Don't Be The Butt Of A Bad Knock, Knock Joke!

“Knock! Knock!” “Who's there?” “Opportunity!” “Opportunity? You never knock twice!” Yes, people, I just opened with a terrible knock, knock joke, like it's 1977 and I'm at summer camp in the talent show. Don't worry, I don't plan to give up my day job for a career in comedy writing. (Though maybe I could get hired to write jokes for those little Dixie cups. Remember those?) Anyway, I kind of couldn't help it. Because it's true that opportunity rarely knocks twice, at least not the same opportunity. So when something good comes your way unexpectedly — and it's almost always when you least expect it — you've got to jump on it, ready or not!

OK, I'm glad I got that all cleared up. My job here is done. A week's worth of invaluable advice in one succinct sentence. So... now what should I talk about? Ummm... I'm at a loss for words.

Status Quo Is The Enemy Of Opportunity!

Just kidding! When am I ever short on something to say?!! Yeah, never. So let's get back to this whole opportunity thing and why jumping in ready or not might be easier said than done. Maybe this is something you can relate to. It's no secret that lots of people have a tendency to get super comfy with the status quo and want to keep things as they are. They don't like change. It's easier that way: familiar, comfortable, predictable, no surprises. Problem is, people who avoid change like the plague are missing out — and opting out — of all kinds of other, potentially better possibilities. They're removing themselves from the process of getting ahead, from finding or creating new opportunities, or getting where they really want to be.

Personally, I like change — most of the time. I'm not a fan of the same old, same old. I tend to thrive on different and new, unexpected even. But if you don't, I get it. Like I said, I don't always love change so I do understand wanting to avoid it. Change is scary. And hard. Since we can't predict the future, we don't know if changes we make will work out the way we want. And if you're talking about this in terms of business — especially if you own the business — changes for the worse can be very risky and expensive!

Practice Change!

So, should you try to become less afraid of change? I think so. Fear of the unknown and unpredictable is one of the things that can prevent you from taking on new opportunities. If you can adjust your mindset to be open to change and mentally ready for a few surprises, you'll be in a better position to grab opportunities when they come along. Also, try being more of an optimist than a pessimist. Cultivate your sense of curiosity. Work on increasing your confidence. And practice change. What I mean by that is force yourself to approach problems differently and do things differently — even simple everyday tasks — so that you retrain your brain to be flexible, creative and less a creature of habit. If you can accomplish that, the next time an opportunity knocks, you'll be ready to answer.

Be Oh So Quotable This Week!

Speaking of opportunity, are you missing a chance to make more money? Are you searching for easy steps to charge more without losing clients? Learn where you're leaving money on the table and discover simple costs to cut PLUS get productivity tips! And the best part is it's all FREE! Get our Simple Tricks right here!

I always say running a business means the work never ends! Ain't that the truth? I bet your to-do list is a mile long! Make sure that the items at the top of your list are the things that relate to being more profitable. Everyone is so proud of being so "busy"...But Are You Making Any Money? Don't be too busy to focus!

Check out the summary of last week's business tips and motivational quotes from my Instagram page which you hopefully got to see in real time! If not, let's make sure we're following each other on Instagram!! So...here is this week's roundup of Instagram images of My Top Business Tips and Motivational Quotes.

Opportunity – Tip #1:

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"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty." – Winston Churchill

Opportunity – Tip #2:

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"There are no mistakes, only opportunities." – Tina Fey

Opportunity – Tip #3:

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"If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door." – Milton Berle

Opportunity – Tip #4:

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"Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognize them." – Ann Landers

Opportunity – Tip #5:

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"Over the years, I've come to view complaints as opportunities rather than obstacles." – Guy Winch Ph.D.

Let's talk! I'd love to hear how you keep yourself ready for opportunity!

Do you have any tricks for being ready when opportunity knocks? I would LOVE to hear from you! Anyhoo...I publish these business tips and motivational quotes to get you fired up for your work week!

Oh by the way, in case you're looking for something to help with time management, we've got this fun little quiz to test your productivity. Are you a Vodka & Red Bull? A Dirty Dirty? Or a plucky Blue Sapphire? Find out which cocktail you are by taking our quiz right now!

And, if you want more business tips, get my book, But Are You Making Any Money? or contact me to really take your business to the next level!

xoxo M

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