When to pivot?

Posted on 3/27/2023, 7:20:01 PM

Starting a new business is an exciting and challenging endeavor, but it can also be risky. Even with the best intentions and a solid business plan, there may come a time when you realize that your startup is not meeting your expectations or achieving the results you had hoped for. In these cases, it may be necessary to pivot your business model in order to increase your chances of success. In this article, we will explore when to pivot your startup based on the Lean Startup Method.

What is a Pivot?

A pivot is a significant change in your startup's business model or strategy. It can involve changing your target market, product offering, pricing strategy, marketing approach, or even your core values. The goal of a pivot is to test new assumptions and increase your chances of success by aligning your startup with market demand.

When to Pivot Your Startup

Pivoting your startup can be a difficult decision, but it is sometimes necessary for long-term success. Here are some signs that it may be time to pivot your startup:

1. You're Not Meeting Your Goals

If your startup is not achieving the goals you set for it, it may be time to pivot. This could mean changing your target market or product offering to better align with demand.

For example, if you started a meal delivery service targeting busy professionals, but you're not getting enough customers to meet your revenue goals, you may need to pivot to a different target market, such as health-conscious consumers.

2. You're Not Seeing Traction

If you're not seeing traction in your startup, despite your best efforts, it may be time to pivot. This could mean changing your product offering, marketing approach, or even your business model.

For example, if you started a mobile app that helps people find nearby events, but you're not seeing enough downloads or engagement, you may need to pivot to a different approach, such as focusing on a specific niche market or adding new features to your app.

3. You're Getting Negative Feedback

If you're getting negative feedback from customers, it may be time to pivot. Negative feedback could indicate that your product or service is not meeting the needs of your target market, or that your marketing approach is not resonating with them.

For example, if you started a social media platform for freelancers, but users are complaining that it's too difficult to use, you may need to pivot to a more user-friendly design or a different platform altogether.

4. The Market Has Changed

If the market has changed since you started your startup, it may be time to pivot. This could mean changing your product offering to better align with market demand, or shifting your target market to a more profitable niche.

For example, if you started a subscription-based beauty box service, but the market has shifted towards more sustainable and eco-friendly products, you may need to pivot to a more sustainable product offering.

How to Pivot Your Startup

Pivoting your startup can be a complex process, but it can also be a necessary step towards success. Here are some tips for pivoting your startup effectively:

1. Identify the Problem

Before you can pivot your startup, you need to identify the problem. This could mean conducting customer research, analyzing market trends, or gathering feedback from investors and mentors.

2. Brainstorm Solutions

Once you've identified the problem, you need to brainstorm potential solutions. This could involve creating new product offerings, shifting your target market, or changing your pricing strategy.

3. Test Your Assumptions

Before making any major changes to your startup, it's important to test your assumptions. This could mean creating a minimum viable product (MVP) and testing it with potential customers, or conducting surveys and focus groups to gather feedback.

4. Analyze the Data

5. Make Informed Decisions

Once you have analyzed the data, it's time to make informed decisions about how to pivot your startup. This may involve selecting one of the potential solutions you brainstormed or combining several ideas to create a new approach.

6. Develop a Plan

Once you have made your decision, it's important to develop a plan for executing the pivot. This could involve creating a new business plan, adjusting your marketing strategy, or revising your product roadmap.

7. Communicate with Stakeholders

It's important to communicate with your stakeholders, such as investors, employees, and customers, about your pivot. Be transparent about your decision-making process and explain how the pivot will benefit your startup in the long term.

8. Monitor Progress

After you have executed your pivot, it's important to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed. This could involve gathering feedback from customers, analyzing metrics, and adjusting your strategy accordingly.

Benefits of Pivoting Your Startup

Pivoting your startup can be a difficult decision, but it can also lead to significant benefits, such as:

1. Increased Market Demand

By pivoting your startup to better align with market demand, you can increase your chances of success and attract more customers.

2. Improved Product-Market Fit

Pivoting your startup can help you find the right product-market fit and create a more successful business model.

3. More Efficient Resource Allocation

By pivoting your startup, you can focus your resources on the areas that are most likely to drive success and reduce waste.

4. Increased Investor Interest

If you're able to pivot your startup successfully, you may attract more investor interest and secure more funding.

Pivoting your startup can be a difficult decision, but it's sometimes necessary for long-term success. By following the Lean Startup Method, you can identify when it's time to pivot and execute the pivot effectively. Remember to gather feedback, test your assumptions, and make informed decisions based on data. With the right approach, pivoting your startup can lead to increased market demand, improved product-market fit, and more efficient resource allocation.

For startup advice, book a call with a mentor at mentordial.com.