When Your Business Direction Shifts: Embracing Change as an Entrepreneur
When I started Expert Office, I thought I had everything figured out. I knew exactly what services I would offer and who I would serve. But here's something I wasn't prepared for—something I wish someone had told me from the beginning: your business may shift, and your direction may change. And that's not just okay—it's often exactly what needs to happen.
The Unexpected Pivot
Like many entrepreneurs, I launched my business with a clear vision. I was going to provide virtual assistant services—typing, filing, data entry, light social media management. I would handle the tasks that business owners didn't want to do themselves. It seemed straightforward and necessary.
But as I began working with clients, particularly new business owners, I discovered something important: what I thought people needed wasn't exactly what they actually needed.
Listening to What Your Clients Really Need
I'll admit it—I thought I knew what everybody needed and wanted. I was so wrong. What I discovered is that while the services I was providing were valuable, they weren't addressing the deeper challenges my clients faced.
New business owners don't always understand all the ins and outs of running a business, especially the behind-the-scenes operations that keep everything running smoothly. They don't just need someone to handle generic tasks. They need help with the back office of their business—the systems, the organization, the project management, the time management strategies.
From Task Management to Business Support
This realization transformed my entire business model. I shifted from doing basic virtual assistant work to providing comprehensive back-office support and project management. Instead of just typing letters or doing research, I started helping business owners get organized, manage their time effectively, and build the systems they need to succeed.
I began focusing on the things that business owners often neglect—the things nobody wants to get their hands dirty with, but that are absolutely essential for growth…things like tracking and monitoring numbers, setting up project management systems, setting up social media, and getting organized. And more importantly, I didn't just do these things for my clients; I showed them how to do them effectively and efficiently themselves.
That's a major difference from my original vision, and it required me to completely rethink my mission and approach.
Why Business Evolution Is Natural
Looking back, I realize this shift wasn't a failure of my original plan—it was a natural evolution based on real-world experience. As you work with clients and understand their true needs, as the market changes, and as you develop your own skills and expertise, your business will naturally evolve.
This is something I wasn't counting on, but it's one of the most valuable lessons I've learned as an entrepreneur.
Embrace the Shift
So think about your own business. When you started, what was your main goal? What was your mission? And how has it shifted since then? There will be times when you need to adjust your mission statement, reconsider what you're offering, or pivot your approach entirely.
That is okay. In fact, it's more than okay—it's a sign that you're paying attention, learning, and growing.
When your business needs to shift, don't resist it. Regroup, recalculate, and refocus. Listen to what your clients truly need, be honest about what's working and what isn't, and have the courage to evolve. Your business will be stronger for it, and you'll be able to serve your clients in ways you never imagined when you first started.
Remember: flexibility and adaptability aren't weaknesses in business—they're strengths that will carry you through every stage of your entrepreneurial journey.
