The ‘pivot’ is a key idea for start-ups today. Rather than plough on regardless until you crash and burn as the money runs out, you assess the data, consider your options and elegantly pivot the business in a new direction. Simple, huh?
Eric Reis identifies 10 different types of pivot in his book, The Lean Startup. So, if the first one doesn’t work, then you can just pivot again. Flickr started as a multi-player online game. Wasn’t working, so a quick pivot and, hey presto, success! It’s so easy, just be agile and open-minded and you will get there in the end.
Only there are some start-ups that pivot more often than the principals in Swan Lake.
So, are these pivots due to conscious and rational decision making? Or a mad wrench at the wheel to avoid the imminent car-crash?
Well, that very much depends on the startup. But having a clear understanding of why you are doing what you are doing and where you are trying to get to will help you make the pivot a positive course-correction to get you back on your path.
Rather than just another spin of the wheel as you go wander around like a drunk spider.
Occasionally desperation works. Who’s to say the pivot you make before the money really runs out won’t be successful? I just don’t recommend luck as a strategy for your business.