In today's fast-paced and ever-changing job market, the idea of staying in one career for your entire life is becoming increasingly rare. Many people find themselves feeling stuck or unfulfilled in their current positions, yearning for a change but unsure of how to make it happen. This is where Jenny Blake's book "Pivot" comes in, offering a practical and actionable framework for making career changes without wasting time or money.
Blake introduces the concept of "pivoting" - a methodical way to shift your career in a new direction by building on your existing strengths and experiences. The book outlines a four-step process: Plant, Scan, Pilot, and Launch. There's also a fifth element, Lead, which is geared towards managers looking to apply these principles to their employees.
Whether you're considering starting your own business, changing roles within your current company, or switching industries entirely, "Pivot" provides valuable insights and strategies to help you navigate these transitions with confidence and purpose.
Plant: Laying the Foundation for Your Pivot
Defining Your Values and Vision
The first step in the pivoting process is to take a step back and get clear on your values and what you want to achieve. Instead of getting bogged down in the details of how and when to make a change, Blake encourages readers to focus on their broader vision.
For example, she shares the story of her client Justin, who was unhappy working in his family's real estate business. Rather than jumping straight into job hunting, Blake helped Justin identify his core values: health, financial security, environment, and relationships with like-minded people. This clarity allowed Justin to make a more informed decision about his next steps, ultimately leading him to pursue a business degree in San Diego where he could align his career with his values.
The key is to keep your vision focused on the near future, rather than trying to plan out your entire life. Blake's sister-in-law Gillian provides another example of this approach. While on track to become a lawyer, Gillian realized that path didn't align with her desire for flexibility, physical activity, and starting a family. By identifying these priorities, she was able to pivot into a career in the yoga industry that better suited her values and goals.
Assessing Your Current Situation
Once you have a clear vision, it's important to evaluate your current situation, including your strengths and financial position. This helps you build on what you already have, rather than starting from scratch.
Blake encourages readers to reflect on questions like: What challenges are you drawn to? What energizes you? Sometimes, the answers can be found in unexpected places. She shares the story of Jason Shen, who discovered an old kindergarten report card that confirmed his lifelong interest in computers and building things. This realization gave him confidence in his decision to pivot into a product manager role at a tech startup.
Understanding your financial situation is also crucial when planning a pivot. Andrew Deffley's story illustrates this point well. When he decided to pursue his dream of becoming an actor at age 30, Deffley first saved enough money to take a six-month break from his job at NFL Films. He also developed a plan to supplement his income with production-related work if acting didn't immediately pay the bills. This strategic approach allowed him to pursue his passion while maintaining financial stability.
Building a Support Network
Successful pivots often rely on a network of mentors and advisors. However, Blake suggests that instead of seeking out one long-term mentor, it can be more effective to engage in a series of one-off conversations with experts in your field of interest.
Blake shares her own experience of reaching out to Susan Biali, an expert in coaching and speaking, for a single conversation when she was starting her career as a coach. This initial contact evolved into a long-term mentorship, demonstrating how these one-off interactions can sometimes naturally develop into ongoing relationships.
In addition to expert advisors, Blake recommends building a "mastermind group" of peers with similar interests. These can be friends, colleagues, or even online connections who can offer support and advice throughout your pivot. For example, Luke Schrotberger reached out to a peer who had successfully pivoted within his company for guidance on his own internal career shift.
If you don't have immediate access to such a network, Blake suggests looking for online communities or structured programs, like her own ten-week courses, that can provide the support and accountability needed during a career transition.
Scan: Exploring Opportunities and Creating Possibilities
Proactively Seeking Opportunities
Rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity to present itself, successful pivoters actively scan for and create new possibilities. This often involves looking for ways to apply your existing strengths to new areas.
Blake shares the story of Shawn Henry, who pivoted within the FBI by identifying an opportunity to lead the computer investigations division. Despite lacking direct experience in that area, Henry recognized how he could apply his skills from his work as a special agent to the emerging field of digital crime. This proactive approach ultimately led to a successful career trajectory, culminating in Henry founding his own cybersecurity startup.
Building Your Platform
Another effective way to create opportunities is through "platform-building" - actively showcasing your skills and interests to attract potential clients or employers. Photographer Daniel Kelleghan exemplifies this approach. After leaving his job at Groupon, Kelleghan built a significant following on Instagram by sharing his fashion and architecture photography. This platform not only helped him land corporate gigs but also opened up opportunities for collaborations with major brands and free travel experiences.
The key takeaway is that success often comes from a combination of preparation, hard work, and proactively creating opportunities, rather than simply waiting for luck to strike.
Pilot: Testing Your Ideas with Low-Risk Experiments
Small-Scale Experiments
Before fully committing to a new direction, it's crucial to test your ideas through small, low-risk experiments. This allows you to gauge whether your pivot truly aligns with your interests and strengths, and to make adjustments based on real-world feedback.
Blake shares the story of Christian Roberts and Bill Connelly, two improv comedians who created the show "Angry Landlord" as an experimental collaboration. When their initial shows drew small audiences, they didn't give up. Instead, they analyzed what was and wasn't working, focusing on their strengths. They adjusted their approach by building their social media presence and expanding their network of comedians. As a result of these pivots within their pivot, "Angry Landlord" became a consistently sold-out show.
Incremental Risk-Taking
Sometimes, it's beneficial to pilot your ideas in stages, gradually increasing the level of risk and commitment. Bob Gower's experience with developing a beginners' bondage course illustrates this approach. Gower, a business consultant, started by creating a Facebook group and a free PDF guide under a pseudonym. His plan was to gauge interest before potentially developing an e-book and then an online course.
While the bondage business didn't ultimately become a full-time venture for Gower, the experience wasn't wasted. He found ways to incorporate stories from this side project into his consulting work, giving him a unique edge and authenticity in his primary career.
This example demonstrates that even if a pilot doesn't lead to the exact outcome you initially envisioned, the experience and insights gained can still be valuable in unexpected ways.
Launch: Overcoming Fears and Taking Action
Setting Launch Criteria
Once you've completed the planting, scanning, and piloting stages, it's time to launch your pivot. However, fear of failure can often hold people back from taking this final step. To overcome this, Blake recommends setting specific launch criteria to help you determine when it's time to fully commit to your new direction.
Tom Meitner's story illustrates the power of this approach. Meitner, who was working in customer service, set a financial benchmark for his freelance copywriting side hustle. He decided that once he was earning $2,500 a month from freelancing, he would quit his day job and launch his new career. This clear criterion gave him the confidence to make the leap when he surpassed his goal, ultimately leading to a successful six-figure freelance career.
Launch criteria don't have to be financial - they could be a specific date, a milestone achievement, or even a gut feeling. The important thing is to have a clear trigger for action to prevent indefinite procrastination.
Embracing Failure as Part of the Process
It's crucial to remember that pivoting often involves course corrections and that not every launch will go exactly as planned. Blake emphasizes that adapting your approach based on new information or changing circumstances is not failure - it's a natural part of the pivoting process.
The story of Christian and John, who pivoted from commodities trading to start an urban farming business called SpringUps, illustrates this point. After a year, despite the business being profitable, they realized it wasn't going to provide the financial future they had hoped for. Rather than seeing this as a failure, they sold the company and used the experience to pivot again. John found a job at a predictive analytics startup, while Christian moved into technology sales.
This example shows that even when a pivot doesn't work out as expected, the skills and experiences gained can open up new opportunities for future pivots.
Lead: Applying the Pivot Method as a Manager
Fostering a Culture of Mobility
The pivot method isn't just for individuals looking to change careers - it can also be a powerful tool for managers within organizations. With employee retention being a major challenge for many companies, managers can use the principles of pivoting to create a more dynamic and engaging work environment.
Blake encourages managers to initiate conversations about career mobility with their employees. Instead of dictating what employees should do next, managers should lead open-ended discussions using questions like "What's next?" This approach can help identify opportunities for internal pivots that benefit both the employee and the organization.
Providing Opportunities for Growth
To truly support employee pivots, companies need to offer concrete opportunities for growth and development. Blake highlights examples of companies doing this effectively:
SAS, a business analytics software company, provides its employees with a wide range of resources for professional and personal development, including business tools, equipment for hire, and an extensive library.
Whole Foods offers job-specific certification programs, such as training for the American Cheese Society's Certified Professional Exam. These programs allow employees to gain specialized skills and pivot into different roles within the company.
By providing these kinds of opportunities, managers can create an environment where employees feel supported in their career development, reducing the likelihood of them leaving the company to seek growth elsewhere.
Key Takeaways and Practical Advice
The Power of Small Steps
One of the most important lessons from "Pivot" is that career changes don't have to be dramatic, all-or-nothing moves. By breaking down the process into smaller steps - planting, scanning, piloting, and launching - you can make significant changes in your career path while minimizing risk and uncertainty.
Leveraging Your Existing Strengths
Throughout the book, Blake emphasizes the importance of building on your current skills and experiences rather than trying to start from scratch. This approach not only makes pivoting more achievable but also helps you stand out in your new field by bringing a unique perspective.
Embracing Experimentation
The piloting phase of the pivot process highlights the value of experimentation in career development. By testing out new ideas and directions on a small scale, you can gain valuable insights and make more informed decisions about your next steps.
Cultivating a Growth Mindset
"Pivot" encourages readers to view their careers as a series of experiments and learning opportunities rather than a fixed path. This growth mindset allows for greater flexibility and resilience in the face of challenges and unexpected outcomes.
Building a Supportive Network
The importance of mentors, peers, and advisors is a recurring theme throughout the book. Blake's advice on building a diverse network of supporters provides a practical strategy for gaining insights, accountability, and encouragement during career transitions.
Aligning Career Choices with Personal Values
By starting the pivot process with a focus on personal values and vision, Blake ensures that career changes are driven by meaningful goals rather than just external factors. This alignment between values and career choices is crucial for long-term satisfaction and success.
Practical Applications of the Pivot Method
For Job Seekers
If you're currently looking for a new job or considering a career change, the pivot method offers a structured approach to exploring your options:
- Start by clarifying your values and what you want from your next role.
- Take stock of your current skills and experiences, identifying transferable strengths.
- Reach out to people in fields or roles you're interested in for informational interviews.
- Look for ways to pilot your ideas through volunteer work, side projects, or part-time gigs.
- Set clear criteria for when you'll make the full transition to your new career path.
For Entrepreneurs
For those looking to start their own business, the pivot method can help refine your ideas and minimize risk:
- Use the planting phase to clarify your business vision and values.
- Scan the market for opportunities and potential competitors.
- Start with small-scale pilots to test your business concept before fully launching.
- Be prepared to adapt your business model based on feedback and results from your pilots.
- Build a network of advisors and mentors to support you through the startup process.
For Managers and HR Professionals
The pivot method can be a valuable tool for talent development and retention within organizations:
- Encourage open discussions about career goals and aspirations with your team members.
- Look for opportunities to create internal pivots that allow employees to explore new roles or departments.
- Implement mentorship programs or cross-functional projects to facilitate skill development.
- Provide resources and support for employees to pursue professional development opportunities.
- Foster a culture that values continuous learning and career growth.
Case Studies: Successful Pivots
Throughout "Pivot," Blake provides numerous examples of successful career transitions. Here are a few standout cases that illustrate the versatility of the pivot method:
Adam Chaloeicheep: From Real Estate to Entrepreneurship
Adam's story demonstrates how taking a step back (in his case, through meditation in Thailand) can provide clarity on values and goals. His pivot from real estate development to founding his own design company shows how personal interests and passions can be transformed into a successful career.
Gillian: From Law to Yoga
Gillian's transition from the legal field to the yoga industry highlights the importance of aligning career choices with personal values and lifestyle goals. Her story also shows how skills from one field (in this case, her legal background) can be leveraged in a seemingly unrelated industry.
Shawn Henry: FBI Career Pivot
Shawn's internal pivot within the FBI demonstrates how proactively seeking opportunities and applying existing skills to new areas can lead to significant career advancement. His eventual transition to founding a cybersecurity startup shows how pivots can build upon each other over time.
Daniel Kelleghan: From Corporate Photography to Instagram Influencer
Daniel's story illustrates the power of platform-building in creating new career opportunities. By leveraging social media to showcase his photography skills, he was able to attract high-profile clients and create a unique business model that aligned with his passion for travel and photography.
Tom Meitner: From Customer Service to Freelance Copywriting
Tom's transition to freelance copywriting demonstrates the effectiveness of setting clear launch criteria and incrementally building a new career while maintaining financial stability. His success in reaching a six-figure income shows the potential for significant financial rewards when pivoting to a well-aligned career path.
Overcoming Common Pivot Challenges
While the pivot method provides a structured approach to career transitions, it's important to acknowledge that challenges can arise during the process. Here are some common obstacles and strategies for overcoming them:
Fear of Failure
Many people hesitate to make career changes due to fear of failure. To combat this:
- Reframe failure as a learning opportunity and a natural part of the pivoting process.
- Use the piloting phase to test ideas on a small scale, reducing the risk of major setbacks.
- Set realistic expectations and celebrate small wins along the way.
Financial Concerns
Worries about financial stability can hold people back from pursuing new career directions. To address this:
- Conduct a thorough assessment of your financial situation before pivoting.
- Consider maintaining a "side hustle" or part-time work in your current field while transitioning.
- Set clear financial benchmarks as part of your launch criteria.
Lack of Clear Direction
Some people struggle to identify their next career move. If you're feeling stuck:
- Spend more time in the planting phase, exploring your values and interests.
- Conduct informational interviews with people in various fields to gain insights.
- Use the piloting phase to experiment with different options before committing.
Imposter Syndrome
Feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt can arise when pivoting to a new field. To combat this:
- Focus on your transferable skills and unique perspective.
- Seek out mentors or peers who can provide support and validation.
- Remember that everyone starts as a beginner in a new field.
Resistance from Others
Sometimes, friends, family, or colleagues may be skeptical of your pivot plans. To handle this:
- Clearly communicate your reasons for pivoting and your plan of action.
- Seek out supportive individuals who encourage your growth.
- Use the piloting phase to demonstrate the viability of your new direction.
The Future of Work and Pivoting
As the job market continues to evolve, the ability to pivot effectively is becoming increasingly valuable. Blake's approach aligns well with several emerging trends in the world of work:
Increased Job Mobility
With the average person changing jobs more frequently than in previous generations, the skills involved in pivoting are becoming essential for career longevity.
Rise of the Gig Economy
The growth of freelance and contract work creates more opportunities for people to experiment with different career paths and create portfolio careers.
Emphasis on Lifelong Learning
As technology and industries evolve rapidly, continuous skill development and adaptability are crucial for staying relevant in the job market.
Focus on Work-Life Integration
More people are seeking careers that align with their personal values and lifestyle goals, making the value-based approach of the pivot method particularly relevant.
Remote Work Opportunities
The increase in remote work options opens up new possibilities for career pivots that aren't limited by geographic location.
Conclusion
"Pivot" by Jenny Blake offers a comprehensive and practical approach to navigating career transitions in the modern work environment. By breaking down the pivoting process into manageable steps - Plant, Scan, Pilot, and Launch - Blake provides a framework that can be applied to a wide range of career changes, from internal role shifts to complete industry transitions.
The book's emphasis on building upon existing strengths, aligning career choices with personal values, and embracing experimentation makes it a valuable resource for anyone feeling stuck or unfulfilled in their current position. Moreover, the inclusion of numerous real-world examples and case studies helps readers see how these principles can be applied in various contexts.
For managers and organizations, the book's insights on fostering internal mobility and supporting employee growth offer strategies for improving retention and creating a more dynamic workforce.
As the nature of work continues to evolve, the ability to pivot effectively is becoming an increasingly valuable skill. By mastering the techniques outlined in "Pivot," readers can position themselves for long-term career success and fulfillment, adapting to new opportunities and challenges with confidence and purpose.
Whether you're a recent graduate just starting your career journey, a mid-career professional looking for a change, or a manager seeking to support your team's growth, "Pivot" provides the tools and mindset needed to thrive in today's dynamic job market. By embracing the pivot mentality, you can transform career uncertainty into exciting opportunities for growth and self-discovery.