Episode breakdown
In this episode, Barbar Turley speaks to Jenny Blake about the concept of pivoting. They talk about taking control of your business and recognizing the opportunities that are out there in the midst of the current global crisis.
- How to pivot your business
- How far ahead should you plan when pivoting
- Should you pivot your business or should you hold off
Listening to your intuition is very important when it comes to pivoting
In this episode
00:00 Intro
In this COVID-19 episode of The Virtual Success Show, Barbara Turley talks with Jenny Blake, author of Pivot. They explore how entrepreneurs can shift from crisis management to a creative, opportunity-focused mindset. Barbara shares her challenges during the pandemic, while Jenny offers advice on navigating rapid changes, maintaining resilience, and embracing pivoting as a necessary business strategy in uncertain times.
02:23 How to get the right mindset when pivoting
Jenny Blake highlights the emotional roller coaster entrepreneurs face during crises, with amplified highs and lows. She emphasizes the importance of listening before creating, staying open and receptive rather than reacting from panic. Barbara Turley shares feeling pressured to pivot too quickly, realizing she skipped deeper listening. They discuss balancing operational demands while carefully tuning into evolving market needs before acting.
05:11 How to listen more effectively
Jenny Blake stresses listening to intuition before reacting out of fear. She shares resisting a fallback move that didn’t align with her long-term vision. Jenny and Barbara discuss practical listening strategies like direct client calls and open scheduling links. Barbara reflects on her knee-jerk pivot impulse, realizing some businesses may not need to pivot immediately — especially amid financial and emotional strain.
08:55 Rising into a pivot from a negative mindset
Jenny Blake acknowledges the uncertainty entrepreneurs face, comparing it to a phoenix rising without knowing its form. She encourages surrendering to the unknown, focusing on one step at a time. Barbara Turley reflects that sometimes a pivot means pausing. Both stress listening, reconnecting with others, and using this slowdown to recalibrate, rebuild, and rediscover creative energy before planning future moves.
13:05 The Next Steps
Jenny Blake explains that rigid five-year plans and business forecasts are outdated, especially in uncertain times. She and Barbara Turley agree on focusing instead on staying present, following intuition, and making one smart next move. Jenny emphasizes having a “pivot runway” — a buffer of resources and options — and a diversified income stream to stay resilient through economic shifts and downturns.
15:52 The Pivot Runway
Jenny Blake explains “pivot runway” as the cash and time a business has before needing to pivot again. Managing expenses, maintaining a reserve fund, and reducing risk are vital. Though saving six months of reserves is tough, building this runway helps sustain a business through crises. Barbara adds that de-risking is key, as opportunities arise after downturns for those ready to pivot.
20:26 The Important thing about pivoting
Jenny Blake emphasizes focusing on what works and brings energy during crises, rather than dwelling on losses. She advises doubling down on strengths and envisioning what success looks like post-crisis. This clarity helps navigate challenges without confusion. Barbara agrees, highlighting the importance of control, intuition, and gradual progress toward goals instead of rushing to pivot prematurely.
22:30 Final thoughts
Barbara hasn’t launched her new idea yet because her intuition tells her to wait. She’s committed to building a business that aligns with her brand, values, and team’s strengths rather than chasing short-term trends. She worries a quick pivot might dilute focus and distract from their core offerings, believing sometimes it’s better not to pivot just because others do.
25:09 Wrapping things up
Jenny Blake shared her free mini-course at pivotmethod.com/fft and her daily podcast, *Pivot with Jenny Blake*, offering support for solopreneurs and small businesses. Barbara emphasized entrepreneurs as future economic frontliners post-crisis. She’ll soon discuss remote work systems on the show. They encouraged listeners to connect, learn, and support each other through ongoing change and challenges.
