Creating Opportunities

Having the chance to do something, being invited to go somewhere, finding out about a job, all of these opportunities give us the chance to get ahead and to have experience others will not. Like luck, opportunities don't just happen they can be cultivated.

The key to cultivating opportunities is to network. To talk to people, find out what is going on and what they may need help with.

Wait. We find opportunities by finding people who need help?

Yep, that's right. Networking works best when we are looking for those we can help rather than those who can help us. Offer to help someone today, and when something good comes along that they need help with or have extra of, they will remember you.

Once you start to network you will begin to see opportunities everywhere, not just for yourself but for your friends, coworkers and acquaintances. Do not be stingy with these opportunities. Connecting the people who can help each other will cement your network.

Once we agree to do something for someone it does become a commitment. We are obligated to do it to the best of our ability without complaining.

Having an opportunity is no good unless we actually take it: being the first to hear about a job means nothing if we don't apply.