Issue 006: I Spy…an Opportunity
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“Opportunity is everywhere. The key is to develop the vision to see it.”
– Anonymous
Do you remember the I Spy books filled with hidden photos? The first book launched in April 1992. Sometimes those concealed objects were obvious and sometimes they were not. I like to think of opportunities in the same way I view the I Spy books. Opportunities are like those hidden pictures.
A few months ago, I shared a photo that included the National Speakers Association’s president and me on social media. A North Carolina speaker reached out, asking how I knew the National president. I replied with details of the connection, how the president presented a workshop for the Pittsburgh Chapter and our Friday night tradition of taking the guest speaker to dinner.
As our online conversation continued, he mentioned his search for a house in Pittsburgh and how his realtor couldn’t understand his young family’s lifestyle. Hearing an opportunity for a colleague with little kids and a comparable lifestyle, I asked if he’d like the opportunity to meet another realtor and the reason this person could be a good fit. Within minutes, the e-introductions were sent.
The outcome: his young family found the perfect home. In early May, they moved from North Carolina to Pittsburgh. Incredible when you think about it. Someone I met online through a social post bought a house through someone I introduced.
Sure, that opportunity was for someone else. However, for me, it’s the practice of uncovering opportunities. It keeps me from getting stuck. When I can recognize opportunities, it builds momentum and makes me proactive to find more opportunities. More importantly, I’m nurturing relationships, helping others, and when it comes down to it—it’s great for the spirit.
A writer friend of mine, Honky Tonk said, “When you do good, it comes back to you threefold.” (Psst. At the time, Bobby wrote about honky-tonks in the south, so the nickname stuck and so did his comment.)
I believe good comes back threefold.
What was the most unexpected opportunity you uncovered?
What was the outcome of that unexpected opportunity?
Can you pinpoint three ways to spy opportunities?
Let’s have fun with a challenge. Share three ways you can “spy” an opportunity. Email me at Mj@MjCallaway.com by Sat., May 30, 2020 with Opportunity Challenge in the subject. Whoever has the best ideas will receive my new book, Bounce-Up™. Your ideas will be featured in next week’s Chronicles. Invite colleagues and friends to join the challenge.
Until next time, have a Bounce-Up™ week!
Mj
P.S. I got another amazing review. If you’re a little stuck, Bounce-Up™ has over 142 tactics, techniques and tips in bite-size chunks called Game Changers to help you build momentum.
