Knowing When – Recognizing Dead Ends in Business | Pivots with Stijn Vanorbeek

When is the right time to pivot in business? In this conversation, we explore how pivots often come from hitting dead ends—when the market isn’t big enough or the current path isn’t sustainable.

Making the decision to pivot or shut down is one of the toughest calls for any entrepreneur. This discussion breaks down how to identify when it’s time to shift direction, when to push a little further, and when to cut your losses and move on.

If you’re building a business or launching a product, this episode will help you understand the warning signs that indicate a pivot is necessary.

Key Topics:

• Why pivots often happen when a market is too small
• How to recognize when your business is hitting a dead end
• The emotional and financial challenges of pivoting
• When to try one more time vs. when to walk away
• The importance of being flexible and adjusting to reality

Quotes:

• "A pivot often happens when you realize the market isn’t big enough."
• "Sometimes, you have to take another exit off the highway to find success."
• "Knowing when to shift direction is just as important as knowing when to start."
• "Try one more time, but if it doesn’t work, it may be time to move on."
• "Pivoting isn’t failure—it’s making a smarter decision based on reality."