Startup Lessons
Learn how to pivot or risk dying!
The phrase “adapt or die” isn’t merely a motivational slogan but a fundamental truth.
My journey, marked by the development of three products, underscores the pitfalls of resistance to change and the wisdom of pivoting when circumstances demand it.
By sharing this narrative, I aim to illuminate the challenges entrepreneurs face and how adaptability can transform these challenges into stepping stones toward success.
The Emotional Quandary: Farewell to the First Product
The first product we developed was a labor of love.
It was an IoT product that could help senior citizens live alone but not alone.
The product is a wearable device in the form of a smartwatch and is monitored remotely by their family members.
Spanning over half a decade, our commitment was undeniably profound.
However, as every entrepreneur will attest, passion doesn’t always translate to profitability.
When faced with dwindling demand, we tried branching out to other markets, but our endeavors could have been better.
As much as we tried to expand into the Haj pilgrimage market, it was too late, and we were struck by the Covid-19 pandemic when the whole world stood still.
When the pandemic is over, the product is to late to market and has become obsolete.
The emotional toll of ending its life cycle was profound but necessary.
Dreams Deferred: The Ambition of Smart City Solutions
Grand ambitions marked our second endeavor.
We dreamt of transforming urban landscapes with our product designed for smart cities.
While our conviction was strong, the market response painted a different story.
Despite our faith, tangible results in terms of paid customers eluded us.
Local councils and municipal markets take a lot of work to crack. The decision-making process is very long, and the procurement process needs to be faster.
The vision of smart cities seems to be unclear for many of the cities.
The critical error? Our unwillingness to acknowledge the need for a pivot prolonged our battle for relevance in a competitive market.
Gaming the System: The Enterprise Pivot That Wasn’t
The world of consumer mobile applications is as enticing as it is perilous.
Our fourth product, Dscover, forayed into this space, but despite our best efforts, significant market traction could have been better.
Hoping to turn the tide, we considered enterprise customers our saving grace.
Yet, the deep engagement we aspired to achieve was constantly beyond our grasp.
Mobile application, which is initially meant for consumer, need more traction, and trying to engage with enterprise requires huge resource for customization and cost.
Finally, we stopped promoting the product.
The Resounding Echo of Pivoting’s Importance
The narratives of these three products converge on a singular lesson: the paramount importance of pivoting.
Pivoting isn’t synonymous with giving up; it’s about recalibrating one’s strategy to align with market dynamics.
Our reticence to pivot didn’t just deplete our resources but robbed us of time – the most precious asset for any startup.
The Peril of Inertia in Entrepreneurship
Imagine navigating treacherous waters without adjusting your sails to the shifting winds.
That’s the essence of a startup’s journey without the willingness to pivot.
Stagnation is more than just a phase; it’s a dangerous precursor to an enterprise’s decline.
From Lessons to Action: The Agile and Customer-Centric Paradigm
Our trials were not in vain.
They catalyzed a shift in our entrepreneurial perspective.
The new mantra? Stay agile and resonate with the customer.
We’ve imbibed a culture where customer feedback isn’t just welcomed but actively sought.
By aligning our products with consumer insights, we aim for continuous refinement.
Concluding Thoughts: The Renaissance of Our Startup Journey
The rigidity of clinging to products without considering a pivot is detrimental and potentially fatal in the startup ecosystem.
Through the crests and troughs of our journey, the overarching lesson has been clear: adaptability is non-negotiable.
Equipped with this knowledge, we’re poised to leverage challenges as catalysts for innovation, ensuring our products don’t merely exist but excel in the market.
In entrepreneurship, obstacles are a given.
However, armed with resilience, agility, and a keen customer focus, we are primed to chart a path that anticipates change and celebrates it.
Learn more about startup tips in my latest eBook “Startup Survival”.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 