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Let’s get something straight right off the bat: pivoting in business isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a sign of awareness. A little survival instinct mixed with intuition and topped off with a whole lot of “I’m not going down with this ship.”
Now, I know pivoting can sound like one of those trendy Silicon Valley buzzwords. But for those of us who have been in the trenches for more than a few decades—writing, designing, building, branding, it’s not just a catchphrase. It’s a lifeline. And honestly? I’ve done it more than once, and I’m still standing (and thriving). So, with all of the turmoil going on out there you might be wondering if you need to pivot or rebrand. How can you tell?
There was a time (cue dramatic music) when I was deeply embedded in the world of in-print feature writing. Glossy magazines. Newspaper spreads. Tangible, ink-smudged glory. That’s where I lived, professionally speaking.
But then something called “the internet” started making waves. People were talking about writing for ezines (remember those?) and these strange digital spaces called websites. Some of my colleagues scoffed. They said, “Melody, this is a fad. A trend. Don’t do it. You’re cutting your own throat.” And for a minute, I almost listened.
Almost
Instead, I took a deep breath and pivoted. I shifted from writing for paper and permanence to writing for pixels and clicks. I traded print deadlines for web publishing schedules. And yes, it was scary. But here’s the punchline: now EVERYONE is writing for the web. Turns out, that pivot wasn’t me cutting my throat, it was me sharpening my edge. So how do you decide it’s time?
Years later, just as I’d settled into my digital writing groove, I felt it again, that tug in my gut that said, something’s changing. Content was still crucial, sure. But it wasn’t enough. Brands wanted more. Visuals. Graphics. Full-on aesthetic storytelling.
So, I pivoted again. This time, into graphic design. I learned the tools, studied design psychology, started combining visuals with my words. People thought I was just being “extra.” But I saw what was coming: content and design weren’t rivals. They were soulmates. And I wanted to be the one who brought them together.
Now, that combo? It’s non-negotiable. Try building a brand without cohesive visuals and strategic copy. I’ll wait. Thought so.
Most recently, the winds of change whispered again, this time with a metallic, robotic accent. Artificial Intelligence stepped into the spotlight, and while some folks scrambled to fight it, I’d already started prepping. I didn’t see AI as a threat. I saw it as a tool. A wildly powerful, sometimes weird, definitely game-changing tool.
So, what did I do? You guessed it. Pivoted. Again. I began weaving AI into my creative work, enhancing design workflows, brainstorming content ideas, and helping my clients see how tech can amplify human creativity, not replace it.
I didn’t abandon my core skills. I built on them. And now I’m helping others do the same, because AI isn’t the villain. Stagnation is.
Good question. And the answer might be different for you. But, let me give you the signs I’ve learned to trust over the years:
You’re Losing Excitement
If what used to light you up now feels like a chore, pay attention. That boredom might be nudging you toward something new.
The Industry is Moving (and You’re Not)
Are your competitors offering new services? Is your audience shifting? Are clients asking for things you don’t currently provide? These are all signs that it’s time to look around and adapt.
You’re Playing Catch-Up Too Often
If you’re always reacting, always scrambling to keep up, it might be time to step back and proactively reimagine your approach.
You’re Getting the Same Results, Even When You Try Harder
Sometimes you’re not the problem, the approach is. If working harder doesn’t equal better results, it’s time to rethink the method.
There’s a Gut Feeling You Can’t Shake
That whisper in the back of your mind? The one that says, there’s more for you? Listen to it. Your intuition knows the way, even if the map isn’t fully drawn yet. That gut instinct is just your subconscious mind (that is WAAAAY smarter than your conscious mind btw) clueing you in.
Staying still when the world is shifting is the real risk.
You don’t need everyone’s approval to pivot. Heck, if I had waited for my peers (or my family if I’m being honest) to validate my career choices, I’d probably still be faxing article drafts and waiting for an editor to call me back on a landline.
The world moves. Markets shift. Audiences evolve. Your genius deserves to keep up.
So, if you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to make a move, this is your sign. Don’t be afraid to pivot. Be afraid of ignoring the call when it comes.
Because the best stories? The ones that leave a mark? They’re written by people brave enough to change chapters.
