I am a mentor to the founders of ActiveGarage. This section lists the latest articles from ActiveGarage.

This is part of the series of articles on Opportunity. Here are the earlier articles on the same topic:

 

1. Issue #18: It's all about an opportunity...

 

2. Issue #19: What can you do to become a bigger opportunity for someone else?

 

3. Issue #20: Every interaction is an opportunity

 

4. Issue #21: Opportunity is a two-way street

 

This week, we will take a look at how you can spot an opportunity.

 

First of all, rarely will someone hand you a "golden" opportunity because you are entitled for one. So if you think you are "entitled" for an opportunity, you can eliminate that thought from your mind. That will save you some frustration later.

 

In fact, the title of this article is a misnomer as you typically don't spot an opportunity - you create one of your own. OK, technicalities aside, how do you spot or create opportunities? 

 

Here are some ideas to consider:

 

1. Look for gaps: Every organization has an organization structure which is a set of boxes nicely arranged. However, between these boxes there are gaps. In other words, there is work that is important but nobody is owning it. This is your chance to take ownership of the work in the gaps.

 

2. Look for more responsibility: More responsibility means more work but more responsibility also increases your radar to spot new opportunities.

 

3. Look for bigger problems: General tendency is to stay away from problems. However, if you are not solving a big enough problem, chances are that you may not be doing anything important. If you are not doing anything important, then chances are that you may not find any opportunities. Look around and see what is the "big problem" around you. Try to find a way to get engaged to lead or be in the team for solving this problem. You will automatically start noticing opportunities.

 

4. Employ knowledge arbitrage: Knowledge arbitrage is a term coined by Gary Hamel. In simple terms, it is a process of applying knowledge from one field in another field. Go beyond your company, industry and/or trade. Look elsewhere in an unrelated field and see what's working. See if you can apply that in your company, industry and/or trade.

 

5.  Listen: Yes, it seems simple but most people don't listen. Barry Grieder from Landmark says it nicely - "We don't listen. Either we are talking or we are waiting to talk again." When you actively listen with an open mind, you will start spotting opportunities sooner than later.

 

Here is one question I answered on TH!NKSULTING!.  

2.1 Question #1 How do I get the right return on my social media investment?

A Social Media Enthusiast asks:

How do I get the right return on my social media investment?

My answer is here.

2.2 Staying Upbeat: Inteviewed by Wayne Turmel

Wayne Turmel interviewed me on "how to stay upbeat" in this economy.  This is an audio interview and you can listen to it here

 

Cranky Middle Manager Show: Staying Upbeat

Next week's article is titled - Put your strengths to work to strengthen your opportunities...

 

Everyday we are engaged in activities. These activities fall into various categories - things that we love to do, things that we want to do and things that we have to do. When you are doing what you love, you are typically operating on your strengths. The reverse is true too - if you are operating on your strengths you will be loving what you do. We will talk about how you can put your strengths to work to strengthen your opportunities next week.

Thanks to all of you for your support!!