When Opportunity Knocks

Do you sit back waiting for opportunity to knock, or do you open the door, poke your head out looking around to see if you can find opportunity before it even gets to your door? If you're like most people, myself included most of the time, waiting for opportunity to knock is something we have grown accustomed to. The business climate these days though calls for a new approach to our old ways. When was the last time you stepped outside your comfort zone to make a contact, try a new approach to an old system or dare to add something different than your competitors to your business? As solo-preneuers being the pioneers is written into the job description, but often forgotten in the day to day workings of keeping things running smoothly. Even the smallest change may be just what is needed to open the floodgates of opportunity, many times to things you may have not have even conceived yet. So where can you find opportunity?

• Meet with new people outside of your field or regular network.
• Look for offers from coaches / mentors that have spoken at a meeting you've attended.
• Speaker meetings you attend - offer to be the next "expert speaker".
• Offer to write for a Realtors newsletter.
• Be on the look-out for what the competition isn't doing.
• Say yes to a project you think is outside the realm or above the scope of your capabilities!

Being flexible when opportunity does knock is also a crucial factor, don't slam the door just because the event, chance, or offer doesn't come in the package you had visioned. Be open, who knows where the open door may lead!