If Opportunities Aren’t Coming Your Way, Build a Door!

Daring the odds is key!

As an entrepreneur or hustler, you’ve probably heard the phrase “opportunity knocks”, but then what happens when it doesn’t? William Arthur Ward is on record for saying that opportunities are like sunrises — if you wait too long, you miss them. Similarly, Jack Ma asserts that you can’t wait for opportunities; you’ve got to go out and make them happen. Frederick Douglass further argues that opportunities are within every man’s reach, on every hand, and every moment.

Here in Zimbabwe, where the economy is dynamic, fluid and ever-changing, waiting for opportunities to come to you can be a recipe for stagnation. Instead, you have to be the radical entrepreneur or hustler who takes matters into their own hands and builds a door. You have to create your own opportunities, even if it means taking the road not yet travelled before.

Identify Gaps, Create Opportunities.

If you look around you, you’ll see gaps in the market, unmet needs and untapped potential. Identify these gaps and create opportunities. Ask yourself: What problems do people face in my community? What products or services are in short supply? How can I innovate or disrupt existing industries? This is how platforms such as InDrive and Uber took the transport market by storm — by addressing glaring travel gaps that needed replacing.

Network, Network, Network.

Build relationships with people from different industries, backgrounds and areas of expertise. Attend seminars, exhibitions, shows and conferences, or join online business groups. Engage with thought leaders and trendsetters to expand your exposure and access new opportunities.

Develop a Unique Skillset.

Acquire in-demand skills, particularly short micro-credentials, such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital marketing, coding or data analysis. These skills increase your value to potential partners or clients. Many of these competencies can be self-taught using platforms such as YouTube.

Take Calculated Risks.

Do not be afraid to take risks and experiment with new ideas. Failure is not an endpoint but a stepping stone to success.

Collaborate and Partner.

Find like-minded entrepreneurs or businesses to collaborate with. Pool resources, share expertise and build something bigger than you could achieve alone.

Stay Informed and Adapt.

Keep up-to-date with industry trends, news and innovations. Adapt quickly to changes and pivot when necessary to remain relevant.

Leverage Social Media.

Use platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and LinkedIn to promote your business, share your expertise and connect with potential clients.

Start Small, Scale Fast.

Do not wait for perfection. Start with a minimum viable product and refine it as you grow.

Customer-Centric Approach.

Focus on solving real problems for your customers, and they will become your biggest advocates and brand ambassadors.

In Zimbabwe, entrepreneurs like yourself are building doors and creating opportunities every day. By being proactive, innovative and adaptable, you can do the same. The question remains: what door or doors will you build today?

Professor Mufaro Gunduza coaches and mentors Business Intelligence at Mount Carmel Institute (Harare), Indian School of Management (New Mumbai) and UNISA, among others. He is the SADC Investments Advisor to Dr Farzam Kamalabadi, Founder of Future Trends Group and Special Presidential Envoy on Business and International Relations, Government of Botswana. He has written several books, including Unleashing Blue Sky Thinking, Spotting Business Opportunities and Big Picture Thinking (Bookboon Publishers, London & Denmark). He has just assumed the Presidency of the Southern African Chamber of Commerce. He can be contacted on WhatsApp: +263 774 868 896, Phone: +263 718 925 350, Email: mgunduza@yahoo.co.uk.