Seneca said “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” I agree with Seneca. This pertains to both good luck and bad luck. Is the current oil disaster simply bad luck? I think not. It’s the result of a lack of preparation (by choice) and an unexpected event (opportunity). It’s the same in business. Good luck is having the right employees and processes (by choice) and being prepared when sales pick up (opportunity).
I think we’re going to see “luck” show up in many companies in the near future. Over the past two years, many of us (people, companies, government) have been “reacting” to the unexpected challenges of the day. Many “lucky” others have been quietly preparing for the opportunities such times present. I’ve seen individuals and companies reinventing themselves, redesigning products for new markets, becoming more effective and efficient, improving customer services and professional development.
I recently had dinner with a friend who founded a company with a good idea and more courage than formal education. Several years later, he sold it for many millions. He said he was “lucky”. He identified ways to do something better, worked hard, continuously learned and improved processes, hired and trained bright individuals with initiative. That’s preparation!
What are you and your company doing to prepare for the next opportunities? Did you learn or teach something new today? Are you studying the market, reevaluating your products or services? Are you and your employees adequately prepared and knowledgeable to address tomorrow’s challenges? If not, why not? Luck comes to those who are prepared.
