This past weekend, I 
was sitting in the bleachers at our local park watching my children play little league baseball when I heard the weekly mantra from their coach as each child took their position at bat:
“Wait for the one that’s right for you!”
“Don’t swing at every pitch!”
“Good Eye!”
This got me thinking about how smart women choose opportunities that are “right” for the mission and growth of their business. As your business begins to grow and you develop a following in your industry, opportunities will come your way. It’s important to identify which opportunities are right for you. It’s easy in the beginning to want to say “Yes!” to every opportunity that you are presented with to grow your business as quickly as possible. It’s a lot like learning to play baseball. When my children first started playing a few years ago, they swung at every pitch—why? They had a one track mind– hit the ball and get on base. When considering a joint venture or collaboration, there are several factors that you should consider:
1. You both serve the same target market – Make sure that the person you collaborate with serves your target market but in a different way. This assures that you are reaching your ideal client with a service that they need or want.
2. Aligns with your future vision – The collaboration should put you closer to your future goals. This is why being crystal clear on your vision is essential. Having a mentor or coach to help you process or work through potential opportunities will help you save time and make solid decisions.
3. If it feels “right,” it probably is – When you get together with the person who you may be collaborating with, does it feel “right?” Does the conversation flow? Do you feel a sense of calm and trust with the other person? These are key indicators for me. I’ve been approached many times over the years to collaborate and I’ve declined offers because it didn’t feel quite right or we didn’t have the same mission or goals. Many of my readers know that I’m the Business and Life Coach for the National Association of Entrepreneur Moms and the Tenacity Jane Coach for Jane Out of the Box. These “pitches” felt “right” for me from the very beginning. Trust your intuition or as I like to call it, your “internal voice.”
You will say “Yes” sometimes and it won’t work out. (believe me, I have) That’s a normal part of the “growing” process. I’ve watched both my kids strike out more than a few times because of their excitement to hit the ball. However, I will share with you that more often than not, they are developing that “good eye” — standing patiently at home plate, waiting for the pitch that’s “right” for them.
As you become more laser clear on what your future vision is and where you’re going in your business, you too, will develop a “good eye” for opportunities.
Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.
*****
© 2010 Joy Chudacoff
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