We have all heard the expression “That person gets all the luck.” But is this true? Undoubtedly timing and experience do play a role in certain success, but to passively dismiss one’s lack of success by declaring that someone else got it all is not the kind of thing that will lead you to success.
Opportunity waits for no one and truly successful people recognize this. In fact, successful people recognize that there are three parts to the equation of becoming successful:
- You must be aware that the opportunity is in front of you
- You must be bold and take advantage of this opportunity
- You must perform the prior two steps within the lifetime of the opportunity
Businesses that want to maximize the opportunities that come before them are good at putting themselves in a position to maximize the amount of opportunities that come their way. These businesses understand that success is not just merely as cliché as living by the mantra “if you build it, they will come”. These businesses proactively focus on performing action to maximize their opportunities. Here are some ways that a small business can maximize its opportunities:
- Focus on your core product
- Keep your pitch simple
- Stay true to who you are
- Map it
- Utilize marketing tools that work best for you
- Implement a plan of action
- Exercise the plan
Another way to help the entrepreneur to improve success is to create a nurturing network of meaningful connections which can enhance both business and personal life. The book Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi is a great resource for helping the entrepreneur develop key insights into this. Some ways to build your network are:
- Networking is about finding ways to make other people successful.
- Be willing to offer unlimited favors.
- Set goals with deadlines.
- Create a personal advisory board.
- Do your homework and research the people you are contacting.
- Create relationships with gatekeepers.
- Follow up promptly after a connection is made.
- Make connections in many different circles.
- Reach out to contacts before you need them.
- Warm Call rules: Convey credibility, state value proposition, impart urgency, be prepared to compromise.
- The key to everyone’s heart: health, wealth, children Captive Insurance Company
Entrepreneurs create opportunities by relying on self and social awareness, being able to have foresight and to create their future, and by considering social, environmental, and economic values simultaneously. As Jim Rohn says, “Indecision is the Thief of Opportunity.” Don’t let the opportunity of the lifetime pass you by because you either didn’t act on it or recognize it.