364 | Beyond the Budget Cuts: Staying Profitable When Everything Changes with Paul Zelizer

Paul Zelizer is the host of the Awarepreneurs Podcast, the world’s longest running social entrepreneur podcast, and has been a Business Coach who specializes in working with social entrepreneurs and climate tech founders for the past 18 years.

This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:


Awarepreneurs Transcript with Paul Zelizer on How to Pivot Successfully

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You can read the full transcript of this episode here

Key Topics: How to Pivot Successfully with Paul Zelizer

Thanks for listening to the podcast! Goals are to increase your positive impact, your profitability and your quality of life. .

  1. Context of Current Economic Conditions

    • Historical government cuts and financial uncertainty.

    • Shifts in market conditions due to tariffs and revised trade agreements.

    • The need for social entrepreneurs to consider pivots in response to these changes.

  2. Episode Theme: Beyond the Budget Cuts, Staying Profitable When Everything Changes

    • Introduction to the host's experience with economic changes.

    • Example of budget cuts impacting Paul's business.

    • Transition into an opportunity with the Four Corners Clean Tech Accelerator.

  3. Three Proven Strategies for Successful Pivots

    • First Strategy: Refocus on Market Needs and Core Strengths

      • Importance of market research to understand current client needs.

      • Emphasizing core strengths aligned with market demands.

      • Personal example of leaning into the clean tech space.

    • Second Strategy: Adapt Business Model and Revenue Streams

      • Evaluation of existing business models and revenue sources.

      • Example of discontinuing the Impact Podcast Accelerator.

      • Shifting towards more profitable and sustainable revenue streams like executive coaching.

    • Third Strategy: Cultivate and Lean into Your Network

      • The value of networks as safety nets and assets.

      • Personal networking experiences leading to new opportunities.

      • Encouragement for listeners to engage with their professional communities.

  4. Conclusion

    • Recap of three key strategies: refocus, adapt, and network.

    • Invitation for listeners to seek help or share their pivot strategies.

    • Reminder of listener-suggested topics and guest submissions.

    • Appreciation for the audience's positive impact and engagement.

Paul Zelizer