I just pivoted. In start-up lingo, it means that you change your business model to match the resources you have.
Pivoting politely says you have failed and run out of ideas, money or men.
The consequences of not quitting or pivoting
Last time I got involved with a hyperlocal project lasting over a decade. I refused to give up! I steadfastly held on to my belief system that society starts outside your doorstep, and that is your neighbourhood. After a friendly pat on the back, I gave it up. I sold my business, and the new owners are doing a good job, much better than I had managed. I didn’t have the skills and the resources to run them. But it took me way too long to quit the business.
I was stuck with my hyperlocal business. Money was so little that I had to take up a client who would pay my rent. But I still stuck to it cause there was some money coming in. I didn’t know when to quit.
Note- I am using the word quitting or pivoting alternatively here; they are synonyms.
This time, I am pivoting faster.
This year, I launched Slowdating Venture
I had burnt myself in my hyperlocal project by going for a very small market; this time, I didn’t want to take chances. I launched a site targeting a global audience. I got registrations from New York, Budapest, Peru and, of course, Indian cities. But the numbers are not enough. A dating business needs numbers and density. I have neither of them.
So I have pivoted; instead of moving vertically up the value chain, I am going down the chain. I want to see where my solo skills match the business I need to run with only my time. I have launched Dating Coach Directory and Dating Coach
The business model is less complex here; it doesn’t need people, marketing budgets, or expensive technical stuff. My options for getting revenue are much better. As I become proficient in these areas, I plan to move upwards.
I am writing this blog post to urge people to think when they need to pivot (quit) their existing projects and work on something the market is willing to pay.