Nothing New? Look Again.

There comes a time in every investigation when it feel like you've hit a wall.

You have followed the username.
You checked the usual social media platforms.
You Googled.
And...nothing new shows up.
Now you're sitting there, staring at your screen, running through what you've already done and wondering what you could've missed. In my experience, that feeling of urgency, the pressure to finding something fast, can sometimes cause you to overlook the most basic lead or thread.

Welcome to the Pivot Point!

What does it mean to PIVOT in OSINT?
I like to think of pivoting as taking what you already have and using it to uncover something new. It's that moment where you can't seem to go forward or backward, so instead, you go sideways.

What does Pivoting look like?
Let's walk through an example.
Your investigating a username:
roxxygirl8586304
You searched Instagram. Nothing.
Facebook? No results.
You have Googled and nada.
Now you're staring at your screen thinking, "Well, that’s it. I guess I’m done."
Is the trail COLD!?

But here's what Pivoting might look like:

You search the same username on GitHub and get a hit!
The profile lists an email address.
You run the email through a breach databases and find a few leaks.
One breach includes a secondary username: ediblesbymary85634.
Now you've got a whole new lead. Maybe this person runs a business. Maybe that username shows up on Facebook, TikTok, or in local business directories.

The Key Difference?
When you're stuck, you're often repeating the same steps and hoping something will change. (I've been there. Many times.)
When you PIVOT, you're looking at your data differently and asking:
What else can I do with this?
There's no magic formula here.
I always remind myself that if two analysts worked the same case, they might reach the same conclusion, but their paths would look very different. That's because their way of thinking, their pivot points, and their creative process are unique.

How to Start Pivoting.
I usually find it easier to pivot when I take a break. Even a short one.
Fresh eyes make a huge difference.
If you're feeling stuck, zoom out and ask yourself:

• What do I actually have in front of me?
• What haven’t I tried yet?
• Where else could this show up?
• Does this data connect to anything else I’ve seen?
• Am I assuming something that’s not actually true?

Tip for Visual Thinkers
I'm a visual person, so I like to map things out.
Seeing your data, what you've found and how it connects, can help you spot gaps.
Whether it's a diagram, a mind map, or just sticky notes, anything that helps you "see" your investigation can spark the next pivot.

Pivoting isn't about fancy tools or luck. It's about staying curious and flexible.
If you're stuck, it's time to look at your data from a different angle!

You've got this!