How do you handle pivots and changes in your startup's direction?

Question

Kisson Lin · Accepted Answer

We pivoted for a few times. For startups it's unavoidable. The challenge is to judge whether you can succeed by persist a little longer or by testing new MVP. It really comes to the intuition of the founder. Before the pivot there should already be various brainstorming and review discussions with team to get them involved. After the pivot, we usually host company wide meetings and team meetings to re-emphasize on the new direction, where it came from, and what it means for everyone. Once clear direction is set for everyone, the pivot will tend to be done more smoothly and quickly.

Vlad Golub · Answer

Pivots? We handle them like pros: with a mix of tears, caffeine, and good old improvisation. Embrace the chaos and remember, change is the only constant🚀

Vlad Golub · Answer

@sandradjajic Welcome back on Product Hunt, we miss you ahaha

Sandra Djajic · Answer

@realvladgolub Well, they tried to stop me, haha, but I am unstoppable. Also, they told me what I can and cannot comment on, so I think I am safe now. 😄

André J · Answer

You ignore common sense.  You find some extra ordinary willpower and escape the real world for a while. A few months later you come out guns blazing 😬

Priyanka Pahari · Answer

Adapt, analyze, and execute. Make data-driven decisions, align resources accordingly, and swiftly execute the necessary adjustments to stay ahead of the curve!

Daniil Okhlopkov · Answer

The hardest part in hard pivot (when you decide to build completely new product) is that the whole team should switch to the new idea. That lead to burnout because the more you spend time with something (your old product) the more you love it. Users have the same pattern as well!

So if you decide to pivot and build something completely new, make sure you still spend some time & love to the old one, its creators and users.

Sandra Djajic · Answer

@realvladgolub same here haha i do cry

Antoni Kozelski · Answer

In my opinion, several approaches are necessary: assessing market conditions and feedback, setting goals, and creating a plan from the knowledge gained to thrive in the business.💪💪💪

Shajedul Karim · Answer

hey bro,

pivots. changes. the stuff of startup life. here's what i've learned:

1. embrace the pivot: startups aren't about a straight path. they're about finding the right path. if a change in direction is needed, embrace it.

2. communication is key: keep your team, investors, customers in the loop. clear, honest, timely.

3. reasoning, not reacting: understand why the pivot is necessary. data, customer feedback, market trends. pivot with purpose, not panic.

4. balance speed and thoughtfulness: urgency is crucial but not at the cost of thoughtfulness. reflect, plan, then act swiftly.

5. maintain your vision: the path changes, the vision shouldn't. even if the product changes, your core values and mission should remain consistent.

6. expect challenges: morale dips, customer confusion, execution hiccups. they're part of the journey. anticipate and prepare.

7. celebrate the new direction: make it a milestone, not a setback. it's a sign of growth and adaptability.

remember, it's not the pivot that matters, it's how you handle it. stay flexible, stay focused.

keep pushing,
Karim.

Lavanya Snigdha · Answer

Two words: Change Logs.

Get in the habit of documenting everything or you have no way to ground yourself and team mates who join mid pivot.

Vlad Golub · Answer

@sandradjajic Niceeeee 😂

Alfonso Alvarez · Answer

Go to uncle Rocky, same as launching -> Get over it as fast as you can and move on. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyTAfX7cniI&t=1s

How do you handle pivots and changes in your startup's direction?

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