Pivoting in business isn’t failure, it’s a sign of wisdom. Every successful business makes shifts as markets evolve, client needs change and strategies need refining. The challenge is knowing when to pivot and how to do it with clarity instead of fear.
In this episode, we look at how to recognise the right time to pivot and make intentional decisions, including:
- What a pivot really means (and what it doesn’t)
- Why business owners avoid pivots — and why they shouldn’t
- Key signs it might be time to shift
A pivot isn’t about abandoning your work, it’s about aligning more deeply with your strengths, values, and what your market truly needs.
What Really is a Pivot?
A pivot isn’t giving up. It’s a strategic shift in direction based on what you’ve learned. That might mean narrowing your offer, adjusting pricing, changing your delivery model, or moving into a new market. Pivots are strategic, not reactive.
Why Business Owners Avoid Pivots
Change is uncomfortable, and fear of being wrong or losing face often holds business owners back. But clinging to the wrong direction just because you’ve invested time and energy doesn’t make it the right one. Pivoting isn’t weakness, it’s a sign of growth.
Signs It Might Be Time to Pivot
Look for key signals:
- Persistent lack of traction despite consistent effort
- A market that’s moved or become saturated
- Attracting the wrong clients who drain energy or undervalue your work
- Feeling disconnected or uninspired by your offer or audience
- Shrinking profit margins despite working harder
These are not failures, they’re signals.
Make Data-Informed Decisions
When emotions run high, perspective shrinks. Review your numbers: leads, conversions, profits, client feedback, and market trends.
Get outside input from trusted peers, mentors, or even clients. Then pause, take your time to review and reflect. There is no rush in making a decision. Strong pivots come from reflection, not reaction.
Clarify What You’re Moving Toward
A pivot isn’t just about leaving something behind. It’s about aligning with something better. Ask yourself:
- What am I best at?
- What energises me to deliver?
- What does the market need and value?
- How can I create more impact, not just more offers?
This clarity turns a pivot into alignment.
Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Once you pivot, bring your audience with you. Share the “why”, be transparent about changes, and focus on benefits for them. Clients care about results and if the pivot helps them get better outcomes, they’ll support you.
Test Before You Commit
Pivots don’t have to be all-or-nothing. You can:
- Soft launch a new offer
- Run a beta with a handful of clients
- Adjust messaging and watch audience response
- Trial pricing changes
Stay Grounded in Strategy
Every pivot should answer two questions:
- Will this create more impact for my ideal client?
- Will this improve the sustainability or profitability of my business?
If the answer is yes, you’re not just pivoting, you’re evolving.
Pivots Are a Natural Part of Growth
The strongest businesses don’t wait until crisis hits: they make informed, intentional shifts based on data and alignment. So ask yourself:
- Am I clinging to something that no longer fits?
- What shift feels more aligned with my strengths and market?
- Where do I need support to plan and execute a pivot?
The strongest businesses don’t wait until crisis hits; they make informed, intentional shifts based on data and alignment.
Ask yourself if you are clinging to something that no longer fits, what shift feels more aligned with your strengths and the market, and where you need support to plan and execute a pivot.
Highlights
- 01:00 Understanding the Concept of Pivoting
- 01:35 Why Business Owners Avoid Pivots
- 02:19 Recognising the Signs to Pivot
- 02:59 Making Data-Informed Decisions
- 03:32 Executing a Successful Pivot
- 04:05 Communicating Your Pivot
- 04:28 Testing and Finalizing Your Pivot
- 04:53 Strategic Leadership and Growth
