Pivot

The word “Pivot” began to build popularity in different social circles. Columnists used it, broadcasters, newscasters, writers, and anybody who had a pen, or a microphone started using the word a lot. Cambridge Dictionary defines the word “pivot” as “a fixed point supporting something that turns or balances.” While Webster dictionary defines it as “a shaft or pin on which something turns.” The keyword found in both definitions would be the word “turns.” And then, cartoonists began using the word “pivot” as a word that describes public figures expressing a particular view and then changing his or her opinion and embraces another. When you say that “this person has pivoted,” it would not be complimentary. It may mean that the person has not been exactly truthful. I even saw a cartoon featuring two businesspeople drinking coffee and having a conversation. And one guy says, “It is not that I have been unfaithful to my wife; I simply pivoted my attention to another woman.”

Today the word “pivot” is used more in the context of businesses that are profoundly affected by COVID-19 and the necessity to “turn” their businesses in means and ways that would be relevant and acceptable to the new environment. After giving a webinar to a client, one of the attendees or organizers who is with the company HR team sent me a photo. It is a collage of four pictures of our takes and a note that says: “Top photo (2020): Just today, as you had your session with us. Bottom left photo (2017): Back when I was in my senior year in college, when you gave a talk for the students. Bottom right photo (2013): In my freshman year of college, and another one dated even earlier. I started becoming a fan and reading your books.” You cannot imagine how fulfilling this is for me.

I assessed myself and realized that I have had many pivots along the way. I started my corporate career working as an executive assistant for the company president. Then I was promoted to the position of being the plant manager. Declined the offer and entered the garments industry and started from scratch. I worked with visual merchandising doing show window displays. Then I went into sales, and worked my way up to become general manager of the company. Then entered entrepreneurship being made an industrial partner for a garment company. Pivoted again into the lecture circuit as a public speaker, trainer, and consultant. I went through different periods of crises that occurred. I remember the political unrest of the 70s and 80s, the Asian financial crisis of the 90s, 9-11 in year 2000, the recession of 2007-2009 caused by the housing sub-prime mortgage crises. And now, COVID- 19. It seems like I was pivoting every time, especially when there was a crisis.

There is a lifecycle to every business and even with every personal brand. And now, I am pivoting again. From doing business conferences and giving training in the ballrooms or function rooms of five-star hotels, I am doing a lot of webinars for clients, doing personal mentoring, and all online. I have to learn new skills, update all of my lessons, and adapt to the new reality and it’s working! Calendar is filling up, inquiries are coming in, and I am enjoying this new “pivot” in my profession. I notice that even the invitations are pivoting. Whereas I used to get invites from HR people for trainings and talks, now Marketing people are sending invitations for me to address their online marketing activities. Pivoting is the name of the game.

We always have to be on the lookout for something new. The new normal is anything but normal. If there is a need to pivot your business, then you have to pivot. This applies to your career and profession too. Rather than lamenting over the things you used to enjoy and now would no longer have, you might as well prepare to pivot to the next opportunity. “Because of COVID-19 I have lost everything!” you might be saying, and I will tell you: “You have not. You have your knowledge, experience, network, and connections, but you need to keep your eyes open and begin to explore new things.”

At the start of the lockdown I thought this would usher me to retirement, but it does not. The fact is that the word “retirement” is not entertained in our household. As long as God still finds me useful, then I will continue to grind. And grinding means pivoting at this stage and truth to tell, I am enjoying this.

(Connect with Francis Kong at www.facebook.com/franciskong2. Or listen to “Business Matters” Monday to Friday 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. over 98.7 dzFE-FM ‘The Master’s Touch,’ the classical music station.)