Pivoting is scary, do it anyway

Today’s conversation between Dana Malstaff, Boss Mom founder, and Krista Lockwood, decluttering expert and founder of Motherhood Simplified, dives into the art of pivoting in business. Pivoting is often a necessary step in both entrepreneurship and parenting, and in this post, we’ll explore practical steps to make those shifts feel intentional and fulfilling.

The Art of Pivoting (as BossMoms)

Dana introduced Krista, who has been both a friend and colleague for years, as someone with a knack for understanding the value of evolving in business. Krista’s journey in business began in 2017 when she created Motherhood Simplified. Her mission is to help moms create peaceful, clutter-free homes, and her brand has evolved significantly since its launch. Like Dana, Krista highlights that pivoting isn’t always about big changes but rather refining your approach as you gain clarity.

Key Takeaway:
Pivoting doesn’t always mean starting over. It often involves refining, enhancing, or shifting your focus to better meet the needs of your audience and align with your strengths.

Krista’s Initial Pivots and the Birth of Motherhood Simplified

Krista’s journey began with different blogs and podcasts focused on parenting and teaching. However, it wasn’t until she leaned into her natural strength—helping others declutter—that her brand truly took off. Dana and Krista discussed how, in many cases, entrepreneurs have a unique talent they may not initially recognize as valuable. For Krista, that talent was decluttering, which she discovered when friends noticed how calm and organized her home was despite her busy family life.

Key Insight:
Sometimes, your pivot is simply about recognizing and monetizing what you naturally excel at. If there’s something you’re constantly helping others with, consider whether it could become a business.

Building Community as You Pivot

Krista shared how essential community was in shaping her brand. Initially, she created a “due date” Facebook group for moms, which quickly grew and became a supportive space for sharing everyday struggles. This group provided Krista with insight into what overwhelmed moms truly needed—more simplicity at home. By listening to her community, Krista could pivot her content to address their pain points directly.

Community Tip:
If you’re pivoting, communicate with your audience and build a community where members feel safe sharing challenges. This feedback helps guide your pivots to be more effective and relevant.

Creating a Results Framework

Dana emphasized that as entrepreneurs pivot, it’s crucial to create a results framework. A results framework clearly defines the steps or processes you use to achieve results for clients. For Krista, this meant breaking down her method into clear, actionable steps for decluttering and simplifying family life. Her approach allowed her to turn a personal passion into a structured business model that is easy for clients to follow.

Pro Tip:
When pivoting, structure your process so that it’s easy to explain. This will help potential clients understand the results they can expect and how you’ll guide them to success.

Knowing When to Pivot: Scars vs. Wounds

Dana and Krista discussed the concept of teaching from scars rather than wounds. If you’re still “in it”—struggling with a topic or life stage—it may not be the right time to teach it. Krista reflected on the early days of her business when she was in “survival mode” with her youngest children. Instead of teaching routines, she leaned into her expertise in decluttering, which allowed her to stay authentic and aligned with her life circumstances.

Mindset Shift:
Ask yourself, “Am I teaching from a scar or a wound?” Teaching from scars means you’ve moved through the experience, gained perspective, and can now offer actionable insights.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

1. Overthinking the Pivot:
   Dana and Krista shared that many entrepreneurs feel guilty about pivoting, fearing it signals inconsistency. In reality, pivoting is a normal part of business growth. Embrace changes as a sign of growth, not failure.
2. Pivoting Too Often Without Focus:
   While exploring new ideas is essential, frequent changes can confuse your audience. Each pivot should bring you closer to your business’s core purpose. Krista emphasized the importance of finding your “method” and sticking to it, allowing enough time for each approach to take root.
3. Ignoring Audience Feedback:
   Dana pointed out that some pivots happen because entrepreneurs lose touch with their audience’s needs. Regularly ask your community what they need help with, and consider how your expertise can meet those needs.

Pro Tip:
When considering a pivot, make sure it aligns with both your strengths and audience needs. This intersection is where you’ll create the most impact.

Practical Steps for Pivoting Effectively

1. Evaluate Your Strengths and Interests:
   Krista’s initial pivots helped her identify decluttering as her superpower. Take time to assess your strengths, and remember that pivoting is often a journey of discovering what you truly love and excel at.
2. Engage Your Community:
   Dana emphasized the importance of building a community that feels safe sharing both successes and struggles. This engagement gives you valuable insights into where you can pivot to provide even more value.
3. Build a Results Framework:
   Once you find your focus, create a framework or step-by-step process. A clear structure makes it easy for potential clients to understand how you can help them.
4. Refine Your Messaging:
   As you pivot, update your messaging to reflect your new focus. Krista leaned into decluttering by focusing on how simplifying can lead to a more peaceful, enjoyable home. Clear messaging ensures that your audience understands your value.
5. Give Yourself Grace:
   Pivoting can feel overwhelming, but remember, it’s a natural part of growth. Allow yourself the space to evolve and experiment, as Dana and Krista have done in their journeys.

Final Thoughts

Pivoting is a powerful tool for business growth and personal fulfillment. Dana and Krista’s stories show that pivots can open doors to new opportunities and create a business aligned with your strengths. Embrace each pivot with confidence and trust that your unique journey will inspire others.

Guest Bio

Krista Lockwood is the Founder of Motherhood Simplified, where she teaches decluttering for moms who don’t want to be full blown minimalists. In 2013, she and her husband moved from Alaska to Florida with only one suitcase each. While she doesn’t believe you need to go that extreme, she has been able to master the balance of having enough, but not too much. Krista strongly believes we all have what it takes to create the lives and homes we want, no matter what that looks like. On top of her courses offered on decluttering, Krista is the host of the Motherhood Simplified Podcast.

Visit her Website | Podcast | Instagram | Business Instagram

Listen to Krista’s other Boss Mom episodes:

The Impact of Clutter on Our Mindset and Emotional State w/Krista Lockwood

Why Decluttering & Creating Space is the Greatest Gift Moms Can Give Themselves w/Krista Lockwood