Kickin’ it with Sidekick: Mike Morrison

Celebrating awesome entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs just like you. Learn from others’ stories, successes, advice, and actions.

Photo of Mike Morrison

Meet Mike Morrison – an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. Mike is a host, writer, speaker, podcaster and community builder. His digital marketing conferences create amazing educational experiences that bring Canadians together with events like SocialWest, SocialEast and SocialAtHome. He also runs a popular blog and has a podcast called I Quit! where he interviews entrepreneurs about how they quit their jobs to purse entrepreneurship.

Mike is a true connector and motivator. We are inspired by his perspectives on life and work and we know you will be too! Keep reading to find out why:

1. What are your sources of motivation and inspiration? How do you stay motivated/keep your cup full?

I have a grandmother who turns 100 this year and I swear she’s busier than me. She’s curious. She’s thoughtful. If she sees someone in the news doing something interesting, she calls them. She’s basically an example of living every moment to the fullest and never discounting yourself, no matter what obstacles lay in front of you.

2. What book/podcast/documentary/piece of content do you recommend the most and why?

I really love Under The Influence by Terry O’Reilly. I love hearing the stories of successful marketing campaigns, and I really love hearing the ones that weren’t successful. So often we’re looking for the next big thing, but I think we can still find lots of creative ideas in what has already worked. I love to listen to the show and think about what I would do in that situation.

3. What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee. Walk the dog. Coffee.

4. Do you have a personal ethos that helps guide your decisions and choices? What is it and where did it come from?

I think I try to make my business as accessible as possible, but I’m always learning news ways to do that. I think I’ve always seen myself as a bit of an underdog, so I’d really like to bring people up with me. I think being honest, fair and working hard has resulted in professional and personal relationships that feel earned and important.

5. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned on your entrepreneurial journey so far?

There are some things that you’re not supposed to be good at. You can’t be an expert at everything, so contract out the things that take you away from the stuff that you’re supposed to be doing. There’s a reason you’ve never heard of a creative accountant.

6. How do you stay focused on your organization’s mission while also juggling competing priorities in what we imagine is a very busy schedule?

I’ll admit, I haven’t perfected this. So, I’ll see what others have said and I’ll learn from them.

7. What type of superpower would you want to have? Why?

I wish I could make money less of a factor in people doing what they want with their lives. So many times it feels like I meet people who are doing something they don’t love, simply because they have to pay the bills. But what if bills weren’t an issue? What would you be doing then? I’d love a superpower to make that happen.

8. What’s one thing you wish you knew before starting your business/current role?

It’s all going to be okay. Every problem does not mean it’s the end of your business. You got this far, you’ll figure it out - you always do. That, and to enjoy the lulls.

9. What advice would you give to future entre/intrapreneurs looking to make their mark on the world?

We’re only here once and time is quick. Decide what your goals are, not what other peoples’ goals are for you. And know that your goals will change, and it’s good to embrace that. And don’t forget to have fun. You and your business will both flourish as long as you have fun.

From his personal ethos to optimistic outlooks, Mike is the quintessential entrepreneur. Find Mike on LinkedIn and all socials, @mikesbloggy.

(Photo description: Mike Morrison standing up, leaning against a table with his legs crossed and hands resting on the table.)

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