To pivot or not to pivot?

Redefining your startup's strategy and pivoting is often worn as a founder's badge of honour. A rite of passage to true founder-hood.

But is shifting the focus of your entire company inefficient, or even reckless?

Businesses with an established revenue stream must keep introducing new revenue opportunities and attract new customers. Loyalty does not exist. This is not a pivot.

Smaller businesses that have established PMF need a multi-year product roadmap. This must be diligently and robustly validated with their customers. Do not ignore what your customers want. This is not a pivot.

Startups that are yet to reach MVP must combine attracting new customers with having a validated multi-year roadmap. Be reactive and be flexible. This is not a pivot.

Startups that have launched and are struggling to gain PMF despite heavy marketing efforts are failing. They will eventually become a zombie company. Now is the time to pivot. Hard.