I often describe myself as an “opportunity engineer.” I came up with the description after often be described as ”lucky” or “fortunate.”  It was the golfer Gary Player that famously coined the phrase “the harder I practice, the luckier I get,” after being described as “lucky” himself.

My “luck” comes from having an interest in others and a creative mind.  All sorts of opportunties can be generated if (a) you meet enough people and (b) you can think of ways for those relationships to flourish.  Whether that be a common interest, sharing ideas, opening up your network or meeting up because you just like them.  On my holiday last week, I was able to generate five quick ideas to the chairman of a private hotel chain, simple things, that would increase the numbers of people staying in the hotel during the evenings, rather than walking out to nearby bars (I must credit Mrs Jones with this introduction or she’ll kill me, a topic for a another blog on another day).

These were five things that I had seen through the eyes of a guest, that would have kept me in the hotel more.  The CEO listened intently as I shared them.  Interestingly, I had spent as much externally as I had within the hotel, so a significant chunk of revenue was up for grabs.  He really welcomed the feedback, made a point of writing them all down.  They were all ideas which would result in higher volumes, at lower margins, but overall, the cash margin would be higher.  He agreed they were all implementable and we agreed to stay in touch, to share the results.  So, there is a brand new contact, whom I’ve contributed something to without asking for anything in return.  An opportunity engineered, one more person to stay in contact with and a potential new friend for the family.

It’s not hard, you just have to have your opportunity antennae up at all times and be genuine, not pushy.  Not every interaction has to have a concrete result (or life might be a little dull) however there is plenty of opportunity out there if you look.