Knock, Knock…Opportunities Calling

By Jennifer Murray

Opportunities are everywhere. For those of us open minded enough to see the opportunity in everything this becomes a burden and an issue. As we develop our lives and our businesses to a greater level of consciousness, it can’t be helped. There are many motivational speakers, events, and challenges out there so sooner or later, it will happen to you as well.

Recently, I’ve realized that opportunities can be categorized into two categories.

1. Synergistic with Us
2. Synergistic with Others
   

Opportunities synergistic to others are the easiest to spot. Have you ever uttered the words: “someone should do that, make that, or service that?” You may think there is a perfectly viable business or opportunity to make millions. “Hey, if I can think it, there must be others who would want it or do it,” you might say.

And next comes the “hey, if I think there’s opportunity for someone else to do it, why don’t I?” Stop right there. Do yourself a favour and spend some time thinking about the “why don’t I” because this is where many go wrong. It’s best to be extremely clear on what the opportunity brings to your existing world and determine where the synergies lie. It may be best if someone else, indeed, took it on.

Opportunities synergistic with your company will have far greater leverage and will take you farther. Not only will you be able to gain greater insight into the capabilities of your current resources and goals, you’ll notice where certain tasks can accomplish more than one goal.

If you have a company purpose, vision, and values already determined, these will help you ascertain viability and fit. Also consider the development required to make all aspects of the opportunity work for you. Where this new opportunity fits into your current portfolio will make a difference (and may very well determine how much time and money you put into developing). Don’t forget where you will promote it, support it, and grow it — there’s a lot to consider.

But don’t let this daunt you. The more opportunities presenting themselves, the better you get at deciding if it’s for you or not…and suggesting ideas to others. Never neglect your due diligence to ensure the opportunity is all that it is presented to be.

Be solid in what you’re all about and it makes it easier to know what will rocket your success and what will fizzle it.

Jennifer Murray, proprietor of The Nimble Assistant, determines efficiencies for small businesses and simply gets the job done in her role as a virtual assistant. Her energy, enthusiasm, flexibility, and focus have lightened the load for many managers and entrepreneurs. Growing a small business requires a team where each member does what he or she does best. Jennifer creates an opportunity for small businesses to grow their business while supporting their existing business. She can be reached at jennifer@thenimbleassistant.com.

Published September 2008 Networking Today