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Key Takeaways When circumstances wipe out your original plan, don’t freeze up. Look for what you can do and double down on creativity.
Invest in relationships long before you need them.
When you have to pivot, adapt quickly and keep your audience and customer base at the center of your decisions.
Ever try surfing the unexpected? That’s what great entrepreneurs do every day — we turn change into a chance to shine. This year, I experienced this lesson up close and personal when I attended the Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach, California — the biggest airshow in the U.S. by attendance, running for three consecutive days.
The whole atmosphere, with families gathered along the sand and a community spirit you just can’t find anywhere else, made it an unforgettable and amazing experience like no other. This was my very first time at this legendary event and it ended up being nothing short of spectacular. I’m already counting down the days until next year’s 10th anniversary show — right on the same year as the 250th anniversary of the U.S.!
Here’s what the Pacific Airshow taught me about surfing the waves of business pivots, plus tips you can use whenever life throws you a curveball.
1. Embrace the unexpected
When word hit that the U.S. military jets wouldn’t be able to fly due to the government shutdown, the airshow team could have just panicked. Instead, the organizers flipped the script and reorganized. They pulled together, called up the already-scheduled civilian pilots and international teams to ensure the show would still continue, filling the sky with thrilling routines and energy from all over the world. Seeing it firsthand was an extraordinary experience.
I spoke with the Pacific Airshow director, Kevin Elliott, who was born and raised in Huntington Beach. He said, “It’s a great testament to our civilian performers and to our international partners. We love our military and we are sure they are going to be back, no doubt. Today, what it is all about is being with family and friends on the beach for the day, and we are still having a great show.”
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