Pivot: The only move that matters is your next one

Presented by Jenny Blake

Reported by Debbie Wynot, Insight Matters and Library Consultants LLC

Editor’s note: This summary of our conference keynote presentation was originally published in the September 2017 issue of AIIP Connections newsletter, and—in 2020—it’s as relevant as ever.

For a conference program built on a theme of pivoting for success, could there have been a better keynote speaker than the gregarious and engaging Jenny Blake? Attendees were treated to an account of how a successful career development manager at Google left it all behind to follow her passions. Sound familiar, anyone?

During her lively session, Jenny shared with us how to do what she does best—Map…What’s…Next. Jenny’s account of making it in the Big Apple with a six-month deadline was a menu of business change tied to survival.

Where to Begin?

First, find your Plant foot. Just as in sports, a business change requires standing on one’s strengths, values, and interests as we reach for the new direction. Information entrepreneurs who’ve been in business for a few years often face organic change to prevent stagnation and ensure survival. Change can come due to a new skill set, an encounter with a new opportunity, or the recognition of an underserved niche that fits our passion. For Jenny, the strength of her leadership training and astute business strategy was the foundation to build on her love of coaching.

With change comes risk. Jenny developed the Riskometer, with four levels to aid in taking one’s risk temperature.

• Stagnation Zone: boredom, restlessness or anxiety begins to set in.
• Comfort Zone: the status quo where everything feels safe. Career direction isn’t a major concern.
• Stretch Zone: exciting, challenging works gets us out of bed every day despite any risk.
• Panic Zone: anxiety may set in. Putting out fires in daily lives leaves little room for thinking about the future. Paralyzing fear may prevent any forward movement.

Second, Scan. This is the bridging phase to your business goals. At this point, set a time frame for realistic change, generally not to exceed a year. Identify your role models. Make a list of mentors, who could be clients or others in your industry. Decide what new skills interest you. If possible, partner with someone to make change easier.

Next, Pilot, trying small experiments in the essentials of empowerment, expertise, and expansion. This is the ignition phase of baby steps that will validate your ideas with the smaller risks that lead to bigger successes. These experiments will provide information on what you’re enjoying and what’s working for you and your clients.  Piloting could be as simple as implementing a new process for your projects or changing from a project or retainer-based billing system. Decide on one new thing to do for the next month, but limit the stretching experiments to six months.

Hint: check AIIP-L for ideas.

Finally, Launch! Jenny estimates that 80-90% of the work to reach your new goal has been done. You’ve identified your product and the steps that should make the greatest impact. Your small experiments will allow you to adjust for timing, forward progress, and financial success.

“Build first, then your courage will follow.” Jenny Blake

Jenny Blake is the author of the award-winning PIVOT: The Only Move that Matters is Your Next One. For more information, go to www.pivotmethod.com for a free toolkit.