Spotting Opportunity

Opportunity often comes disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat. -Napoleon Hill

How many times have we chased new business that appeared to be the best/surest opportunity for us only to have wasted time, effort, and money in a futile pursuit. Sometimes spotting opportunity means looking in less obvious places. Sometimes opportunity is where you think you'd find it least - disguised by other factors. I always hated the "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" poster. But, the fact is that there are countless examples in business of people spotting opportunities where others only found defeat.

When Leo Burnett created his advertising agency during the Great Depression, he had a bowl of apples in his lobby for employees and visitors. These apples served as a constant reminder to his critics who said that opening an advertising agency in the middle of the depression was a bad idea. They said he'd soon be selling those apples on the street. However, he saw opportunity where others did not. Today Leo Burnett is an iconic agency employing many thousands of people all over the world.

Remember this: "The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed." - Chinese Proverb

So start looking for opportunities where others are not. Like the proverb says you may be closer than you think.