Pivot or Press On? The Key to Startup Success

Panel Discussion & In-Person Networking Event

Deciding when to pivot and when to press on is a challenge all entrepreneurs face when developing a successful product or service. “Pivoting” is when you change a fundamental part of your business model. It can be as simple as recognizing that your product was priced incorrectly or more complex if you find that your target customer needs to change, your feature set is wrong or your customer acquisition programs were ineffective.*

Companies who decide to persevere when feedback from the marketplace is strongly suggesting a new direction, can destroy their companies. They get stuck in limbo, neither growing nor dying, while eating up resources and human ability. This can destroy their creative potential and commitment from employees.

Successful pivots put us on a path toward growing a sustainable business by listening to our customers, learning from failure, and aligning our efforts to drive growth and value.

How do you recognize when it’s time to move on from a failing idea or business, without feeling like you’re giving up? This panel discussion features three business owners who have had to learn from failure, pivot, and make hard choices to build sustainable and profitable businesses. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from their experiences to de-risk and grow your business while also getting an opportunity to network with them and other entrepreneurs in the region.

• Justin Spannuth – VP/COO of Unique Snacks
• Adrean Turner – CEO of Turner Coaching, Training & Consulting, LLC
  
• Lucine Sihelnik – Co-Owner of the Great American Creamery Company
• Moderated by Jobany Bedoya – Owner, Red Tie Affairs and Diversity Mixers

Thursday, March 23: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in-person at the Berks LaunchBox located at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Reading, PA

6:00 – 6:30 p.m. Networking
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Panel Discussion
7:30 – 8:00 p.m. Networking

*Pivoting definition based on information developed by Steve Blank.