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"业务转型是一种新的现实,因为它们使您能够快速进入新的未开发领域或调整您的重点以赢得提议。"

Reid Hoffman
Reid Hoffman Entrepreneur
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Quote meaning
Businesses today need to be quick on their feet. It’s all about spotting opportunities and not being afraid to change direction. This idea isn't just for startups desperate to find their niche. It’s for every business out there, big or small. If you're too rigid, you might miss out on the next big thing. Think of it like surfing—you've got to ride the wave that's coming to you, not the one you wish was there.

Historically, the concept of pivoting became super popular during the tech boom. Startups were popping up everywhere, and many of them had to change their game plan to survive. Take, for example, Instagram. It started as a location-based check-in app called Burbn. But when the founders noticed that users were more interested in its photo-sharing feature, they pivoted. They stripped down the app to focus solely on photos and boom—Instagram as we know it was born. This was a textbook example of pivoting, and it paid off big time.

Now, imagine you’re running a small coffee shop. You’ve got your loyal customers, but then a global pandemic hits. Suddenly, your foot traffic dries up because everyone’s staying at home. You could just throw in the towel—lots of businesses did. But instead, you decide to pivot. You start offering online orders and local delivery. You even create a subscription service for regulars to get their favorite beans delivered to their doorsteps. What you’ve done here is adjust your focus from in-store sales to a new, untapped area: the online market. And it’s a winning proposition because people still want their coffee, even if they can’t come to your shop.

To apply this wisdom in your own business, you need to stay alert and be ready to adapt. Regularly review your performance data and market trends. If something’s not working, don’t be afraid to shift gears. Maybe you’re a freelance graphic designer who’s spent years specializing in print media, but you notice a growing demand for digital content. Instead of sticking to your old ways, you could pivot to focus on digital design. Take some online courses, update your portfolio, and start marketing yourself in that space. It's about being proactive rather than reactive.

Think about a friend of mine, Sarah. She had a small event planning company that catered to big corporate events. With the pandemic, her business came to a screeching halt. But instead of giving up, she saw an opportunity. She pivoted to virtual events, offering companies the chance to host online conferences and team-building activities. It wasn’t easy—there were bumps along the road, like learning new software and marketing her new services. But she adapted, and now her business is thriving in a completely new area she hadn’t even considered before.

So, the next time you find yourself hitting a wall, remember that a pivot might be just what you need. It’s about seeing the bigger picture and being willing to change direction. Be like a surfer and ride the wave that’s coming at you. It might just lead you to something amazing.
Related tags
Adaptability Adjustment Business Competitive advantage Focus Innovation New opportunities Strategy
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