Your business is facing a sudden industry disruption. How will you pivot your strategy to stay ahead?

I worked for Nokia that was disrupted by iPhone and Android OS. The most important aspect of facing any disruption is to be open minded and not be in denial. Assess the impact of disruption passionately but without getting attached to the current portfolio of products or capabilities. Dismissing competition is the biggest disservice that anyone can do to their company. Understand the situation by speaking with suppliers and customers.

Few ideas: - See if you can 'self disrupt' yet create a differentiated offering that is a combination of your product vs. the new technology, maybe providing the best of both the worlds - With disruption, maybe newer areas of demand will arise. For example, if the disruptor product is cheaper, are there new customers that will now buy the product since it is cheaper - If you are a B2B business, always focus on ROI for the customer. This may help you extend the life of your product.

Understanding human resistance to change and how to meet people where they are and invite them into the discussion is critical to reducing fear. Fear shuts down the brain and prevents engagement with understanding the disruptive forces at play. As they say the only certainty is change. 🧠

A mentor told me early in my career: If you don’t embrace innovation and risk and at least try succeed to fail, then you’ll fail to succeed.

Adoption to change is the biggest reasons a startup (or any company) survives over time. When there is a disruption, it is important to assess whether a pivot is possible. For eg. around 2006, Odeo, a podcast & message sharing platform faced a wipe-out due to apple coming in the same space. They shifted from the old model to an information sharing platform and called themselves twitter (now X). And then we know what happended. If there is a regulatory change, there is no leeway but to change. It's important to have a good assessment and pivot!

Disruption tends not to be sudden - it takes time for others to believe it. If taxis had looked at Uber before it disrupted their industry and introduced an app that allowed a customer to leave the taxi without having to pay on the spot, that would have stopped half the customers from turning to Uber. Instead they waited till Uber took hold before doing this - too late! Uber was in!

Its a complicated topic so I will stick to some tactical advice Disruption takes time to reach customers. While you may see it, your customers (especially your sponsor) will rely on you to explain its impact. Use this as an opportunity to earn their trust and buy time. Disruption comes in many forms. Assess if it's fundamental (like Google with OpenAI) or less so (like Oracle with cloud DBs). If it's less fundamental, your strategy is to buy time and double down on customer advocacy while you transition. If it's more fundamental and you can't develop in-house, protect your customer base by aggressively partnering with new tech. Most importantly make sure your team understands your strategy and you have their buy-in

Assessing the impact of a disruption is, ironically, something we should have done well before the event. Businesses shouldn’t be taken by surprise and suffer from disruption. They should thrive because of it. Take inspiration from weeds. They thrive best in disrupted ground. Running a dynamic company often means using disruption as fuel for growth, and not as a reason why it cannot thrive as conditions change, as they inevitably do.

• Conduct a Rapid Market Analysis: Assess the nature of the disruption, including shifts in customer behavior, emerging competitors, and changes in regulations. Identify new opportunities and threats. • Reevaluate Value Proposition: Adapt products or services to meet evolving customer needs and preferences. Consider adding new features, services, or targeting a different market segment. • Leverage Technology and Innovation: Implement new technologies or digital solutions to optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve customer experience. Explore automation, AI, or digital marketing strategies.

First, know the type of the disruption — tech, regulatory, or market shift. This will tell you whether you need to pivot or realign the current strategy. Evaluate financial position and resources for available runway and ways to extend that. Next, find opportunities to play to your strengths. This will require repurposing opportunities and market geographies to align them or adapt to them with your core competencies. Now, look at pivots around product, customer segment, channels, value chain, and business model, and find their impact and risk level. Finally, Select the most promising pivot strategy and execute the pivot.

After assessing the impact, adapt your business model to the new reality. This might involve shifting more operations online, rethinking pricing, or exploring new revenue streams. If traditional sales channels are disrupted, leverage digital platforms to reach customers. Ensure your model is flexible enough to absorb shocks and resilient enough to thrive in a changed environment. Adaptation isn't about quick fixes; it's about making strategic adjustments that align with new market conditions. This could mean restructuring, redefining your value proposition, or pivoting to a new business area.

It is just in the back of mind waiting to be put on paper. actually this plan may suite many kind of business industries. In my case i have a company that manage social media accounts for businesses and professionals , along with branding and design. my plan is to start creating online courses. for people who are not willing to outsource their social media management. that can be a good adaptation to our services we offer. what about you ? sounds like a good idea?

Adapting your business model isn't just about reacting—it's about anticipating and positioning yourself ahead of the curve. When disruption hits, it's not just a threat; it’s an opportunity. For instance, during the pandemic, companies that quickly shifted to digital or hybrid models didn't just survive—they thrived. Take the rise of companies like Peloton, which transitioned from being just an equipment seller to a full-fledged digital fitness platform. The key is to not only meet current demands but to foresee where the market is heading. This could mean investing in AI to automate parts of your business, or exploring new markets that others might overlook. The goal is to remain agile and never settling into complacency.

In a market that's otherwise crowded it is essential to always focus on adapting your business model to what will help you a) serve your customers better, and b) be more differentiated. The combination of these two things is what creates competitive moats that are hard to bridge. The more a product company is able to treat a customer like they are the only custome that truly matters and provide highly personalized solutions (while retaining the bedrock of common product platforms), the better and more entrenched they can be.

Product-market fit is key. Once you’ve evaluated the impact, make sure your offerings still meet customer needs. If not, adjust—whether it’s tweaking products, adding services, or shifting how you deliver them. Staying aligned with demand is the best way to stay relevant and find new growth opportunities.

Eric Ries says in his book “The Lean Startup”: "The ability to learn faster from customers is the essential competitive advantage that startups must possess. The Lean Startup method builds capital-efficient companies because it allows startups to recognize that it’s time to pivot sooner, creating a sustainable business even when the product is radically different from the original vision." It’s important to listen to the customers and create stickiness that will translate into loyalty.

Disruption can also be good for your business. Adapt your business model and strategies. Assess the impact of the disruption on your industry and customers, identify emerging opportunities, and reallocate resources accordingly. Foster a culture of innovation and experimentation, encouraging your team to explore new ideas and solutions. By being agile and adaptable, you can position your business to thrive in the face of change and emerge stronger than before.

Assessing the right business model is equivalent to figuring out where value is created, why and how. And this is the way to establish a new effectiveness, meaning a new way to do the right thing, meaning the thing that customers are willing to pay!

Industry disruptions rarely mean a total overhaul, they often bring opportunities to adapt. CHANGE is challenging, and SUCCESS isn’t guaranteed, but as an insider, you have a unique ADVANTAGE to pivot and thrive. Yes, adaptation can be uncomfortable, but GROWTH comes from DISCOMFORT. Embrace change, leverage your experience, and find new ways to INNOVATE. From my experience in a declining industry (printers and copiers), the biggest barrier to adaptation is our own MINDSET. Viewing disruption as a chance for growth and reinvention is the key to staying relevant.

What I loved most about the pandemic period, which wiped out nearly all our revenue in just a few weeks, was the return to a “nothing is impossible” and “survival” mindset. The time for endless questioning was over—we had to innovate quickly to navigate the crisis. Within weeks, we launched new products, entered new markets, and attempted numerous pivots. While most of these attempts were failures, they were invaluable learning experiences that ultimately led us to double our size compared to before the pandemic. We made a complete 360-degree shift, moving away from events to become a leader in the attractions industry! It’s during major crises that innovation truly finds its purpose.

To innovate your offers, focus on what your customers need now. Adapt by adding value—whether through new features, flexible options, or fresh services. Stay agile and keep refining based on customer feedback.

This is the most exciting part of being disruptive. As a disruptor one CAN be different, and therefore SHOULD feel un-encumbered from being remarkably so. Innovation should feel like a breath of fresh air, because that's what true innovation is. New ideas can come in the form of new features and capabilities, or could simply be a new way of delivering software for instance. Or perhaps its a new pricing model that makes it super compelling for your customers to buy from you - remember SaaS before it became a thing? Now the only thing software investors understand is ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue). This metric wasn't around in the pre-SaaS world. As entrepreneurs one shouldn't just dare to dream, but should dare to be different.

Innovation becomes a necessity, not a luxury, during industry disruptions. Start by revisiting your existing products or services to determine if they still meet the evolving needs of your customers. This could involve enhancing features, incorporating new technologies, or even developing entirely new offerings. For example, if customer demand shifts toward more remote or digital solutions, think about how you can innovate to meet that demand. Innovation can also mean reimagining how your products are delivered or consumed. By staying ahead of the curve and offering something new and valuable, you position your business as a leader in the industry, even in uncertain times.

Being ahead of the game and accepting change are important as an Entrepreneur. Being able to see ahead is important as an Entrepreneur

Every disruption brings in great opportunities for innovators. Based on the stage of the company, always look for... 1) Customer segments not-working for you 2) Products/features not-working for customers 3) New usecases adjacent to existing usecases 4) Test the new ideas and offerings with small set of close customers 5) Make sure marketing is in-sync with product changes Look for agility and niche to make your brand grow in the difficult times. Remember that most large companies can;t take a pivot or innovate fast. So, take that advantage as a entrepreneur.

Investing in R&D and nurturing strategic partnerships are two crucial factors for maintaining competitiveness during disruptive times. These components not only stimulate innovation but also enable businesses to swiftly adjust to evolving market conditions!

When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window—a timeless message from The Sound of Music that reminds us new opportunities arise even in the face of adversity. Similarly, in Disney’s Wish, looking at the stars and trying to understand them reflects our pursuit of dreams and possibilities. Innovation is about finding those windows, seeking creative solutions, and leveraging new technologies. Just as these stories inspire hope, embracing innovation helps us not only navigate disruption but also lead and inspire others along the way.

Innovation is your lifeline during disruption and the key to staying ahead. Differentiate Your Offerings: Innovate your product or service to stand out. Whether through R&D, new technologies, or creative customer solutions, find ways to add unique value. Leverage Technology: Embrace emerging tech to enhance efficiency or improve customer experience. Innovation isn’t always about reinvention; sometimes it’s about smarter execution. Position as a Leader: By consistently innovating, you’re not just weathering the disruption, you’re positioning your business as an industry leader.

Sorry clear communication just isn't enough! Your communication needs to be two-way, with listening more important than telling; being truthful more important just supplying information and, most of all, applying a deep understanding of the position of others, as you pivot away or towards needing or offering support.

Thw crystal clear communication of strategy is of paramount importance towards keeping key stakeholders aligned behind it. It is the deep understanding of the new effectiveness that will make swift implementation possible. And this is of paramount importance taking under consideration the limited available reaction time.

Canoe shooting through rapids. If you're in a canoe, it's better to go with the rapids rather than against them. In rapids, you may hit a wall, flip over, or someone might fall out of the boat, but if you're with the right people and the current is moving in the right direction, you're more likely to succeed. Similarly, if the market is being disrupted by technology like AI, it's an opportunity to leverage that technology. Having the right people in the "boat" and moving in the right direction will help you succeed. It’s not a problem but an opportunity to embrace the technology and be ready to adapt by communicating effectively with your stakeholders.

Listen to your clients and prospects.. They will tell you what they need. Even with disruption, it's not about talking or communicating - it's about listening to and for opportunities.

When disruption hits your industry, the first step is to assess its impact on your business. Analyze your supply chain, customer base, operations, and competitors to identify vulnerabilities. Use this assessment to prioritize actions, allocate resources, and develop strategies for innovative offerings. Equally important is clear communication—ensure that stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners, understand your response and the steps being taken. Transparent communication builds trust, aligns teams, and helps navigate the disruption more effectively. A clear assessment paired with open communication is critical for a successful pivot and resilient business response.

Communicating changes effectively requires clarity, transparency, and timeliness. At Strong Law Incwell, we ensure that every stakeholder understands the changes we implement by providing clear explanations, outlining the benefits, and addressing any concerns. Whether through emails, meetings, or reports, our approach is to keep communication concise yet informative, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. It's essential to explain why the change is happening, how it will improve processes, and what the expected outcomes are. By doing this, we foster trust and ensure smooth transitions.

I think you communicate the fact that there might be some adjustments but there is no disruption. Or should I say disruption is temporary, heavy consistent losses of revenue is a little different, which is unacceptable. It boils down to training and having your team always paying attention to the numbers. This is where I believe leadership, mentorship and encouragement plays a big factor in the team persevering. I always believe in the 80/20 rule. If my staff is used to making 200 calls a day to book three to four appointments. Then during something like covid it would be 300 or possibly 400. We might have to adjust our software in order to dial more. We might come up with a new strategy for referrals. These were some of my best years

Communication is surely important not only in crisis or disruption times. Keeping all stakeholders in the loop and addressing different groups via different channels and different levels of detail will make the change easier. It is easier to change if the vision and motivation are understood. Transparent communication also allows fast feedback. This will support a continuous improvement process. Having a clear and defined communication plan will also help identify the groups trying to block/sabotage the change and require special attention.

Innovate products or services to meet evolving needs, leverage emerging technologies, and foster a culture of adaptability. By proactively addressing challenges and embracing change, businesses can navigate disruptions and emerge stronger.

Basically, is comes down to future-proofing. Disruptions to "the industry" has become the norm, as more and more rely on creativity and cutting edge thinking; as opposed to relying on "best practices" and "industry standards"; both useful in benchmarking, but not to defend against disruptions. Empower the diversity and creativity in your team; encouraging THEM to be the disruptors in the industry, so that your company becomes the one to follow, the trend setter.

Maintain agility over everything. The only constant is change. Pivoting is essential — in life, in business, in relationships, in growth. Embracing flexibility and agility allows us to adapt and thrive amid unknowns. Stagnation can be the enemy of progress.

Yes, but I’d add that it’s about more than just having flexible processes or avoiding bureaucracy—it’s also about fostering a culture of adaptability and quick thinking at every level of the business. In my experience, agility isn’t just about reacting to change, it’s about anticipating it and positioning yourself ahead of the curve. This means encouraging a mindset where teams are not only ready to pivot but are constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve. True agility comes from cultivating a team that thrives on change, always prepared to turn challenges into opportunities and stay one step ahead.

Agility is about embracing change and adapting quickly. Foster Flexibility: Build flexible processes that allow you to pivot quickly. Empower your team to act without getting stuck in red tape. Stay Lean: Keep operations streamlined to maintain your ability to shift gears on the fly. Lean operations equal faster decision-making and action. Prepare for the Unexpected: An agile business is one that’s ready for anything. The more adaptable you are, the more resilient your business becomes.

Being able to adapt quickly to market shifts or client needs helps keep your operations running smoothly and positions you for success. By streamlining processes and empowering your team to make swift decisions, you create a more resilient and responsive business, ready to handle any unexpected changes.

Agility is about quick adaptation, powered by customer insights and streamlined processes. By improving capital efficiency and keeping operations lean, you maintain the flexibility to pivot easily. This approach ensures your business stays resilient and ready for growth.

Ideally you build this corporate agility when things are good. If you have to start developing this skill when disruption hits then it might be too late. By corporate agility I mean the ability to rapidly identify, assess, test and invest in business opportunities related to your products, services and operations. Agility here isn't about R&D but rather on improving the quality of decision making at the management level.

Empower Decision-Making: Decentralize decision-making so that teams on the ground can act quickly without waiting for approvals from higher-ups. This speeds up responses and allows for quicker adjustments. Streamline Processes: Simplify workflows and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that can slow down your ability to act. Agile methodologies like Scrum or Lean can help in making processes more efficient.

To maintain agility, start by fostering a flexible mindset within your team, encourage adaptability and openness to change. Break down big projects into smaller, manageable tasks that can be adjusted as needed. Regularly review processes to identify inefficiencies and make quick improvements. Keep communication lines open so everyone stays informed and aligned. Empower your team to make decisions on the fly, and be ready to pivot strategies when necessary. By staying responsive and nimble, you can navigate challenges and seize new opportunities as they arise.

Leveraging networks when finding a job or experiencing industry changes will always help. Although this is not the only thing to do, it’s certainly the starting point. People work for and with, people they trust, so you can get much more done if you have those people alongside you. That being said, there needs to be a solution embedded that you're presenting them or a direct ask. Think before you go for it but certainly leverage those who already Support You!

In my experience, leveraging your network goes beyond just seeking support, it’s about fostering a collaborative ecosystem where everyone benefits. Partners, mentors, and peers often provide fresh perspectives and opportunities you might never have considered. This isn’t just about finding allies in tough times; it’s about actively engaging with your network to innovate and find new pathways forward.

To pivot effectively, I would leverage networks by collaborating with industry leaders and stakeholders to gain insights, identify emerging trends, and form strategic partnerships that can drive innovation and adaptation.

Your networks are a crucial asset in times of disruption. Engaging with partners, mentors, and industry peers can provide more than just guidance—they offer fresh perspectives, access to resources, and potential collaborations. These connections can open doors to new opportunities, helping you adapt to challenges and innovate. Leaning on your network not only strengthens relationships but also positions you to overcome setbacks more effectively, ensuring you stay competitive and resilient.

You are not alone along this journey. I recall during the pandemic that most of my peers were going through important pivots. And you learn both from people who are positively and negatively impacted by the situation. Spend time with different people and stakeholders to find the common thread. Seek to add value to your network along the way sharing your learnings.

Como criar redes de alavancagem? Criar redes de alavancagem envolve formar parcerias estratégicas com outras empresas, fornecedores e até concorrentes, para compartilhar recursos, conhecimentos e oportunidades. Participar de alianças e associações do setor também pode ser uma maneira eficaz de obter suporte e acesso a novos mercados. Além disso, a colaboração com universidades, centros de pesquisa e startups pode proporcionar inovação e vantagens competitivas em momentos de incerteza.

The network is a very important source of maintaining innovation ability and for overcoming blockers or issues. It is the chance to receive 'out of the box' feedback or just new input and ideas for the thought process.

The Keiretsu model, originating in Japan, features interlinked companies working closely together, often holding small stakes in each other’s businesses. This model fosters collaboration, resource sharing, and mutual support, boosting collective resilience and market strength. Toyota effectively uses a similar network model with its keiretsu relationships involving suppliers and partners. These strong, cooperative ties enhance efficiency, innovation, and agility. By leveraging shared knowledge, resources, and capabilities, Toyota maintains a robust and adaptable supply chain, allowing it to respond swiftly to market changes and disruptions.

Your network can be a powerful resource during disruptions. Engage actively with partners, mentors, and industry peers to gain fresh perspectives and explore collaborative opportunities. The strength of a well-connected network lies in its ability to provide support, share insights, and offer new pathways forward. By contributing to and drawing from this ecosystem, you enhance your capacity to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.

One thing g that I’ve found out to be true is that you really need to dig down and find out who is in your network. You will be shocked to see that it takes meeting that special someone who can turn your situation around. Alicia