Never say "no" immediately to an opportunity. You can always say no later, but take some time to see if you can find a creative solution to a challenge.
Feel larger than you are. Believing in yourself is a huge factor in influencing others and creating opportunities.
Share goodwill. Don't be afraid to do some things without immediate payback. Help a colleague, create a demo, research a topic, go above and beyond expectations and share knowledge.
Collaborate - keep an open mind. Be willing to listen to others, even if you don't see direct benefit. Enlarging your circle of associates may bring opportunities your way, even if it's down the road. Relationship building has a huge payoff.
Learn something new. Don't get stuck in a rut. If things are routine, find ways to build your personal cache; attend a conference, learn new software, invest in training, or volunteer. Put yourself out there and luck will find its way.
Don't be shy! Do some appropriate self-promoting! Make sure others know what you have to offer and opportunities will follow.
Here's what others have to say about how professionals create their own luck. According to Business Know-How, "lucky business owners don't sit around waiting for good things to happen to them. They put themselves in a position to be lucky." Here are the five key components they identify that put you in a fortunate situation:
- Take responsibility
- Learn from mistakes
- Have perseverance
- Exude confidence
- Elicit cooperation
