OPPORTUNITY

WHY: PROBLEM = OPPORTUNITY

Too often we think of opportunity as 'our ship coming in' (winning the lottery, getting an inheritance) or a door being opened for us (a promotion, an introduction, admittance to an institution, etc)

But what does opportunity really look like?

In my life opportunity often starts with a problem.  The best opportunities are presented as problems because our aversion to pain is greater than our inertia.  We often resist change until the pain and fear of change is less than the cost of maintaining the status quo.

Looking for opportunity?  Look for problems...  

That might just be your number one priority as an entrepreneur - to identify and solve problems.  Notice someone becoming uncomfortable or sufficiently irritated at their situation that they may be motivated to try something else?  What about in your community, or in society in general?

As an entrepreneur, train yourself to look for pain points in your life or in your market in order to find opportunities. 
Then go do something about it!

For example...how could you solve these problems?

• are there properties nearby that have been on the market for a long period of time?
• do your clients agonize over colour selections?
• is there a restoration company that requires quick service and multiple trades work?
• do you offer creative options to work with limited budgets?
• are some potential clients extremely sensitive to paint fumes?

Taking this mindset will also help you build resiliency when you hit bumps in the road.  In business, you constantly face problems and challenges.  Some days it can overwhelm you and get you down, killing your mojo.  Those days will happen, but you need to get back up and deal with the challenges creatively.  Try to see the opportunity beyond the problem.  For example, when the recession started to affect everyone there was an opportunity to trim costs, solidify relationships and deliver more value than ever.  It helps you stay positive, think creatively and be pro-active.
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