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Navigating a business model pivot is rarely easy. It involves more than just changing the way you generate revenue—it requires reshaping team dynamics, rethinking operations, and recalibrating the company’s identity. Over the years as a business consultant, I’ve helped numerous teams work through these major transitions. The lessons I’ve learned are rooted in both strategy and empathy.
When a company realizes its current business model isn't sustainable or scalable, panic often sets in. Teams worry about job security, customers question reliability, and leadership feels the pressure of making swift, effective decisions. That’s where I come in. My job is to slow things down, bring clarity, and realign everyone around a common purpose.
The first thing I always address is mindset. Pivoting isn’t a failure—it’s a strategic shift. Many founders and executives take the need to pivot personally, believing it reflects poorly on their vision. In reality, the most successful entrepreneurs are the ones who adapt early and often. I make sure the entire leadership team understands that shifting gears is often the smartest path forward.
Once mindset is aligned, the next step is diagnosis. Why exactly are we pivoting? What metrics tell us it’s time? Is it a lack of product-market fit? Margin pressure? Customer churn? It’s important to gather data that supports the pivot, not just gut feelings. With clear insights, we can then map out multiple new pathways and test them quickly.
Then comes what I consider the most critical phase: team communication. In moments of transition, silence is dangerous. People fill gaps in information with fear. That’s why I always recommend being transparent with your team—explain the why, the what, and the next steps. Encourage questions. Create open forums. You won’t have all the answers, but honesty builds trust.
Operationally, the shift needs to happen in sprints. Rather than tearing everything down at once, we build a lean version of the new model alongside the current one. This allows us to validate the new path without putting all our chips on one bet. It also keeps morale high since team members see progress without chaos.
During this process, I spend a lot of time coaching middle managers. They’re the ones translating high-level vision into day-to-day work. If they’re unclear or unmotivated, the pivot will falter. By training them to become internal champions of change, we keep momentum alive across departments.
Lastly, we build in feedback loops. I don’t just help a team pivot and walk away. We schedule weekly check-ins, review KPIs tied to the new model, and remain flexible. In some cases, our first pivot attempt needs refinement—and that’s okay. What matters is that the team learns, adapts, and remains resilient.
From Salt Lake City to startups across the country, I’ve seen business model pivots turn struggling companies into thriving ones. It takes patience, clarity, and a human-centered approach. At the end of the day, change is only successful when your people believe in it. That’s where real transformation begins.
If you’re facing a pivot, know that you’re not alone. With the right mindset and structure, it can be the start of your best chapter yet.
More on Business Consultancy from Travis L Wright
https://travislwright.wordpress.com/2025/05/14/travis-l-wright-business-consultant-my-services/
https://travislwright.blogspot.com/2025/05/travis-l-wright-how-i-help-companies.html
https://travislwright-bc.hashnode.dev/travis-l-wright-common-mistakes-i-see-business-owners-make
https://linktr.ee/travislwright_bc
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