Leadership figures, what is one takeaway you have from having to pivot your business model?

Question

In a rapidly changing business landscape, adaptability isn't just valuable; it's essential. This article delves into the critical moments when businesses must pivot their strategies, bolstered by insights from industry experts. Discover how listening to customers, staying attuned to market trends, and fostering resilience can transform challenges into opportunities for growth.

April Eldridge · Answer

Adaptability is Your Greatest Asset
One of the biggest takeaways from pivoting my business model is that evolution is a sign of growth, not instability. Early on, my consulting work was heavily execution-focused-I was in the trenches, optimizing operations, refining workflows, and helping teams scale efficiently. But over time, I recognized a deeper need: many founders and business leaders weren't just struggling with execution. They lacked strategic clarity on what to prioritize and how to scale sustainably.
This insight led me to expand my services beyond hands-on operations to include high-level strategic advisory services, allowing me to offer solutions and the critical thinking and perspective to help leaders make better decisions. The pivot required repositioning my offerings, refining my messaging, and shifting how I engaged with clients-but ultimately, it allowed me to provide a more significant impact.
The biggest lesson? Your business model should serve your strengths and your client's evolving needs. If you resist change, you risk stagnation. But embracing it opens the door to greater opportunities, deeper client relationships, and long-term success.

Max Shak · Answer

As the Founder and CEO of Nerdigital.com, I've learned firsthand how crucial it is to stay flexible and be willing to pivot when necessary. One key takeaway I have from pivoting our business model is the importance of staying closely connected to your customers and being willing to adapt based on their needs and feedback.
There was a point in our business where we had to change direction in order to better align with market demands. Initially, we were focused on offering specific digital solutions, but as we grew, we realized that many of our clients were looking for a more comprehensive, end-to-end service—something we hadn't anticipated early on. Instead of sticking rigidly to our original plan, we decided to evolve our offerings, expanding into areas that would provide greater value to our clients.
The process wasn't easy. There were tough conversations, moments of uncertainty, and a lot of strategic thinking to make sure we were making the right move. But one thing I've learned is that a pivot doesn't mean abandoning your core values or mission—it means refining your approach to serve your customers better.
What made our pivot successful was our ability to gather feedback from clients who had already worked with us. Listening to their pain points and understanding their future goals helped us pinpoint where we needed to evolve. Once we implemented those changes, we found that our clients were more engaged and appreciative of our new approach, which ultimately led to stronger retention and new business opportunities.
In the end, the biggest lesson I took away from pivoting our business model is this: Embrace change, but ensure that any pivot is deeply rooted in understanding your customers' evolving needs. Flexibility and willingness to adjust can lead to growth, even in the face of uncertainty.

Amaury Ponce · Answer

One key takeaway from having to pivot our business model is the importance of adaptability and listening to customer needs. Early in our journey at Ponce Tree Services, we primarily focused on standard tree trimming and removal. However, as the DFW area grew, customers began requesting more specialized services like tree health assessments, storm damage prevention, and long-term care plans. As a certified arborist with TRAQ, I recognized this shift as an opportunity to expand our expertise. We invested in advanced equipment, additional staff training, and began offering tailored consultations for homeowners and businesses looking to maintain the health and safety of their trees for the long term. This pivot not only grew our customer base but also elevated our reputation as a trusted resource for complex tree care needs.
My years of experience in the field and a foundation built on quality service helped make this shift a positive one. Growing up in the tree industry and learning from my father gave me firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed. Combining that hands-on experience with my formal training as an arborist helped me understand how to implement these changes effectively without sacrificing quality. As a result, this adjustment positioned us to better serve our community, build stronger customer relationships, and weather industry challenges with confidence.

Ronald Osborne · Answer

One of the biggest takeaways I've had from pivoting a business model is the importance of staying connected to both your customer base and market trends. When I ran my telecommunications company, we reached a point where the market was shifting rapidly toward cloud-based services. At the time, we were heavily focused on hardware sales and installations. It became clear that if we didn't adapt, we'd lose relevance. Leveraging my military training in telecommunications and the analytical mindset I honed through my MBA, I conducted a full market analysis to understand how we could transition into offering managed IT services and cloud solutions. This wasn't just a product shift, it required retraining staff, creating new marketing strategies, and restructuring the company's workflow to prioritize recurring revenue streams over one-time sales. By pivoting swiftly and methodically, we not only retained our current customers but also attracted a new demographic of businesses looking for future-focused IT support. Within two years, this move grew the business and that's what ultimately positioned us to be recognized by Telstra. The key was understanding that pivots aren't just about chasing a trend but strategically aligning your business with a sustainable opportunity. My experience working with hundreds of entrepreneurs around the globe has reinforced this lesson time and time again. Whether it's navigating recruitment challenges or optimizing operational output, the principle is the same, stay adaptable but grounded in strategy. Pivoting can feel like starting over, but if you approach it with a structured plan and a willingness to embrace change, it can lead to extraordinary growth.

Niclas Schlopsna · Answer

My biggest takeaway from pivoting businesses comes from my experience transitioning spectup from a simple pitch deck creation service to a comprehensive startup growth consultancy. I remember sitting with our team, looking at the data that showed 38% of startups were failing due to cash problems, and realizing we needed to offer more than just presentation support. This reminded me of my time at N26, where I watched the company evolve from a basic banking app to a full-service financial platform.
At spectup, the pivot meant completely reshaping our service offerings, but we kept our core mission of helping startups succeed. We added fundraising strategy, investor relations, and growth consulting to our services, which actually brought in clients we never could have reached before. The key lesson I learned is that successful pivots come from listening to what your clients really need, not just what you think they want. Sometimes you have to let go of your original vision to build something better - a lesson that's helped many of our startup clients too.

Dave Brocious · Answer

One key takeaway from having to pivot our business model is the importance of aligning our services closely with customer needs. At Sky Point Crane, we realized that by expanding our offerings beyond standard crane rentals to include specialized services like 3D Lift Planning and project management, we could better support our clients' complex projects. This shift allowed us to become a one-stop solution, which increased client retention and expanded our market reach.
For example, during a challenging infrastructure project in Pennsylvania, our ability to provide comprehensive lifting solutions, including detailed lift planning, resulted in a 25% time-saving for the client. Such outcomes highlight the value of understanding client needs and offering unique solutions custom to those requirements.
In adapting our business model, maintaining a customer-centric approach and consistently delivering value has been crucial. By placing ourselves in our customers' shoes and ensuring that every team member shares this mission, we can pivot effectively and drive success for both our clients and our business.

Dee DeRidder · Answer

I learned to listen to the lessons of the market. I learned that the key to success lies in understanding the true value of your work. Initially, I was trapped in the commodity trap, selling résumé services against a sea of competitors. It was a no-win trap in a race to the lowest price. My breakthrough came when a young man pointed out that I was capitalizing on the wrong thing. My writing skills were very good, of course, but nobody could easily replicate my decades of career expertise. The shift allowed me to reposition myself to clients who actually valued my depth of knowledge. I was able to compete on value. This shift aligned with my passions. Now I am happier at work. My lesson? Don't focus on the thing - whether the thing is a résumé or a black box. Focus on the outcomes.

Michelle Gomes · Answer

One major takeaway from pivoting our business model at Evaheld is the importance of listening—really listening—to the people you serve. Early on, we thought adding more complex features would drive success. But as we spoke with families who were navigating emotionally charged situations, we realized what they truly needed was a simpler, more compassionate approach. That discovery inspired us to pivot away from complexity and double down on genuine human support. It reminded me that pivoting isn't about failure—it's about growth and the willingness to adapt so you can create something truly meaningful for those who rely on you.

Harps Mangat · Answer

One major takeaway from having to pivot our business model is the immense value of flexibility and team expertise in navigating changes. When founding One Rawr, I noticed many startups were overwhelmed by larger competitors. Our initial model wasn't sustainable, but the pivot to a fractional marketing approach allowed us to offer top-tier services at a fraction of traditional costs. This decision was driven by data and allowed us to adapt swiftly to client needs.
A concrete example is when we shifted from focusing solely on strategy to offering tactical marketing. We hired specialists in areas like SEO and content writing. In one instance, a startup client saw a 40% increase in lead quality within six months after we optimized their marketing tactics. This pivot, inspired by real client feedback and market demands, demonstrated the power of having a flexible team ready to tackle various marketing challenges quickly.
I believe the key is in creating a structure that allows agility without compromising on expertise. A custom, expert team can quickly adjust to serve evolving business needs, providing startups with the chance to compete effectively.

Soubhik Chakrabarti · Answer

One of the biggest things I've learned from pivoting my business model is the value of resilience. It's not just about being strong when things get tough; it's about adapting, evolving, and embracing uncertainty as an opportunity for growth. When circumstances forced me to rethink my approach, I realized resilience isn't a fixed trait-it's a skill that grows with experience and intentionality.
When a major market shift forced me to transition from a service-based model to a digital-first approach, the change wasn't easy. It meant not only reimagining our offerings but also guiding my team through the challenges of learning new tools, adjusting workflows, and overcoming fears of the unknown. At first, the pressure was overwhelming. But I found that breaking the challenge down into smaller, manageable steps-and celebrating every small win-helped me and my team stay on track.
Resilience taught me the power of perspective. Instead of focusing on what we were losing, I shifted my energy towards the opportunities ahead. This pivot opened up new revenue streams and positioned the business for long-term sustainability. More importantly, it gave us the confidence to face future disruption.
For other leaders in similar situations, my advice would be to approach resilience not as a solo journey but as a team effort. Involve your team in the decision-making process, seek input, and create an environment where adaptability is celebrated. Resilience grows strongest when it's shared-it's not about going through challenges alone but thriving together.

Tammy Sons · Answer

The most valuable thing I've learned from pivoting my business model is to stay close to what your customers are saying. Not every change is pleasant, but necessary. As the market changed, being flexible and open to innovation was the key to survival and expansion. It took an entire retooling of our approach to communicating with and delivering to customers to take TN Nursery's focus online, for example. It wasn't about opening a website but making a seamless process reflecting the love we invested in each plant. This transition empowered me to go with my gut but use data to guide my decisions. After all, pivoting is not failure; it's an act of strength and facing the odds head-on without losing sight of your vision.

Victor Santoro · Answer

When I pivoted Profit Leap to launch HUXLEY, our AI business advisor, the key was changing how small businesses harness technology for growth. Initially, the challenge was that many small businesses viewed AI as intimidating or unnecessary. Through trial and error, I learned to reframe this perception, educating clients on AI's role as an accessible, everyday tool for strategic decisions.
This pivot wasn't just theoretical. By integrating HUXLEY, our small law firm clients reported a year-over-year revenue increase of over 50%. They realized that using data-driven insights not only boosts efficiency but also uncovers new revenue streams. My takeaway: Adapt not just products, but perceptions, turning hesitancy into enthusiasm.
Early on in my career, setting up a diagnostic imaging branch, I shifted focus after noticing gaps in market needs. Initially centered around traditional imaging services, the pivot to offering innovative, tech-oriented solutions captured a larger market share. Pivoting is about embracing an evolving landscape—spot opportunities, then reshape your approach to align with those opportunities, enhancing your strategic adaptability. Pivoting a business model has taught me the importance of adaptability and strategic foresight. When I transitioned from medicine to entrepreneurship, I realized quickly that applying a diagnostic mindset to business could be revolutionary. In 2005, I started a diagnostic imaging branch, which led me to co-design HUXLEY, an AI business advisor, reshaping how small businesses operate.
This shift allowed me to blend AI technology with strategic planning, helping companies achieve over 50% revenue growth annually. For example, leveraging AI in Profit Leap has transformed small law firms' operational efficiencies, leading to increased investment prospects.
The need to pivothas shown me that integrating technology with business strategy can not only predict challenges but also create new avenues for growth. This approach fosters a resilient business model that can withstand and adapt to market shifts effectively.

Rinal Patel · Answer

Strong leadership is essential when faced with challenges. To keep their companies afloat during unpredictable and changing times, executives need to be able to modify their company strategy and find creative solutions. I've discovered as a realtor how crucial it is to be a resilient and strong leader when faced with obstacles.
I started by learning how important it is to be proactive rather than reactive. I realized I had to take quick action and modify my company plan to reflect the shifting market dynamics as soon as the pandemic struck. I began by conducting research and locating fresh business opportunities. In order to gather their opinions and thoughts, I also contacted other real estate agents and industry professionals. I was able to successfully change my business strategy and stay ahead of the competition by being proactive and taking control of the situation.
The value of flexibility was another lesson learned from this event. Failure might result from being inflexible and unyielding in a market that is ever evolving. I had to have an open mind and be prepared to try new things in order to be a realtor. Using technology and doing virtual home tours was part of this, something I had never done before. Although it was a big change from my typical in-person showings, it worked well for connecting with prospective buyers during the lockdown.
I also learned how crucial it is to be open and honest with my clients. Keeping my clients informed and up to date on the changes in the market and how they might affect their purchasing or selling decisions was essential during these tumultuous times. I was able to establish trust with my clients and uphold solid connections by communicating in an open and transparent manner.
Finally, I learned that, regardless of the situation, it is critical for leaders to maintain their optimism and positivity. The ongoing changes and difficulties during the pandemic made it simple to get disheartened and overwhelmed. Nonetheless, it was my duty as a leader to keep a cheerful disposition and reassure my group and clientele. This boosted enthusiasm and kept everyone inspired to keep going after their goals.
I've learned over the past year how critical great leadership is during difficult circumstances. I was able to successfully adjust to the shifting market conditions and carry on providing my clients with good service by being proactive, adaptable, communicative, and upbeat.

Ryan T. Murphy · Answer

When we had to pivot the business model at UpfrontOps, a crucial takeaway was the power of leveraging partnerships to overcome operational challenges. Initially, the traditional operational models were not sustainable for us, but by becoming an authorized reseller for over 4,500 global B2B tech brands, we were able to offer more custom solutions and reach a broader market.
For example, by securing partnerships with industry giants like AT&T, AWS, and Cisco, UpfrontOps not only expanded its offerings but also improved the credibility and appeal of our services. This strategic move led to a 73.3% year-over-year growth and solidified our position as a major player in the marketplace.
The key was not just in forming these partnerships, but in aligning them with our core operational strategy—ensuring a seamless integration of services that catered directly to client needs. Entrepreneurs should focus on finding strategic partners who complement their business model, allowing them to deliver improved value and drive growth.

Sean Swain · Answer

One key takeaway from pivoting my business model is the importance of adaptability and focusing on customer needs. When managing Detroit Furnished Rentals, we faced significant challenges with property management, especially when some landlords were undermining our guest relationships. This forced us to rethink our strategy and prioritize securing properties where we had full control over the guest experience.
In response, we relocated to more reliable properties, which resulted in improved guest satisfaction scores and repeat bookings. This pivot taught me to be agile in the face of adversity and emphasize a guest-first approach, ensuring that the quality of service remained consistent.
Furthermore, when starting my limo service, partnering with local hotel concierges proved crucial. By leveraging these strategic partnerships, we tapped into a steady stream of clients, enhancing both our visibility and reputation in the market. This experience reinforced the value of building strong local alliances to drive business growth. Pivoting my business model during a challenging time taught me the importance of prioritizing adaptability and maintaining a guest-first approach. When I faced unforeseen issues with some properties in Detroit's highly competitive market, I chose to relocate to areas that provided a more stable environment for my guests. This decision, although difficult due to logistical and financial implications, prioritized guest satisfaction and led to improved ratings and increased repeat bookings.
During my limousine business days, I learned the power of strategic partnerships to revitalize operations. Partnering with hotel concierges helped us consistently attract clientele. Such relationships not only improved guest experiences but also ensured a steady stream of business. Applying this concept to Detroit Furnished Rentals, I customized our offerings to include collaborations with local artisans and businesses, offering guests a rich, immersive experience that they couldn't find elsewhere.
Our experience with adapting Airbnb offerings to include dynamic pricing, personalized guest experiences, and targeting niche markets further demonstrated how good ideas could swiftly turn challenges into opportunities. This strategy resulted in a 20% increase in occupancy, showcasing the benefits of staying flexible and responsive to market needs while remaining true to customer-focused service.

John Hall · Answer

One key takeaway from having to pivot my business model is that it's essential to be willing to evolve if you want to continue thriving. While it may seem like a no-brainer, it can be difficult to have this mindset when challenges arise. For example, when the COVID pandemic happened, my business had to immediately adapt to working from home full time. This taught me the importance of flexibility in order to preserve my company and maintain its success. Since then, we've seen significant growth. What's even better is that while we do work in the office for the majority of the work week now, we still have a flexible work policy in place that allows employees to work remotely when needed. When leaders acknowledge how quickly unexpected challenges can happen that can impact their business, they can more easily set up a fallback plan beforehand. This way, your business isn't panicking when challenges like these happen, since there's a process in place to keep your company operating smoothly.

Meghan Calhoun · Answer

I learned that a significant pivot requires focusing on how we improve employee engagement and workplace fulfillment. At Give River, we found that integrating recognition, wellness, and growth strategies via our 5G Method not only boosted productivity but also significantly increased employee retention. For instance, companies utilizing our platform engaged employees through gamified wellness programs saw productivity increase by 34%.
Pivoting also taught me the power of creating a strong community impact. We transformed typical team-building exercises into social responsibility initiatives, like our "Virtual 5K Charity Run," which not only lifted employee morale but also led to a higher employee net promoter score (eNPS). This holistic approach to pivoting business models fostered a workplace environment where both the company and employees thrived.
Lastly, trust in data-driven insights became indispensable. Using real-time feedback from custom surveys and the employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS), we were able to make informed decisions and drive meaningful change that aligned with our core mission of changing work culture. Implementing these insights ensured our pivots were not just reactive but proactively aligned with our overall growth strategy.

Rob DuBroc · Answer

One key takeaway from pivoting our business model is the importance of adaptability and staying attuned to customer needs. At On Track Storage, we shifted focus to include RV and boat storage after recognizing a growing demand in certain markets. This pivot not only opened new revenue streams but also strengthened our customer base by addressing a specific need. The experience taught me that being open to change and making data-driven decisions can uncover opportunities that align with market trends. Flexibility and responsiveness are crucial for long-term growth and resilience in any business.

Adam Yong · Answer

Pivoting my business model was one of those moments that really taught me the value of staying connected to customer needs. Initially, we were more focused on helping users generate content faster. But as we got feedback, it became clear that while speed was important, the quality and SEO optimization were even more important for our audience. We adjusted our focus to prioritize in-depth research and SEO features while still maintaining efficiency. The key takeaway is that a business model should always evolve in response to the market. Listening to customers, understanding their evolving needs, and staying flexible enough to make necessary changes is how you stay relevant.

Georgi Petrov · Answer

One of the biggest takeaways I have from having to pivot my business model is the importance of flexibility and the ability to quickly assess and respond to market changes. When our business was faced with unforeseen challenges, it became clear that a rigid approach wasn't sustainable. We needed to stay agile, evaluate new opportunities, and shift our focus to where the demand was growing.
In our case, the pivot involved moving from traditional in-person services to offering more digital solutions. This wasn't an easy decision, but we recognized the growing need for remote services. It required a deep dive into our existing offerings, analyzing customer feedback, and closely monitoring the competitive landscape. Through this, we found new revenue streams and managed to preserve, if not grow, our market position.
The key takeaway was that adaptability is critical. Businesses that are too set in their ways risk missing new opportunities. Pivoting isn't just about responding to a crisis—it's about being proactive in recognizing where your business can evolve. Embracing change, listening to customer needs, and continuously adapting your strategy are crucial for long-term success.

Joshua Miller · Answer

As an executive coach who had to rapidly adapt during recent market shifts, the most profound lesson was that pivoting isn't just about changing direction - it's about changing perspective. When my in-person coaching practice faced disruption during the pandemic, I discovered that embracing virtual delivery actually expanded my global reach and impact exponentially. The key was viewing the forced change not as a limitation but as an invitation to reimagine how I deliver value, which led to creating hybrid coaching programs that now serve three times more clients than my previous model. What truly emerged wasn't just a new business model, but a more resilient mindset about adaptability that I now pass on to my executive clients. The unexpected benefit was that this pivot actually brought me closer to my core mission of transformative leadership development, just through a different lens.

Justin McKelvey · Answer

One key takeaway from having to pivot SuperDupr's business model is the critical importance of innovative process methodologies. We've continually refined our approach, focusing on client satisfaction and operational efficiency, which was crucial when transitioning from traditional development to leveraging AI for automation. This shift not only streamlined operations but significantly improved client results across various industries.
For example, with The Unmooring, a digital magazine focused on faith and female voices, we managed to boost their platform using strategic web design and digital products that foster repeat purchases. By automating specific processes, we saved the team invaluable time and resources, allowing them to focus more on content creation rather than technical headaches.
This experience taught me that embracing technological advancements like AI can provide transformative benefits. It's about focusing on creating a robust, forward-thinking strategy that prioritizes efficiency without sacrificing the quality or the unique value each client brings to the table.

Clayton Johnson TCM · Answer

Pivoting a business model is challenging but can lead to profound insights that shape future strategies. At TWINCITY.COM, a pivotal shift occurred when we recognized the untapped potential of local partnerships. By collaborating with local businesses to improve their digital presence, we found a niche in providing targeted market exposure. This pivot lifted our business directory and expanded our clientele significantly, boosting local engagement by 35% over six months.
As the owner and previous leader of The Guerrilla Agency, I've seen the impact of adapting to shifts in digital trends. For instance, when Google's algorithm changes penalized low-quality backlinks, we pivoted to focusing on high-quality content collaborations. This switch led to a more robust link profile and a 30% increase in organic traffic over six months.
My takeaway is the need for adaptability and a keen eye for market demands. Being proactive rather than reactive, by continually analyzing and adjusting strategies, builds resilience and opens new avenues for growth. In my experience at Twin City Marketing, pivoting our business model taught me the power of adaptability in the face of digital landscape changes. When Google updated its algorithm to penalize low-quality links, we quickly shifted focus from quantity to quality in our backlink strategy. By emphasizing reputable guest blogging and shareable infographics, we achieved sustainable SEO growth, seeing a 30% increase in organic traffic over six months.
A specific case was when we observed an overlooked industry blog common among competitor backlinks. Collaborating with this blog enabled us to secure crucial backlinks, significantly boosting our SEO rankings and driving notable traffic. This pivot demonstrated the importance of reassessing strategic approaches and seizing underused opportunities for brand growth.
The key takeaway is to remain agile and open to new strategies, especially when faced with market or algorithm shifts. By prioritizing high-quality content and strategic partnerships, businesses can not only maintain but also improve their digital presence and performance.

Joseph Braithwaite · Answer

If there's one takeaway from pivoting a business model, it's this: adaptability isn't optional, it's survival.
The world moves fast. Economic shifts (COVID), political changes (elections), and personal crises (losing a loved one) remind us that control is an illusion. The best leaders aren't those who resist change but those who embrace it strategically.
Adaptability isn't about reacting in panic-it's about leading with clarity. We've all seen leaders who treat change like their hair is on fire. Rash decisions, knee-jerk reactions, and fear-driven choices only create chaos. The leaders who thrive? They pause, assess, and pivot with purpose.
Adaptability in action looks like:- Seeing uncertainty as opportunity. The best leaders don't just survive shifts; they turn them into advantages.- Creating a culture of flexibility. Employees need to see adaptability modeled from the top down. When leaders resist change, teams follow suit-and businesses stagnate.- Balancing decisiveness with agility. Pivoting doesn't mean scrambling. It means making smart, intentional moves that align with long-term vision while adjusting to present realities.- Expecting the unexpected. Rigid business models break. Adaptable ones bend, adjust, and keep moving forward.
Adaptability is the difference between businesses that weather the storm and those that fall apart at the first sign of change. The greatest leaders aren't the ones who never face setbacks-they're the ones who refuse to let uncertainty define their future.

Bill Lyons · Answer

The best piece of advice I learned from pivoting our business model is to stay rooted in your "why" while being flexible with your "how." This pivot taught us that adaptability isn't just about survival—it's about creating new opportunities. By embracing the shift, we not only preserved our purpose but also uncovered better ways to deliver value, strengthen relationships, and future-proof our business. In hindsight, pivots aren't setbacks—they're stepping stones to innovation.

Craig Focht · Answer

Pivoting exposes the gaps in a business model that success tends to hide. When demand shifts, weak points become obvious—pricing, logistics, service structure, everything. It's a test of how well a company can adapt under pressure. The businesses that survive aren't always the biggest or the best-funded. They're the ones that move first, stay lean, and execute change without hesitation.
One major takeaway? Systems matter more than plans. A strategy might look perfect on paper, but if the day-to-day operations can't shift with it, the business stalls. When we had to adjust services due to supply chain delays, it wasn't about rewriting the entire playbook. It was about making sure our processes were strong enough to absorb the hit and keep moving. Change happens fast—execution has to happen faster.

Brenton Thomas · Answer

A key takeaway from pivoting a business model is the importance of adaptability and customer-centric decision-making. For instance, shifting from in-person services to a digital offering during a market shift required understanding customer needs and leveraging technology to meet them. This experience highlights that staying flexible and responsive to change ensures resilience and opens new opportunities. Successful pivots often stem from focusing on solving customer problems, demonstrating that agility and innovation are essential for long-term growth and relevance.

Gerardo Gonzalez-Quevedo · Answer

When I first started Prints Giclee Shop, I realized the importance of flexibility when the pandemic hit, forcing a halt on in-person consultations. We quickly pivoted to virtual consultations, allowing customers to share their work over video calls. This adaptability not only maintained our service quality but expanded our client base beyond Miami, leading to a 40% increase in remote orders. Another pivotal moment was during our transition from offering aluminum print mounts to marketing "metal art prints." This shift better aligned with market trends and resonated with customers who valued the artistic aspect over materials. Simplifying our message increased appeal and sales in that product line, demonstrating the power of effectively rebranding to meet customer preferences. These experiences taught me that being attuned to market signals and ready to adapt is vital. Leverage technology and accept changes in consumer behavior to find new growth opportunities, even amidst challenges.

When Have You Had to Pivot Your Business Model?

When Have You Had to Pivot Your Business Model?

Adaptability Is Your Greatest Asset

Stay Flexible and Adapt to Needs

Listen to Customer Needs

Stay Connected to Market Trends

Successful Pivots Come From Client Needs

Align Services With Customer Needs

Understand the True Value of Your Work

Listen to the People You Serve

Flexibility and Team Expertise Drive Success

Resilience Is Key to Business Growth

Stay Close to Customer Feedback

Leverage Partnerships to Overcome Challenges

Be Agile and Prioritize Guest Experience

Evolve to Continue Thriving

Improve Employee Engagement and Fulfillment

Adapt to Customer Needs

Prioritize Quality and SEO Optimization

Quickly Assess and Respond to Market Changes

Pivoting Changes Perspective and Expands Reach

Innovative Process Methodologies Drive Success

Adaptability and Local Partnerships Drive Growth

Adaptability Is Crucial for Survival

Stay Rooted in Your Why

Systems Matter More Than Plans

Customer-Centric Decision-Making Is Key

Flexibility and Virtual Consultations Drive Growth

Adaptability and Customer Needs Are Crucial

Adaptability Is Essential for Long-Term Growth