbecueBusiness #BBQ #BBQBusiness #FoodTruckBusiness #CareerPivot #EntrepreneurJourney #SmallBusinessGrowth #SmallBusinessSuccess #WomenWhoGrill #WomenInBarbecue #OklahomaEntrepreneurs #BarbecueLife #FoodEntrepreneurship #StartupStory #LeavingCorporateAmerica #Mompreneur #SupportSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #BBQBusiness #BuildingAnEmpire #WomenOwnedBusiness #BusinessResilience

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What Happens to Your Business If You Step Away Tomorrow?

Rick Yvanovich has built multiple global companies over the past 30+ years—but his journey started stocking supermarket shelves. In this episode, Rick shares what it really takes to grow a business that can run without you.

From battling long COVID to redefining his role as a leader, Rick opens up about the mindset shift every business owner must make: stop being the bottleneck. Learn why documenting your systems, aligning your team with core values, and stepping back are essential to building a business with transferable value.

You’ll also hear about Rick’s take on the Japanese concept of “Shinais”—businesses built to last for generations—and why personal purpose and culture matter more than most entrepreneurs realize.

If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your company without working 80-hour weeks or how to find team members who actually fit, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.

🔍 Topics:
• How to build business value through systems and leadership
• Why most small businesses are unsellable—and how to fix that
• Creating legacy with the “Shinais” mindset
• Letting go of control without losing your vision

🎧 Whether you're feeling stuck or just ready for more freedom, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to lead differently.

Rick Ynanovich: TRG International, Founder & CEO

Website (Personal): https://www.rickyvanovich.com/

Website (Company): https://trginternational.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickyvanovich/

Podcast: https://www.rickyvanovich.com/podcasts

Newsletter: https://www.rickyvanovich.com/resources/newsletter

Blog: https://www.rickyvanovich.com/blog

#RickYvanovich #TRGInternational #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #WorkOnYourBusiness #Leadership #ScaleYourBusiness #SmallBusinessLeadership #BuildToLast #DocumentYourSystems #LegacyBusiness #Shinais #BusinessStrategy #BusinessCoach #SystemsAndProcesses #BusinessValue #LetGoToGrow #SmallBusinessSuccess #MichaelDMorrison #SmallBusinessPivots #BusinessPodcast #Oklahoma

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In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael sits down with Matthew Stafford—former concrete contractor turned e-commerce strategist whose businesses have generated over $400 million in revenue. But the real story isn’t just about scaling brands—it's about scaling beliefs.

Matthew reveals how deeply your self-worth and mindset impact your bottom line. For years, his business growth plateaued at the level of his internal success thermostat—a psychological set point defined by what he subconsciously believed he deserved. Sound familiar?

Only after embracing full personal integrity, identifying blind spots, and working with mentors did he break through those mental barriers. The result? Not just exponential growth for himself, but for his coaching clients—like one who went from $10K per month to a $50 million run rate in three years.

If you’ve ever felt stuck despite doing “all the right things,” this conversation is for you. You’ll learn:

• How mindset coaching can be the hidden key to revenue breakthroughs
• The role of self-esteem in business success
• Why most business problems are actually mindset problems
• A powerful question to uncover what's really holding you back: “What am I avoiding or not seeing?”

Plus, we dive into Matthew’s data-driven approach to website conversion optimization through his Build Grow Scale methodology, which flips the script on traditional e-commerce strategy. You’ll also hear how simple tweaks—like asking “what almost made you not buy?”—can uncover millions in missed revenue.

He also shares why now is the best time to be an entrepreneur. With AI tools like ChatGPT and automation technology becoming more accessible, you don’t need a big team—you need the right mindset and 30 minutes a day to learn.

Whether you're an e-commerce brand, a coach, or a service provider, this episode will challenge your beliefs, inspire action, and help you align your inner story with your business goals.

Matthew Stafford: Build Grow Scale, Managing Partner

Website: https://buildgrowscale.com/book-a-call

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewstafforddotcom/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuildGrowScaleEcommEducation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bgs_ecom_education

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/windowsuccess

Email: matthew@buildgrowscale.com

#MatthewStafford #BuildGrowScale #Mindset #SelfWorth #MindsetMatters #BusinessCoaching #SelfEsteem #SuccessMindset #SmallBusinessGrowth #EcommerceStrategy #OvercomingLimitingBeliefs #PersonalDevelopment #DigitalEntrepreneur #ScalingYourBusiness #MindsetShift #AIForBusiness #ConversionOptimization #LeadershipMindset #BusinessTransformation #SmallBusiness

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