“The most dangerous kind of waste is the waste we do not recognize.” – Shigeo Shingo
One of the most daunting decisions an entrepreneur faces is knowing when to stay the course and when to change direction. There’s no universal answer – sometimes, perseverance pays off, while other times, a pivot is necessary to save your venture. The secret lies in understanding when to apply each strategy.
A pivot is a strategic shift in your business model, product, target audience, or some other key aspect of your venture based on insights gathered from the market. In other words, it’s a change in strategy without a change in vision.
Look at Twitter, for example. It started as a podcast platform called Odeo. However, the launch of iTunes by Apple made Odeo’s business model obsolete. Instead of persisting with a failing strategy, the team at Odeo decided to pivot. They brainstormed new ideas, one of which was a microblogging platform that became Twitter. Today, Twitter (now called “X”) is a social media behemoth with hundreds of millions of users worldwide.
So, what does this mean for you as an entrepreneur? It means you need to maintain a balance of flexibility and perseverance. While tenacity is commendable, it’s also crucial to listen to your market and be willing to change direction if necessary.
Action Step: Reflect on your current business strategy. Are there signs that a pivot might be necessary? What new directions could you explore that align with your vision?
Making strategic decisions at the right time can be the difference between success and failure. Sometimes, perseverance is the key, but other times, a well-timed pivot can save your startup.
To deepen your understanding of when to pivot and when to persevere, check out our book of the week “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries.