Opportunities come in all shapes and sizes and can be absolutely mind blowing in what they can mean for your business. But there’s a caveat. You have to be open to them and be on the lookout for them all the time. Sometimes you’re so busy doing that Business thing that you miss that golden opportunity and months later see the outcome for some one else. {Bangs head against table}.
How do you not miss out on those wonderful opportunities and evaluate if they’re a good idea or not?
Firstly, put yourself out there! Opportunities do not come to those sitting around waiting for them to happen, hiding behind their computer. Get out and about, tell anyone who’ll listen what you do, what you want to do, opportunities that you would love. Want to present at an event, write a column or get a meeting with your business idol? Do something about it, as Gary Vaynerchuk likes to say “hustle, hustle“.
Secondly, be willing to be uncomfortable. Opportunities often arrive at a perceived bad time (but seriously when is a good time?) Taking advantage of opportunities will require changes, compromise and probably hard work on top of all that you already do. Get over it, otherwise someone else will kill for that business opportunity. Opportunities are not created equal. What is an amazing business opportunity for one is not even on the radar of someone else. When you really start to put yourself out there for what you want you will find opportunities all the time. But how do you measure if an opportunity is really for you? This is where I use my non scientific Opportunity Barometer and it requires you to ask yourself the following questions?
- Did your heart skip a beat? (No brainer, do whatever it takes to make it happen!)
- Did your stomach do a flip? (Nervous about it huh? It’s uncomfortable but perhaps it should be done)
- Did you immediately question its validity? (Perhaps not heart fluttering or stomach flipping but definitely deserves consideration)
- Did you groan? (Simple, don’t do it)
- Did you mind immediately answer no? (Stick to that)
And when it comes to those you’re not sure about? Measure them against your business vision, mission and your goals? How does it stack up? Be mindful though that sometimes opportunities can arrive earlier than expected which is not a bad thing, just means you need to step it up to take advantage. Are you ready to step up to make the most of your opportunities?
