If the world were a movie, we’d all be at the perfect place at the perfect time and suddenly meet the love of our lives, or win the lottery, or fall into the best lighting. Unfortunately, life is not scripted. There are many things that go wrong and life can sometimes feel like an endless waiting game – especially in business. 

You may set up the perfect website and have the coolest business cards but even the best marketing means nothing if nobody sees it. The key to business success is opportunity, but opportunity usually doesn’t come knocking on your door (despite the popular euphemism). You need to create opportunity. Here are four simple ways to create opportunity: 

1. Go where the people are! 

If you sit and wait you might get a few hits, but if you go out and actively engage your community, you’re more likely to see results. Customers love to know the people behind a brand. Get out there and tell your story. Find local events that allow vendors and if you can’t sell your product… sell yourself! Always take business cards when you’re out and about. I have found tons of connections and new hires participating in everyday activities like grocery shopping. Engage with people! 

2. Find where your competitors aren’t

If you are not familiar with Blue Ocean strategy and you are in business you need to get familiar now. This term comes from a book by W. Chan Kim & Renee Mauborgne and it explains how to identify and find ‘blue ocean’ markets. These are markets that are unknown, untapped, and untainted by competition. Learn more about it here: https://www.blueoceanstrategy.com/

3. Respond and react 

 It’s easy to set up a website or a social media page and post great content. It’s great for discoverability but this doesn’t always mean conversion. Customers and social media followers want to know that this brand is real. They want to know that they are supporting a real human in their mission to succeed. If you are posting content but not responding to comments or messages you are missing out on great opportunities. 

4. Be optimistic

No one wants to be around a negative Nancy. If you are a downer, you won’t attract opportunity. You will do the opposite. If things aren’t going well and you really can’t shake the negativity it may be time for a quick break. Stop, regroup, recharge. Putting your best face forward is always better than potentially harming your reputation and your business. Stay optimistic and positive. Roll with the punches and use setbacks as a springboard for more creativity. John Wooden may have said it best, “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”

Content courtesy of Ashley Marie Mireles, publishing professional based in California.

Contributing Author, Ashley Marie Mireles

Ashley Marie Mireles was born and raised in the heart of California’s Central Valley where, as a child, she spent much of her time in her local library. Her love of books lead her to a career in the publishing industry. Ashley loves to travel, try new foods, read, and learn the choreography from her favorite music videos as a form of exercise. She currently lives in Fresno, California, with her boyfriend of six years and their rescue pitbull.

Make sure to follow Ashley on Instagram @siempre.ashley and Twitter on @siempreashley.