by Katie Mead

   This article was originally published in The Productivity Institute (PI) Newsletter

When opportunity knocks, it’s important to answer, right?

Success in business depends upon the integration of many factors.  Commitment, excellent organizational skills, courage and vision are all important.  Choosing a direction and consistently working toward it is imperative.  All this, combined with an excellent business offering, will ensure that you’re poised to act when opportunity comes knocking.  Maintaining the momentum required for growth and advancement is important; however, is every opportunity worth the leap?

Success at all costs
Many of us were taught that in a job interview we must land the job – no matter what.  Once you’ve got the job then you can decide whether or not you want it.  However, chances are this tactic will not guarantee your career satisfaction; nor will it reflect well on your reputation.  Instead, what if you assessed each opportunity’s suitability based on its potential fit?  Approach each meeting from a fact-finding perspective and remember: as a job-seeker it is important that you ‘audition’ the prospective employer, as well as the other way round.

As a business owner, you may be faced with similar situations.   When a prospective client approaches you to provide a service not within your area of expertise, there may be the temptation to take the job.  If someone wants you to repair their stucco but you’re an expert roofer, this is probably not the best opportunity for you.

Fear of refusal
As a small business owner, or when just starting out, it might seem dangerous to turn down any opportunity.  Keep in mind that if you take every job that comes your way, there may be repercussions.  Due to inexperience you may end up doing substandard work, or the learning curve may be too steep.  You may spend too much time, bite off more than you can safely chew and develop a reputation for being unprofessional.  You may have been offered the job once, but chances are you won’t receive the same opportunity twice.

When faced with any opportunity, take a good look at its viability.  Make a list of pros and cons; determine exactly how much time, paid and otherwise, the job requires – what other projects might you have to pass up to ensure you’ve got the bandwidth to continue?  What level of job satisfaction is attainable if you take the project or position?  Are you setting yourself up for success by committing to a task you can excel at?  Will you be proud to list the finished project on your resume or as part of your portfolio?

In for the long haul
Much of this decision comes down to your mindset and confidence level.  You may be afraid that passing on an opportunity might mean that you won’t get the chance again – probably this isn’t true.  Instead, if you have the foresight to honor your strengths as well as respect your limitations, you will ensure that you complete every task you accept successfully, with professionalism and verve.

A one-time opportunity is great, but true success and longevity are dependent upon repeat business.  By passing on opportunities that don’t speak to your strengths, you’ll wow prospective clients with your honesty and integrity and guarantee that they seek you out in the future.  Refer business to colleagues and you’ll develop professional relationships that are supportive and lucrative.  All of these factors will come together to create an abundance of opportunities for you.

This anonymous quote sums it all up:  “To recognize opportunity is the difference between success and failure”.  Have the courage to distinguish the great from the mediocre and when opportunity truly knocks, go for it.

Katie Mead is the co-founder of Springboard Consulting, Katie is a passionate about good communication.  From a diverse background in the fine arts, she has developed a proven track record of success working in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Her particular areas of expertise include marketing, grant writing, non-profit resource building and management, fundraising, and the design and launch of various keynote projects and events.  Katie can be reached at:  katie@springboardconsulting.ca