Flashback smile? Maybe. Confused? Here’s the most recent reworked ads just for context and giggles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Saq4ZV002TA. 

If a household item like Cremora is on top, then… it’s somewhere other than where you would normally look for it, right? The same applies to a concept like opportunity. It may present itself in less obvious ways.

In today’s unpredictable working environment, the secret to success is thinking differently about opportunities. Indeed, opportunity doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It may be ‘right there’, but we are often shut off from seeing it because of a lack of awareness or focus or even just being stuck in a rut of some sort. Learn how to think differently when it comes to opportunity and the reward can be… sweet (and ‘Cremora creamy’).

In business, it is so important to identify opportunities and not only look at risks. At Lunch's Pulane Nel-Sekepe spoke to Ian Pierce, Director at RAiN Chartered Accountants, about how businesses can identify opportunities in today’s workplace. Listen here:

Unlocking opportunity - not just for the lucky few

In business, it’s critical to always be on the lookout for new opportunities. Opportunity is about more than just luck; it’s about embracing moments that challenge you to think differently and push beyond your comfort zone. Mindshifting this concept, opportunity is an invitation to grow and learn, despite an unexpected outcome.

But how do you know when you’ve found one worth pursuing?

“One way to identify an opportunity is by solving an issue creatively or looking at a challenge from another angle - don’t confine your thinking,” says Pierce, who leads the team at RAiN Chartered Accountants. 

He further explains how thinking differently can lead to major opportunities. Consider the following examples:

Example 1: Cell phone market

At first a cell phone consisted of just a few components to address basic communication needs. Then someone saw the opportunity to add a camera, and after that the number of add-ons just exploded. Just look at television commercials about cell phones these days. There tends to be a stronger focus on elements like the sophistication of the camera instead of the traditional services it was initially designed for. This device evolved through someone re-thinking its design, seizing the opportunity and experimenting without the fear of failure. And now we can document our selfies, socials and successes (with whatever filter we desire).

Example 2: Loadshedding

It’s everyone’s reality. While we know it’s no laughing matter, it actually has presented unexpected opportunities. RAiN Chartered Accountants has turned this challenge into a business opportunity and is in the process of establishing a co-working space for those without backup electricity and those facing other realities while working from home. Business re-imagined in practice.

Work the network

Risks aside for a bit - opportunity is also about leveraging the network for mutual benefit. Businesses leading the race in a specific market need to find the best partners to work with, which often comes from their networks. 

That’s why Ian and his team have made it a priority to grow RAiN’s network through initiatives like the Co-Lab space at MooiRivier Mall in Potchefstroom, called CoolDesk – mentioned above. With top-quality tertiary institutions, world-class businesses, and a central location, there are opportunities around every corner in this town. CoolDesk is specifically designed to promote business, networking, and social encounters, and may bring even more opportunities as the network grows.

Here’s another cool thing about CoolDesk - it also has a business incubator offering, Wolk, to help startups get off the ground. All these initiatives are aimed at growing a solid network which in itself can present various opportunities for the future.

Encourage others to look inside AND on top

So how can businesses encourage their employees to think differently about opportunities too?

For example, when the firm introduced the 4-day work week, they pictured more balanced employees with more time for personal development and reflection. By prioritizing employees’ wellbeing, the effect of this opportunity then extends into the workplace where employees are more productive, are able to think on their feet and adapt quicker to new situations. Other factors like ongoing training and research to stay on top of market trends may also be a great source of opportunities.

“The best way is by allowing the team to participate in the CoolDesk and Wolk initiatives and observe what happens,” Ian asserts. “It is similar to how wild animals teach their offspring how to hunt. Observe, and when they are ready, they accompany the hunting team.”

Identifying opportunities requires a willingness to think beyond the box to take risks and build a strong network. By doing so businesses can stay abreast of current situations and position themselves for long-term success.

Ultimately, you never know when the ordinary may turn into an opportunity. It could be in the person you meet, the article you read, or the coffee shop you enter. If you’re ready to look inside, on top, and even in the most unlikely places, you’ll be more likely to take advantage of those opportunities and succeed.

See and seize the day differently to stay onnnnn top of things.