Killing Your Business: How to Emotionally Deal with a Pivot
Listen to this episode
Summary
The growth of the tech startup scene over the last decade has brought the idea of the pivot to the attention of entrepreneurs worldwide. A company pivots when it moves from one business model to another. Uber, YouTube and Twitter are just a few of the big names that came about when their creators pivoted from their original ideas. The reasons behind why companies pivot are varied and unique to each original business and it can be a tough process as I have recently found out through personal experience. If you’ve been following the podcast and my Startup Diaries, you’ll know that I’m currently on the Ignite accelerator program with Adam and our app, Cavalry. Well, Calvary has been shelved for the time being. After a lot of soul searching, it was decided that we wouldn’t be able to get the most out of the 14 week Ignite experience with a service that required us to build a double-sided marketplace, one of the toughest business models out there. This left us with three choices. Go home, create something new in the same space as Cavalry or come up with something completely new. Going home and wasting a fantastic opportunity was never on the cards and creating something new in the same space meant that some of the same issues would be still be present. Therefore, we’ve pivoted and created something new and exciting in hardly any time at all that has not only reinvigorated us but has also received great feedback from the Ignite mentors. And that is a huge relief, because the idea of pivoting a business can be difficult to wrangle with. Firstly, it’s easy to think that you’ve somehow failed and it can be difficult discussing the pivot with others as you think they might judge. They won’t, of course, but it can be hard to quiet your own mind which is often more critical of you than anyone else in the world. A pivot is a positive reaction to something that wasn’t right. A failure might be walking headfirst into something that you knew wasn’t right, but it’s certainly not making a positive change based on new information. It’s also easy to think of your idea that’s not working at the moment as rubbish, as something that will never work. It’s easy to think that but it’s not true. You’ve put a hell of a lot of work into that idea and it may not be right at this moment in time, but there’s no need to destroy all your hard work and bin your idea. Put your idea on a shelf and keep it ready for when the time is right. If you thought it was a good idea at some point, then it’s a good idea, wait for conditions to change. A pivot can be tricky and it can feel a little painful, but it needn’t. It’s a sensible, positive change in direction based on validated learning and new feedback. Onwards and upwards! Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: How can I deal emotionally with pivoting my business? Actionable Tips: * Don’t judge yourself or be afraid of telling people that you are pivoting. A pivot is not in any way a failure. A pivot is a change in direction based on validated learning and feedback. It’s a positive reaction and something that you should do if things aren’t right. * Don’t destroy your idea. Perhaps the time isn’t right for your idea at the moment, but if you place it on a shelf, it will be ready for you when the time is right. Don’t destroy your idea because you can’t see it working. You may run into an opportunity or a person that give the idea new life. When that time comes, you will be ready to go. * A pivot is a huge learning curve. Pivoting your business can give you some of the most valuable business knowledge that you will ever receive. After you’ve pivoted, take some time out to record all of your thoughts and experiences about the process. This will allow you to get everything out and realize that a pivot is in no way a failure. Secondly,
First published
03/10/2016
Genres
Duration
25 minutes
Parent Podcast
Build a Better Startup Interviews
View PodcastSimilar Episodes
-
system restore
11/11/2025
evlov
“coming through to the other side” is more than an album — it’s a living archive of transformation. This 23-track experience weaves together sounds shaped by years of personal and artistic evolution. Each piece holds fragments of emotion, resilience, and metamorphosis. Some tracks emerged from Evlov’s archives and were expanded upon, while others were born in moments of solitude, reflection, and renewal. Together, they form a cohesive whole — a musical bridge from past to present, from inward searching to outward clarity and resilience. With signature ambient textures, downtempo grooves, soul-nourishing atmospheres, and cinematic sonic journeys, Evlov invites listeners into a space where time dissolves and feeling leads. The experience is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Designed to be experienced as a continuous flow, Coming Through to the Other Side unfolds like a story — carrying the listener from one emotional landscape to the next with seamless grace. It’s a sonic journey that invites repeat listening, revealing something new each time. Whether you’re moving through a turning point or simply seeking peace in sound, this eclectic tapestry becomes a field guide — for those who’ve traveled far, and those just beginning to cross. Music Credits: Robert Alexander : Production, Guitar, Vocals, Album Cover Art Andi Starr: Abstract Vocals on “the train stops here” UPC Code: 91952008817 JOMO #: JOMO042 / LR-08 Release Date: 05/02/2025
Clean -
a reason to break away.mp3
10/31/2023
evlov
I was inspired to work on something new tonight. You never know where inspiration can lead you! It’s all about, trusting the process, and allowing oneself to let creativity blossom! Bring on the new flow! It’s time folks!
Clean -
Shell Shawker
09/28/2023
evlov
Old track I produced around 2007 - 2009. Looking forward to having this one on an album someday! Who knows... maybe a version of "Eclectica" (an album that I would create and burn via CD back in the day) can show up someday! Enjoy the sonic journey!
Clean -
this is what loneliness sounds like
06/13/2023
evlov
Glide Brothers Giveaway - Please do not Share
Clean
Similar Podcasts
-
Why Not 3? Work-Life Balance for Entrepreneurs
08/06/2020
Why Not 3? Work-Life Balance for Entrepreneurs
"We imagine a world where everyone is inspired to achieve ultimate freedom, so that they can follow their passions, and become the best they can be. We do this by giving you the best productivity, happiness and fulfilment practices to go and build a REAL business that fuels fulfilment, achieve a REAL Work-Life Balance that fuels happiness and design a REAL way for you to inspire others."In the 30-day-challenge I share with you my best kept secrets, and day-to-day operations in a fun way. Join us at:http://www.whynot3.com/30-day-Challenge
Clean -
Boss Women Rock
08/06/2020
Jen DeVore Richter
The question women in business are always asking is how do I build a business that makes the income I desire while making an impact? On this show, Jen DeVore interviews six and seven-figure earners who are paving the way with their inspiring stories and actionable insights you can implement immediately.
Clean -
Evlov Music - A Sonic Journey
08/06/2020
evlov
Learning from the past, consistently remaining in the present and continuing to build the future – Evlov (aka Robert Alexander, Trüth) has crafted incredible soundscapes that cater to the ears of audio enthusiasts all over the world. He created LifeRhythms – a business that creates personalized music to help create wellness and wellbeing in the lives of those who are seeking mental, emotional and spiritual transformation. He has created personally tailored soundscapes, customized affirmations and worked with many coaches, healers and those who resonate with the powerful modality of tone and authentic frequency. Under his moniker Evlov, Robert has created numerous album releases, crafted and performed beautiful DJ sets and has been featured on various radio shows. With this podcast, he invites you to participate on a sonic journey that leads you the depths of your ‘truth’ and authenticity. Robert's purest intention is that you enjoy the music that he has created and you deeply resona
Clean -
Sell with a Story Podcast
08/06/2020
Paul Smith
This podcast is to help you use the art and science of storytelling to help you be more effective in your sales role. What you’ll hear will come from two primary sources. Most will be stories that come from interviews I conducted with professional sales and procurement managers from over 50 companies around the world, including: Microsoft, Costco, Xerox, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hewlett Packard, Kroger, Cushman & Wakefield, Huntington Bank, Ghirardelli Chocolates, Amway, and Children’s Hospital, among others — all of which are documented in my book, Sell with a Story: How to Capture Attention, Build Trust, and Close the Sale. On other episodes I’ll have guest authors and experts in the sales field, including bestselling sales authors like Mike Weinberg, Anthony Ianarrino, Mark Hunter, and others.
Clean -
My Open Kitchen
08/06/2020
Sophie Hansen and Skye Manson
My Open Kitchen is a podcast celebrating great stories from behind the farm gate, inspiring people, seasonal produce and the power of social media to help us all connect, collaborate and build communities.
Clean -
Play For Voices
08/06/2020
Play For Voices
Play for Voices is a podcast of international audio drama. Our show presents new productions of contemporary and classic audio plays from around the world, exploring their aesthetic, social, and political contexts through inventive, multilingual sound design and supplemental interviews with authors, translators, and other interesting people. We produce English-language plays and plays in English translation.Audio drama is a highly flexible dramatic form that encourages experimentation and encompasses narrative, lyric, serials, and standalone plays of varying lengths. Inspired by the resurgence of audio storytelling in the United States, Play for Voices aims to build an inclusive audience of listeners for international audio drama, and to promote dialogue among the literary, theater, and audio art communities through our productions and occasional live events. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener no
Clean -
Empathy Global
08/06/2020
Joy Cromwell
Hosted by Joy Cromwell, NCC, LMHC, LCPC a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State, Empathy Global explores the human condition. Our mission is to bring to light untold stories and to use the individual story to build bridges in our society using empathy and understanding.
Clean -
Tybur Techno Takeover
08/06/2020
Tybur
Emerging from the serene landscapes of Canada's West Coast, Uallas (formerly known as Tybur) crafts Techno and House music that seamlessly blends organic warmth with the pulsating energy of synthetic warehouse beats. With a Bachelor of Arts in Music Production & Sound Engineering from Point Blank Music School and Middlesex University, Uallas merges professional expertise with a deeply personal artistic vision.Since his debut with "Break the Cycle" on iq140 Records in 2016, Uallas has built a compelling discography, including "Umbrarum Imperii" on Berlin’s MFM Records, the "Temple EP" on his own BYS Music Canada label, and the acclaimed single "Hypomania," which resonated widely on SoundCloud. His music explores recovery, agency, inclusivity, societal uncertainty, and environmental peril, inviting listeners to journey through euphoria and melancholy while fostering a sense of community and understanding.Uallas’ talent has garnered international recognition, with his tracks being playe
Clean -
Adriel's Curious City
08/06/2020
Adriel's Curious City
A 60-minute interview with the people who are building are world about the experiences that built them, and what they're working on. We get pretty philosophical at times, practical at others, and downright deep all throughout.
Clean -
Networking While Not Working
08/06/2020
Richard Bonilla
Tips and tricks to build your business Networking While Not Working.
Clean -
Skydrips - Podcast
08/06/2020
Skydrips
Live-Act | Producer | SoundDesignBooking and other requests:[email protected] - That blurry line between ocean and sky. Growing up on the german coast, he always remembers the dip of the horizon while looking at the ocean. Skydrips captures adventures in nature which are the base for each of his tracks. Analogue synthesizers and digital effects are built on top until his signature trance sound comes alive.Inspired by the free techno festivals in Mecklenburg where he observed how people got lost in the music led Skydrips to create music himself. Now he also wants to curate moments in which the audience might forget about the world.Skydrips is an eternal dreamer living between the city of Berlin and its close-by nature. He can be found in his studio for days but also out in the plain nature doing nothing for the same amount of time.These days everything is focused on creating music and performing it live. Combining edits of his own tracks with spontaneous moments that can
Clean