Embracing entrepreneurial opportunities

Embracing entrepreneurial opportunities is about recognizing potential and acting on it, often before others see the same possibilities. It requires a mindset that is open to risk, change, and innovation. Entrepreneurs are problem-solvers at heart; they identify gaps in the market and seek to address them through creative and effective solutions. This could mean launching a new product, introducing a novel service, or even creating a whole new market. To embrace these opportunities, you must stay curious, constantly explore new ideas, and be willing to take calculated risks. 

I was recently presented with a unique opportunity that reminded me of the importance of staying flexible and open to new ideas.  

Several years ago, I wrote the manuscript for a book that I think will help readers learn more about their God-given calling.  It’s a book that I originally wrote for an audience that I envisioned being well established in their adult years, but an alternate idea was recently presented to me.

My agent called and said that a major publisher was interested in the book, but they needed one major change made to the manuscript.  They envisioned the book satisfying a hole in their marketing to teens, particularly those who are close to graduating high school.  That wasn’t the audience I originally envisioned for this content, but the more I thought about it, the more I started to realize that might actually be a great group to attempt to serve.

So, earlier this weekend, I updated and adapted my book proposal and it’s currently being reviewed by the acquisitions editor of the publishing company.  I’m being flexible so I can jump on this new opportunity.

An essential part of seizing entrepreneurial opportunities is the ability to adapt quickly. The business landscape is dynamic, and opportunities can be fleeting. Entrepreneurs who are flexible, willing to explore new ideas, able to learn from their failures, and open to adjusting their strategies accordingly are more likely to succeed. This adaptability, combined with resilience, allows them to navigate challenges and find new paths forward when obstacles arise. 

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about having a great idea; it's about execution. It’s about being proactive, resilient, and strategic, making the most out of every opportunity, and continuously pushing boundaries to achieve growth and innovation.

Staying flexible to new ideas in business is crucial for adapting to change, fostering innovation, and staying competitive. Allow me to offer a few additional thoughts.

1.  Become comfortable with the unpredictable.

Most people are very uncomfortable with what they cannot predict.  That’s a fact in all areas of life.  For example, later this week, I’m giving my students a midterm exam.  I told them exactly what to study and exactly what to expect on the exam, but I’m still getting questions about the test.  They want to know about the format, the number of questions, how long I expect their answers to be, and more.  Some of my students are clearly uncomfortable with the unpredictable nature of taking an exam that they haven’t seen ahead of time.

Online business and entrepreneurship are not predictable enterprises to get involved in.  You can’t predict when your services or your content will catch on.  You can’t predict when the ideal clients are going to come your way.  You have to become comfortable with unpredictability.

2.  Don’t become overly dependent on artificial timelines.

One of the best ways to discourage yourself when you’re establishing an online business or platform is to invent artificial timelines in your mind.  That is honestly a recipe for despair.  Almost all of your predictions are going to be incorrect, and if you keep insisting that certain milestones have to be reached at overly specific times, you’re going to steal the joy you should be experiencing through the work you’re doing.

3.  When the right opportunity presents itself, jump on it quickly.

Most opportunities to do new things, grow your business, and reach new clients are going to come when you don’t expect them.  When those opportunities are presented to you, don’t delay in responding.  Jump on them quickly.

One of the most significant business opportunities I’ve ever been offered came when I didn’t expect it and wasn’t looking for it.  In April 2023, I was contacted by a large media group that wanted to start partnering with me to create and distribute online content.  Essentially, they wanted to use the content I was already creating in several different places on their platform while also giving me their blessing to continue using it on mine.  

As this opportunity was presented to me, I realized how unique it was.  Without delay, I took action and it has been a VERY fruitful relationship ever since.

4.  While you wait for opportunities to come your way, keep doing the right thing.

If you’re faithful to do what you’ve been called to do, opportunities are going to be eventually presented to you.  I realize that it can be easy to lose patience while you wait for them, but understand that you can be preparing for them to appear well ahead of time.

The key is to just keep doing the right thing, consistently, day after day, without losing heart.  If you know you’re doing the right thing, you can keep doing it regardless of the immediate outcome.  Just keep building the house, brick by brick, and eventually, it will look like a mature and complete structure.  Do the right thing in anticipation of the opportunities that will eventually come.

Embracing entrepreneurial opportunities requires you to stay flexible so you can remain nimble.  It requires you to stay faithful so you’ll be in the position to receive the rewards that eventually come to the diligent.

© John Stange, 2024