It's Your Time

Opportunities present themselves everyday. It's a matter of us taking advantage of those opportunities that determines our success or failure. It's the fear of failure that prevents us from taking the first step. It's the fear of the unknown that stops us from taking a chance at reaching for the brass ring. Later in life, we feel regret because we allowed fear to paralyze us. It does not have to be that way.

Do you remember the feeling of riding your bike for the first time without anyone holding you up? Do you recall the anxiety then the sensation of your first "real" kiss? Each of these experiences required you to take a chance at something you never did before. The results are usually nothing like the nightmare we imagined. But we overcame the fear and took a chance.

Everyone has a talent or gift that brings them joy. There are one or two things we are very good at doing that makes us stand out in a crowd. Family and friends have complimented us and suggested we share our gift/talent with others. We do the, "Ah, go on," wave and thank them for the kind words.

The first time we are paid for something we do as a hobby, the natural question from people is, "why don't you start your own business?" For some, it's too much of a headache to start a business. We don't want the responsibility of the paper work, planning, employees when the business grows, finding a location to set up shop, and so on and so on. For many, it's the fear of failing, losing money, or not having enough customers. Those are natural fears to have. But just like asking the pretty girl in high school for a date or peddling your bike on the sidewalk by yourself for the first time, you summoned the courage and succeeded.

The business world is changing, but there are some very basic things about business that will never change. If you offer people a quality product or service at a fair price with the best possible customer service, people will support you.

The secret is turning your special gift into a business opportunity, even if only a part-time one.

You enjoy making necklaces because it's relaxing and allows you to express your creativity. When you wear one of your pieces to a party, women ask where did you get that beautiful necklace. You smile and inform them you made it. They ask you to make something for them. Suddenly you're the talk of the party and you have a dozen orders to fill.

Opportunities are everywhere. Even during these tough times. Open your mind to unusual or unexplored territories. It can lead to success beyond your wildest dreams.