Posted on June 26, 2025

Hey entrepreneurs and sales pros!

Ever had that nagging feeling that something isn't quite clicking, even when you're giving it your all? 

It's a common experience for business owners and sales professionals alike. Sometimes, the path to growth isn't about pushing harder on the same thing, but about stepping back and asking some crucial questions. 

This isn't about giving up; it's about optimizing for success and finding your sweet spot.

Are You Ready for a Product Pivot, or a Refreshed Sales Position?

This is the big question that can unlock incredible new opportunities. Whether you're wrestling with a product that isn't quite landing or a sales approach that feels stagnant, these powerful questions can guide your thinking:

Do people say they like it, but rarely use it or hesitate to pay for it? This is a classic red flag. "Likes" and polite compliments are kind, but they don't pay the bills. If your potential customers admire your product or service but aren't converting into active users or paying clients, it's time to dig deeper into its actual value proposition.

Are you seeing flat or declining user/customer growth? Growth is the heartbeat of any thriving business. If your numbers are plateauing or, worse, shrinking, it's a clear signal that something needs attention. This could be anything from market fit to your sales messaging.

Are you constantly educating customers on why they need your product or service? While some initial education is normal, if you're consistently battling to convince people of your offering's fundamental utility, it might be perceived as complex or simply not addressing an immediate, obvious need. Your ideal solution should practically sell itself with its clear benefits.

Is your product or service a "nice-to-have" instead of a "must-have"? In today's competitive landscape, "nice-to-haves" often get cut when budgets tighten. "Must-haves" solve urgent, painful problems. Objectively assess where your offering falls. Can you elevate it to an indispensable solution?

Are you emotionally attached to your original idea or sales position, even though the data says it's not working? This is perhaps the hardest question to answer honestly. We pour our hearts and souls into our ventures. But genuine progress often requires detaching from initial assumptions and letting the data guide your decisions. The market doesn't care how hard you've worked on an idea if it's not resonating.

Embracing the Power of Adaptation

Asking these questions isn't a sign of failure; it's a sign of strength, resilience, and smart business acumen. It means you're committed to finding the most effective path forward.

A product pivot could mean refining your features, targeting a different market segment, or even completely reimagining what you offer to solve a more pressing problem.

A refreshed sales position might involve rethinking your ideal customer, adjusting your messaging to highlight different benefits, or exploring new channels to reach your audience more effectively.

The most successful businesses and sales professionals are those who are agile and willing to adapt. By honestly evaluating your current situation and being open to change, you're not just surviving; you're setting yourself up to truly succeed.