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Business
Roadblock To Road Map
How SKOOT pivoted its business for a sustainable future (and five lessons you can use to do the same!) b y G R E G G O R M E LY
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ur launch date was set: March 2020. We were poised to launch Skoot, a social mobility platform connecting friends for shared rides while planting trees to offset their carbon footprint. Our ads were booked, Student Brand Managers recruited, and merchandise all printed. Then the world slammed on the brakes. Lockdown. Social distancing. Our vision of a world sharing rides felt not just improbable, but irresponsible. Our carefully crafted business plan crumbled in the face of a global pandemic.
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iving up, however, wasn’t an option. We had a powerful idea, had recruited a talented team, and had a burning desire to make a positive impact. We just needed to adapt. Fast. This is how we did it, and the lessons you might find useful to pivot and evolve your business towards a more sustainable and ultimately, more successful future. LESSON 1/ When the World Changes, Change With It (and Lean Into the Problem) We asked ourselves: What does a world locked down, bound by social distancing, need? The answer: an Errands App connecting those in need with
those willing to help. This pivot, fueled by an Innovation Grant, breathed new life into Skoot (and gave the Team purpose) and revealed a vital lesson: sometimes, the biggest problems present the most powerful opportunities for innovation. LESSON 2/ Don’t Be Afraid to Dive Deeper (and Leverage Your Existing Strengths) As the world navigated the pandemic, we doubled down on our tech. We shifted from a consumerfocused ride-sharing model to a B2B approach, supporting businesses transitioning back to work with safe and sustainable commute solutions.