It Helps To Catch A Break
Ask just about anyone that has had success in life or business how they did it and you’ll probably hear some of the following. It was due to hard work, or innovation and creativity. They diligently prepared and had laser-like focus on a plan. And they were surrounded by great people.
But, it’s been my experience that whatever mix of attributes and planning are mentioned, they always finish with something like this:
“And I got lucky along the way.”
“I was fortunate enough to catch a couple of breaks.”
“I had a mentor looking out for me.”
So, my question to you is this: was their luck random in nature? While the quick and easy answer might be “yes”, if you care to study it a little more, you’ll notice that the “serial lucky” have played at least a small role in creating their own good fortune over the years.
Common Traits Of Lucky People
1. Lucky people have built great networks of fans.
- They have others genuinely interested in their success, but are just as interested in the success of others
- They can typically call in a favor at a moment’s notice
2. Lucky people act with a sense of urgency.
- When their network provides a hot lead or referral, they act immediately
- When a mentor suggests a certain action, they follow up on it
3. Lucky people believe they’ll make the next shot.
- They just keep on firing away
- They don’t tell you about their failures because they’ve already moved on
4. Lucky people create luck for others.
- When their network has a need, they treat it like their own
- Just because… they pay it forward
What’s the Risk?
Are you waiting on luck to find you? Or are you creating a little of your own?
What’s your network like? If you’re not cultivating two-way relationships you’re missing out on so much.
When someone gives you a referral, do you act on it right away or as soon as you have the time? Note to self: not keeping your “source” in the loop is a sure fire way of not getting referrals, err… I mean being “unlucky” in the future.
What are you doing to help others? Do you respond quickly to job seekers looking to network? If you wait to assist until it’s convenient, you may have already cost someone the opportunity. Think about it. Your one little email or call might actually make the difference!
Do you have someone younger or less experienced that you’re “watching out for” or are you too busy for that right now? I’m betting someone looked out for you along the way. And it cost them some of their own precious personal time. Don’t you owe that back?
What’s the risk of not creating a little of your own luck? Things get infinitely harder without it. Opportunities don’t surface. The sale doesn’t get made. Maybe the promotion doesn’t come (for you or someone else). And before you know it, you’ll be joining the group of folks on the sidelines talking about the people who seem to have all the luck.
