How to Pivot and do it well
Get Comfortable Embracing Uncertainty For Your Career and Brand.
There are moments when change is inevitable. One of the most valuable skills I've developed over the years is pivoting. The ability to shift direction, adapt, and take on new plans. It can be fearful, but having this skill will make it less intimidating. Whether you have a business, are a creator, have a corporate career, or are just simply human, knowing how to pivot can be the success.
WHAT IS PIVOTING?
(especially in a business context) completely change the way in which one does something.
When it comes to working within social media especially, the need to pivot can arise at any moment. Social media itself can disappear in an instant—a lesson we’ve learned from TikTok’s recent ban scare. Nothing is ever guaranteed, and we must always be prepared for the "what-if" moments.
How Pivoting Changed My Career
Just this past May in 2024, I decided to stop applying for jobs. The job market was brutal. A constant cycle and years of applying, interviewing, waiting for responses, creating projects to show my capabilities beyond my resume, and then facing rejection after rejection. It became mentally exhausting.
I realized I needed to pivot and find a new path. The job search wasn’t working for me and I had to learn to find something else. At the time, I was consistently posting beauty and lifestyle content on social media, particularly on TikTok. Things were going well. I was connecting with various brands, getting invited to events, and even starting to earn money. Since I had always aspired to work a role in social media and marketing, I decided it was time to take my accumulated knowledge and put it to use without having a job. I wanted to express my insights in my own way, sharing my perspective on campaigns, content strategies, forecasting trends, and more.
I began researching what it meant to build a personal brand. Drawing from my entrepreneurial background of 5 years, I realized I had plenty to share and even more to gain by betting on myself. Something many entrepreneurs can relate to. That’s when I made the decision to position myself as a social media and marketing specialist.
For a long time, I felt like I didn’t “qualify” for such a role, but I pivoted because I had no choice. I had to choose between prioritizing my mental health or continuing to push towards something that was giving me no results.
From this decision, everything began to change. I became a mentor, guiding people in their social media and marketing careers, including college students eager to learn the basics. I started having daily conversations with professionals who were impressed by my work and wanted to collaborate. Eventually, these connections led to financial opportunities and professional growth.
All of this happened because I made a pivot and wasn't afraid to do so.
How You Can Use Pivoting to Benefit You or Your Business
1. See Change as Opportunity
Embrace change as a chance to grow. Shifts in trends, technology, or personal interests can help you review goals and new opportunities. Remember, nothing is guaranteed, so stay open to possibilities.
2. Have Transferable Skills
Pivoting isn’t starting over. Use skills like communication, problem-solving, or creativity in new roles or industries to take with you on the next project or role.
3. Be Ready for a Re-Do
If your approach isn’t working, take a step back. Review, strategize, and continue learning.
4. Stay Informed
Keep up with industry trends, advancements, and predictions about what’s next. Staying informed helps you anticipate changes and adapt effectively.
5. Start Small
Begin with small, manageable changes that align with your goals, especially in business.
6. Stay Resilient
Expect challenges and remember your transferable skills that will help you adapt to the new.
7. Network
Build connections with supportive, insightful people. Collaboration and mentorship can guide you through transitions.
Pivoting taught me how to embrace uncertainty, reinvent myself, and seize opportunities when nothing else was possible. Remember that change is not the enemy.
Have you ever pivoted? What was your story and/or challenge you faced?
Thanks for reading this week’s Peekko! 🔍
Natalie Santini