What do you do when an opportunity comes your way?

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"What do you do when an opportunity comes your way?"  

I would suggest something similar to what a friend of mine is currently doing: recognize the opportunity, GRAB THE OPPORTUNITY, figure out how to work it, and make the most out of it.  

A wonderful leadership opportunity has come his way and as I understand it, it is one of those opportunities that carries "lots of responsibility" and very little recognized authority or role definition - An opportunity for the ambitious, with the runway to "make of it what you will". As we discussed his opportunity I admit becoming a little green with envy, but then remembered I've had my share of opportunities and I was there to cheer him on - So let the cheering begin!

As much as we want to shout, "GRAB IT, GRAB IT", it is important to recognize that the opportunity is in fact "an opportunity". Opportunities need to be based on personal goals, objectives and what you want... one person's opportunity may not necessarily be another's. Along with recognizing what you want, it becomes important to understand what is needed to get there; this will force alignment of what you want with what you are really willing to do  - In doing this, you are defining what is truly an opportunity for you, and what is not.

Now go ahead and shout, "GRAB THE OPPORTUNITY!" If an opportunity comes your way, either offered or discovered, and it brings you closer to what you want... then make it yours. There is no reason not to. 

Richard Branson has been quoted as saying, "If someone offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes - then learn how to do it later." Here is where my friend finds himself, "Figuring out how to work it"... and I believe he is doing it in the right way.

• Here knows he has the capability of being successful.
• He is taking a champion position with the opportunity and owning it.
• He is open to advice, guidance and constructive feedback, as well as incorporating feedback into his planning and execution.
• He is setting performance targets, measures and putting operating mechanisms in place to ensure he is successful.
• He is engaging his team and functional partners for support.

In the end, you will want to make the most out of your opportunity; not only with showing success, but learning as much as you can, mastering your abilities, moving yourself a little closer to your goals and most importantly keeping up the momentum.

After all, there is that simple truism - Opportunities beget opportunities.

A fairly good job of cheering him on, don't you think?

gpe

 

Optimizing execution - When ideas and operating systems collide.

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On more than one occasion I have seen sales and marketing ideas, sometimes very good ones, gather support and momentum... and then - SCREEEEECH, CRASH... BIG FIERY EXPLOSION! 

Why would that happen you ask?

These "fiery instances" came about because the idea simply could not be accommodated by the operating systems that are being used to manage the business... the idea could not be automated, "systematized" or streamlined with the current operating system(s); never to get off the ground... or if it does, it's a pale version of the original idea.

I will be the first one to say that systems should not dictate what you do, as that is the job of the customer and the market... however, it is important to understand your available systems and not execute on ideas that are misaligned with the capabilities of your systems - When you play chess, no mater how much you want the bishop to go side ways, it can only go diagonally; much like the systems you work with, their capabilities make up the rules of the game and dictate how you have to play. YOU NEED TO LEARN THE RULES.

RULE #1: It is imperative that you understand what your ERP, CRM and online systems can and cannot do; you definitely need an in-depth working knowledge of these systems within your functional area, as well as a broad understanding of the overall system... everything is so interrelated. Demand as much system training as you can get, or at the very least, ask where you can find the "manuals".

RULE #2: Develop a system process map for how your idea(s) will be executed before you move to build the support and momentum that will fuel your execution. If in any of the process you find the need for manual involvement, this is a strong indicator that a possible BIG FIERY EXPLOSION is in your future - This will also highlight system shortfalls that need to be addressed to serve your market and customer more effectively.

RULE #3: If you hear the phrase "they will figure out how to make it work" used in the context of your available systems, this is a big red flag. Big systems can be used by those who execute... they cannot be fixed by them. This also conjures up images of the loveable Business Gnome, and you know the mischief they can get into. 

RULE #4: Systems can never be blamed for why your idea "did not" work... that is on you. They however can be blamed for why your idea "will not" work... refer back to Rule #1 & #2. Align with your "operation" partners; escalate customer and revenue limiting issues regarding your current systems; bring data, and make people listen.

If you have ever experienced a SCREEEEECH, CRASH and BIG FIERY EXPLOSION, you will know they can be very, very messy situations to clean up - Probably the biggest consideration for the above rules.

gpe

A very bad week... enter the four horsemen.

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Just for the sake of argument, let's say I've had a very bad week; current projects are completely overwhelming, what's supposed to be working just isn't, wonderful opportunities continue to stay at arms length, and the specter of Doubt starts to insidiously creep in... followed by the other three Horsemen of the Apocalypse* - Fear, Despair and Unworthiness.

Doubt - the feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.

Fear - an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

Despair - the complete loss or absence of hope.

Unworthiness - the belief of not being good enough to deserve something or someone: not worthy.

Why do I call them the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?

They will surely bring great catastrophe on anything and everything you want to accomplish; they are the destroyers of action and effective execution - They will leave nothing but unrealized ideas, lost opportunities, and regret in their wake. Doubt, Fear, Despair are each more dangerous than the other and will lead to the most destructive horsemen of all - Unworthiness; it will stop you from ever making anything happen.

How do you deal with them?

• Confront the horsemen head on: The four horsemen of the apocalypse are only as strong as you let them be. - Give them no quarter; they are truly liars and cowards.
• Deal in reality and not in what is imagined: Work with the facts of the situation and develop a plan to deal with your situation - Reality leads to fact based solutions, action and success.
• Use your network to offer a perspective on the situation - They do not fear your horsemen.
• Look to those who motivate you!
• Remember: "You are worthy. For no other reason than you are alive. You're worthy of love, success, support, heath and happiness. You're worthy of exactly what you desire in life. Stop holding back or limiting yourself because you believe you're unworthy. Ask for what you want and take action towards creating it for yourself."**

This is what I have come up with so far to handle my horsemen; next week will be a great week!

gpe

* The actual four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are Conquest, War, Famine and Death.

** From Awesomelifetips.com