Unlocking Business Potential: 4 Strategies for More Opportunities
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding Opportunity
Why do certain entrepreneurs consistently attract more opportunities than their peers? Is it solely due to their financial success, or is there a deeper insight that most individuals overlook? Glenn Sanford, the founder of eXp Realty and CEO of SUCCESS Enterprises, would encourage us to rethink this question. Rather than equating success with monetary gain, he would prompt aspiring entrepreneurs to consider their relationships. So, let’s pose a new question: Are you leveraging your relationships to expand your business, or are you relying on your business to build connections? Many choose the latter, which often complicates networking and opportunity creation. Utilizing your business as a conduit for networking proves to be a more effective approach.
In a recent episode of Brilliant Thoughts, SUCCESS People Editor Tristan Ahumada engages in a conversation with Sanford about unlocking remarkable opportunities. While luck may play a minor role, most successes are not mere coincidences. Sanford’s strategic partnerships enabled him to acquire SUCCESS Magazine and the virtual reality platform Virbela.
“A lot of this comes down to attitude,” Sanford explains. “None of this would have manifested, whether it’s my business or otherwise, if I hadn’t maintained a positive mindset, put in hard work, built strong relationships, and involved others in my ventures.”
Want to achieve similar outcomes? Here are four actions to transform your business into a beacon for new opportunities.
Section 1.1: Surround Yourself with Influencers
- Surround yourself with people who push you.
Many entrepreneurs improve by absorbing insights from various sources. They delve into books by renowned authors like Stephen Covey and Dale Carnegie. While it's beneficial to study success principles, staying in the learning phase can hinder progress. This is where having a mentor becomes invaluable; an experienced guide can help you implement lessons and make significant strides.
“When someone encouraged me to harness my strengths at a higher level, I finally began to excel,” Sanford shares. “I absorbed the information, but it was through focused mentorship that I was able to take action.”
Section 1.2: Aim for Broader Impact
- Instead of helping one person, aim for thousands.
Zig Ziglar wisely noted, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” This advice can be approached in two ways: assisting a few individuals at a time, which can be time-consuming, or devising a strategy to impact thousands simultaneously.
“If I’m not thinking on a grand scale, who am I potentially harming?” Sanford questions. “With over 53,000 agents in eXp, we could reach 300,000 in just five years. Neglecting to think big would shortchange everyone involved—agents, brokers, employees, and clients alike.”
Chapter 2: Focus on Value Creation
- Avoid the money-driven mindset.
While dreaming of wealth is appealing, the true path to financial success lies in solving others' problems. This journey can be lengthy, and developing your product or expertise is often a prerequisite. To navigate the inevitable ups and downs, ensure your mission transcends mere profit.
“I’ve encountered many successful individuals fixated solely on making money, and I prefer to distance myself from such mindsets,” Sanford remarks. “I gravitate towards those aiming to make a meaningful impact, with financial gain being a secondary benefit.”
- Foster Innovative Ideas.
One individual can initiate a business, but it requires a team to scale it effectively. If you have employees, value their input and encourage them to share their ideas. Cultivate a culture where innovation flourishes, and every suggestion is seen as an opportunity for refinement.
“There are numerous leaders in real estate who resist the notion of agents and brokers hosting their own events, trying to reclaim control for corporate,” Sanford observes. “I’ve always focused on empowerment and adapting to the new economy. Companies like Google, Twitter, and Facebook exemplify this mindset by embracing great ideas from all sources.”
Are you receptive to diverse ideas? If not, you may miss out on opportunities that could benefit your business.
Brilliant Thoughts with Tristan Ahumada has concluded its series on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still enjoy the complete conversation below.
Discover effective strategies for attracting high-paying clients to your small business.
Explore the key tip to grow your business and attract new customers.