If you’ve been in my world a while, you’ll know I’m no stranger to shaking things up in business. From my early days as a print and web designer to now overseeing launch management for private clients and my wider work as a fractional CMO – my entrepreneurial journey has seen a lot of twists and turns. But let me tell you – every single pivot has been worth it. Why? Because it's perfectly okay to change your mind in business. Yes, you read that right. Today, we’re talking all about embracing change and the art of the pivot.

The Journey So Far

In 2014, I kick-started my journey as a web designer before venturing into teaching marketing and launching my own products. Fast forward to 2016, and Love To Launch was born. My initial offer? A membership training called Launch and Thrive.

Come 2019, the winds of change started to blow again. We shifted focus from the membership to offering a 12-week coaching program, Let’s Launch Together – which I loved and ran 5 times over 2 years.

Then, in 2020, after years of being asked, I took a leap of faith and began offering launch management to private clients.

In 2022 we started offering training for launch professionals who wanted to learn to launch like us, and I added fractional CMO to my offering.

The Fear of Change

I know, I know – that's a lot of change! And I'd be lying if I said it was easy. The what-ifs can be overwhelming: What if it doesn't work? What if people are annoyed I'm retiring products? What if people think I'm a flake? What if my audience doesn't follow me to the next chapter?

First, let's take a deep breath together, shall we? In…and out. Now, let's tackle those fears head-on.

The What-Ifs

What if it doesn't work? Well, what if it does? Every successful entrepreneur has faced failure at some point. It's part of the process. It's how we learn, grow, and find the path that works for us. Remember, the only true failure is not trying at all so if you're feeling pulled to a certain path – DO IT.

What if people are annoyed I'm retiring products? Your loyal customers might be disappointed, true. But, most will understand that businesses evolve. Plus, they'll likely be excited about your new offerings and they join you on the journey!

What if people think I'm a flake? Changing direction doesn't mean you're inconsistent or unreliable. It means you are adaptive, innovative, and open to growth. People respect those who are unafraid to take risks and seek better solutions.

What if my audience doesn’t follow me to the next chapter? Some won't, and that's okay. You'll attract a new audience who is excited about your new direction. It's all about aligning with the right people and choosing the path you're aligned with

Why Change is Good

Change keeps things fresh. It fosters innovation, encourages growth, and prevents stagnation. And in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, staying static is a surefire way to be left behind. I don't like the quote “if you're not growing in business you're dying”, because plateaus are a good thing if you're happy there and you feel settled! But in my world, I feel like things are changing so much you can't stay still for long – what we did 2 years ago doesn't work now.

More importantly, change is a signal of your willingness to learn and adapt. It shows your audience that you're not just sticking to the status quo, but actively seeking to improve and provide better solutions.

In our team we say “there's always a better way: find it” – so for us change means we're finding a better way of doing things.

Embracing the Pivot

Ultimately pivoting isn't about abandoning your original idea, but about adapting it in response to what you've learned, what the market needs, or what excites you. It's about being open to new possibilities and unafraid to take bold steps.

In the end, the choice to change your business direction is a personal one. It can be scary, but it can also lead to incredible growth and new opportunities. So, if you feel the pull to shake things up, I encourage you to embrace it.

Your next steps if you're planning a pivot

1. Embrace change: Acknowledge that change is a natural part of growth and that pivoting can open doors to new opportunities.
2. Face your fears: Confront the what-ifs and recognise that failure is part of the entrepreneurial journey.
3. Communicate with your audience: Share your new direction and vision with your audience, addressing their concerns and highlighting the benefits of the change.
4. Stay true to your values: Keep your core values in mind as you pivot, ensuring your new direction aligns with your mission and passion.
5. Be adaptable: Learn from each pivot and continue refining your approach based on the feedback and results you receive.

Change is a constant in the world of business. As entrepreneurs, we must be fearless in our pursuit of growth and innovation and remember you are not alone on this journey. We're all in this together, learning, growing, and supporting one another.

Now, it's your turn: Have you ever pivoted in your business? What fears did you face, and how did you overcome them? Share your thoughts below as a comment! We'd love to hear from you and learn from your experiences.