5 Ways to Make Opportunity Knock More Frequently

CONSIDER THIS PHRASE: “Opportunity only knocks once.”

OK.

Now, let tell you why that sentence is a big, fat LIE.

See, opportunity knocks all the time. All day. All afternoon. All night.

THE PROBLEM IS: Most people don’t know how to SPOT opportunity.

And, as we all learned from GI-JOES, knowing is half the battle.

So, here are five practices to help make opportunity knock more frequently:

1. Look and listen. Adopt a more proactive, mindful and curious posture as you venture out into the world. This means combining any (or all) of the following sub-practices:

*Become a giant question mark
*Recognize when things go wrong.
*Study ordinary things intently.
*Find interest in almost anything.
*Actively seek out anomalies in the world.
*Operate on multiple planes of consciousness.
*Soften your eyes – see more by striving less.
*Listen to what the world is trying to tell you.
*Be not satisfied with what others take for granted.
*Grow your ability to detach and view an idea or a situation objectively.
*Break your patterns daily and critically evaluate everything your encounter.

(Got all that?)

2. ASK YOURSELF: Is this an opportunity or an opportunity to be used?

Sometimes it’s a hard distinction to make. Still, you must educate yourself on your boundaries. Because if you don’t set them, other people will set them FOR you. And then they will violate them. And that will set the precedent that it’s OK for others to do the same.

3. ASK YOURSELF: Who’s my perfect customer? (Or, if you’re single, “Who’s my perfect partner?”)

Start by making a bullet point list of 5-7 characteristics of this individual. Next, write it out on a little card. Laminate it. Carry it in your wallet. Then, read it to yourself every single morning.

See, when you focus your mind on exactly what you’re looking for, you will attract it that very thing. Or, at the least, you’ll recognize that opportunity when it crosses your path.

4. Separate Serious and Non-Serious Buyers. Fold a sheet of paper in half. On the top of the left column, write the heading, “Serious Buyers.” On the top of the right column, write the heading, “Non-Serious Buyers.” Then, consider all the characteristics, telltale signs, words, phrases, questions and actions of each type of individual.

This will do two things: 1) Speed up your sales cycle by making qualification a LOT easier, and 2) Focus your efforts on the right people, as opposed to wasting your time playing to the wrong crowd.

5. Develop and perfect your filter. It’s (really) easy to spot opportunities when your filter is on high alert. This filter is defined as, “the unique lens through which you evaluate and categorize the world.” So, remember to ask yourself these questions as you look around for opportunities:

*What does this have to do with me?
*How does this have to do with my expertise?
*How could I use this as an example in my work?
*How does this fit into my picture of the universe?

With these five practices, spotting opportunities will become a LOT easier.

And you’ll discover that it really DOES knock all the time!

All YOU have to do is answer the door.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
How are you making opportunity knock more frequently?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
Share your #1 best practice for becoming the luckiest person you know!

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag

No luck with leprechauns?

No worries. I can teach you how to be luckier.

Rent Scott’s Brain today!

Get rich slowly

The other day I saw an advertisement for this intense, three-day Wealth-Building Seminar.

The headline read, “Become a millionaire in ONE WEEKEND!”

And my initial reaction was: Wow, are people really THAT impatient?

But I guess it’s not entirely surprising.

After all, that’s our world: a hyperspeed, A.D.D., instant gratification culture.

So, here’s my counterintuitive thought of the week:

Get rich slowly.

I first heard someone say these three words a few months ago. And they really stood out in my mind.

Get rich slowly.
Slow down. Take your time. Practice impossible patience and let wealth (not money) accumulate.

Get rich slowly.
Not quickly. Not within 18 months. Not by the end of the year. When you’re ready.

Get rich slowly.
Make the transition from “making a lot of money” to “making a contribution” and “growing your business.”

Get rich slowly.
Earn money incidentally, not intentionally. Detach from outcomes and focus on serving, solving and providing value. Don’t worry; the money will come.

Get rich slowly.
After all, if you’ve got something cooking, something worth waiting for, something worth talking about, it’s only a matter of time before you become rich. May as well spend a few years getting your shit together first.

Get rich slowly.
Install long-term, efficient business systems, master your craft and perfect your voice. That way when you DO become rich, you won’t blow it all.

What’s your rush anyway?

It’s only a matter of time.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
Are you getting rich slowly?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
Share your best “get rich slowly” technique here!

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag

Enjoy this post?

If so, perhaps I could help on a more personal, one-on-one basis.

Rent Scott’s Brain today!

How to (not) exist

If you can’t define your product … it doesn’t exist.
Because a confused mind never buys.

If you don’t have a unique product … it doesn’t exist.
Because a choice-saturated mind never buys.

If it doesn’t exist on the Internet … it doesn’t exist.
Not just a web-SITE; a web-PRESENCE. Octopus, not earthworm.

If you can’t Google it … it doesn’t exist.
What happens when someone googles your name?

If people aren’t talking about your product … it doesn’t exist.
It’s simple: get noticed = get remembered = get business. Who’s blogging about you?

If you’re not marketing your company DAILY … it doesn’t exist.
People who “do a little marketing here and there” will “get new customers … here and there.”

If you can’t describe your product eight words or less … it doesn’t exist.
Customers crave simplicity. Could you explain your idea to a kindergartner?

If you don’t write it down … it doesn’t exist.
Because if you don’t write it down, it never happened. That’s why writing is the basis of all wealth.

If people aren’t retelling your story … it doesn’t exist.
The only true reason your business will grow is if your existing customers are telling your potential customers about you. Word of mouth is the most honest, most sincere and most authentic form of marketing.

If you can’t be reached … you don’t exist.
Even without Google, people still need to be able to contact you. So, if your phone numbers, addresses and emails are out of date, disconnected or no longer in service, you’ve got a problem. Because if they can’t get you, they’ll just pick the next guy on the list.

REMEMBER: anonymity is your greatest barrier to business success.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
What causes someone (or something) to NOT exist?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
Complete this sentence: If ____________, then you don’t exist.

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag

Are you a friend of The Nametag Network?

Read more blogs!
Rent Scott’s Brain!
Download articles and ebooks!
Watch training videos on NametagTV!

Make a name for yourself here…

Always have something to give

PICTURE THIS: you plop down next to a friendly guy on the plane.

After a brief greeting, he asks about your work.

“I’m an author,” you say.

“Cool! What kind of books?” he asks.

So you tell him. And he becomes very excited. Obviously, he’s a perfect reader for you.

“Wow, that sounds great,” he replies. “My entire office needs to read your book! You wouldn’t happen to have an extra copy in your bag, would you?”

“Oh, uh … no. Sorry,” you say. “But I’m sure your local Borders has it in stock.”

“Oh.”

Yeah. “Oh” is right.

LESSON LEARNED: being in the right place at the right time does you no good…

Until you deliver VALUE.

That’s one of the keys to sticking yourself out there: always having something to give.

As an author, I don’t go anywhere without at least one of my books.

Because you never know whom you might meet.
You never know who might ask for one.
And you never know what business opportunities might arise by one.

Of course, this isn’t just about authors.

This is about ANY entrepreneur, artist, solo practitioner, consultant, writer, speaker, performer or musician … who wants to make a name for himself.

Always have something to give.

See, people need visuals. They need proof that you’re the real deal.

Unfortunately, first impressions don’t take very long. That’s why having something to give the perfect shortcut.

I remember a few years ago, I was chatting with a guy while waiting in line at Kinko’s. Turns out he was an up-and-coming DJ.

When I asked him if he had any of his music handy, he said, “Sure, follow me…”

We walked over to his car, he popped the trunk, and this guy had five boxes of CD’s ready to go!

“Here ya go! I always keep a few copies handy, just in case,” he laughed.

Think that guy is going to be successful?

Absolutely!

Because he’s always ready to pitch on a moment’s notice.

Because he always has something to give.

See, Strategic Serendipity is about preparation.

And if you want to make a name for yourself, consider all the potential things YOU could be ready to give!

1. Philosophy cards
2. Tip sheets
3. Demo Videos
4. Copies of your CDs
5. Copies of your books

…all of these items deliver value, support your brand and enable a conversation to go from mundane to memorable.

So whether it’s in person, on the plane or even waiting in line at Kinko’s, remember this:

Being in the right place at the right time does you no good…

Until you deliver VALUE.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
Do you always have something to give?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
Make a list of 10 potential freebies you could give away at a moment’s notice. Try one a week.

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag

Are you a friend of The Nametag Network?

Read more blogs!
Rent Scott’s Brain!
Download articles and ebooks!
Watch training videos on NametagTV!

Make a name for yourself here…

How to convince yourself that you actually have a real job

You’re self-employed.
You work out of your home.
You’re the only person at your company.

So, how do you convince yourself that you actually have a real job?

Good question.

As a Professional Fake Employee for the past five years, I’ve discovered many secrets for doing so. Let’s take a look at eight “GETS” for self-employed success:

GET UP! An hour earlier. Doing so will instill a sense of urgency and importance at the onset of your day.

GET DRESSED! After your shower, don’t crawl back into your PJ’s. Instead, dress as if you had an important meeting that day. Put on your business casual best, a three-piece suit or whatever works for you. Just remember, act as if you were the person you’re trying to become. By looking great, you’ll start to feel great.

GET OUT! Now that you look like you actually have a real job, grab your briefcase, laptop and other materials … and get out of the house. Announce to your spouse, kids, sweetie or pets, “Well, I’m off to work!”

GET A SPOT! Of course, you’re not actually going to work … yet. But, by getting up an hour earlier than usual, you’ve earned some “prep” time. So, head over to your local coffee shop. Settle down with a drink and perhaps some breakfast.

Do not read the newspaper. It’s negative, it’s crap.

Instead, use this time as your Daily Appointment with Yourself. Read positive materials, review your goals and affirmations, listen to positive music, meditate, whatever works to set the stage for your day.

GET CRACKIN! Now that you look and feel important, it’s time to “officially” start work. Leave the coffee shop and head over to the office, aka, your living room. Take a look at your goals, tasks, appointments and to-do’s for the day. Get started on whatever is most urgent.

GET VERBIAGE! As you email clients and talk on the phone with prospects, watch your words.

*Don’t say, “I’ll be at home all day.” Instead, say, “I’ll be in the office till five.”
*Don’t say, “My policy is…” Instead, say, “My company policy is.”

There’s a big difference! Also, be careful how you use the Royal We. The point of verbiage is not to refer to yourself or your job in a misleading way. Instead, challenge yourself to reframe your verbiage in an honest, authentic tone that convinces both you AND your clients that’s you’re not actually running a business in your parents’ basement while two annoying dogs yap at the mailman all day. (Hypothetically)

GET COLLEAGUES! Unfortunately, words like “coworkers” and “fellow employees” don’t exist in your self-employed vocabulary. So, focus on establishing relationships with colleagues. Find like-minded professionals who work similar Fake Jobs in similar Fake Industries as you. Force yourself to get out of the house at least three times a week for lunches, brainstorming sessions or lead sharing meetings.

GET SUPPLIES! Just because you’re the sole employee at your company and spend most of your days sitting in a La-Z-Boy recliner in your underwear, checking email via Wifi while you watch Sportscenter and play fetch with your Cocker Spaniel named Ginger (hypothetically), that doesn’t mean you can’t project a professional image.

Equip yourself with the necessary supplies: stationary, PO box, a dedicated office and fax line and an email account that isn’t ([email protected] or [email protected]) NOTE: an unprofessional email is the first dead giveaway of someone who doesn’t have a real job!

All kidding aside, these eight “GETS” of self-employed success revolve around one key idea: attitude.

Not because “attitude is everything,” but because attitude underscore everything.

Ultimately, your challenge is to think, act and present yourself in a way consistent with the person you’re striving to become.

Because eventually – if you maintain the right attitude – you will actually become that person!

And that’s the best way to convince yourself that you actually have a real job.

Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s a Cocker Spaniel waiting to play fetch with me.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
How do you convince yourself that you actually have a real job?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
Share your self-employed secrets here!

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag
www.hellomynameisscott.com

Are you the luckiest person you know?

Watch Scott’s interview on 20/20!

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How to be a Sticky Note Superstar

Sticky notes.

Pretty much the greatest invention ever.

Especially when you post them on your:

Wall.
Desk.
Door.
Mirror.
Fridge.
Wallet.
Pantry.
Planner.
Computer.
Dashboard.
Bulletin board.
Laundry machine.

The possibilities for self-motivation are endless!

And even if you’re not a visual person, here are seven variations to become a Sticky Note Superstar!

1. Self-Assessment Questions. If you continuously ask yourself the same few questions every day, you will accomplish more, stay focused and remain motivated. That’s what QREATIVITY is all about.

STICK WITH THIS: “What did you write today?” “Is what you’re doing right now consistent with your #1 goal?” and “Did you make a sale today?” Check out this ebook for a few more suggestions.

2. Goals. Consider your #1 personal and #1 professional goals for 2007. Post at least ten sticky notes all around your home and office. Keep it short and simple, i.e., “Weigh 170 pounds!” or “$10,000 per month!”

STICK WITH THIS: post these two goals on the inside of your wallet, your car’s dashboard, or anywhere else you might look at several times daily. Remember, the key to self-motivation is repetition.

3. Quotations. Make a list of your five favorite quotations. Keep them short, keep them simple and keep them positive.

STICK WITH THIS: bathroom mirrors are great spots for these sticky notes. This will be certain to start and end your day on a positive note. (No pun intended!)

4. Motivators. All it takes is a simple word or phrase to keep yourself motivated. Write something emotional, powerful and visual.

STICK WITH THIS: Put “Yes!” sticky notes everywhere. Also try statements like, “You rock!” and “You are succeeding right now!”

5. Reminders. If you have an important phone call to make, email to send or errand to run, write it down on a sticky note.

STICK WITH THIS: the inside of your front door is the perfect place for a last minute reminder, i.e., “Did you turn the lights off?” Also, your pantry or fridge is a great place to catch yourself slipping, i.e., “How many vegetables did you eat today?” or “Are you REALLY hungry right now?”

6. Current ideas. Creativity requires incubation. If you have a new idea, project or brainstorm that needs constant attention, post a key phrase in a visible spot. Keep your new idea in front of your face and at the top of your mind.

STICK WITH THIS: “How will you improve the Johnson Account?” or “Get more ideas for next week’s staff meeting!”

7. Education. If you’re expanding your vocabulary or learning a new language, sticky notes are the perfect education tool.

STICK WITH THIS: put a single word (and a brief definition) in your wallet or on your desk. If you’re learning a new language, put the translations on items around your house. Great for repetition.

NOTE: these Sticky Note exercises might seem a little cheesy to you.

Just remember: cheesy doesn’t mean ineffective.

ALSO NOTE: your coworkers, friends or partner might think you’re a bit crazy for posting sticky notes all around the house or office.

Don’t let them stop you. They’re either jealous of your success or insecure about their own lack of motivation.

Ultimately, sticky note reminders like these work because:

1. They make you CLARIFY … so your goals are specific.
2. They make you WRITE … and writing is the basis of all wealth.
3. They make you VISUALIZE … what you want and how to get it.
4. They make you ACCOUNTABLE … to yourself and the people around you.

Stick with that.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
Are you a Sticky Note Superstar?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
Share your #1 best use for sticky notes.

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag
www.hellomynameisscott.com

Are you the luckiest person you know?

Watch Scott’s interview on 20/20!

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How to become the Luckiest Person You Know, Part 3

Ever since the 20/20 segment ran last week, I’ve been getting LOTS of emails, IM’s and phone calls about luck.

So, let’s continue our discussion on How to become the Luckiest Person You Know!

First of all, if you’re new here, welcome!

My name is Scott. I wear a nametag 24-7.

Check out parts one and two of this series first!)

OK. Let’s get down to business…

1. Exponentially increase your activity level. Since November 2nd, 2000, I’ve met over 100,000 people. I also seem to be extremely lucky. Coincidence?

LUCK OUT: figure out how many people you encounter on an average day. Then triple it.

2. Don’t stay at home. The best way to be in the right place at the right time is to be in a lot of places.

LUCK OUT: next time you want to sit around and surf the net, read or write, go to Starbucks or something. Increase the probability of an encounter by positioning yourself in a high-traffic area.

3. Practice strategic serendipity. It’s about preparation, observation and relaxation. This is especially important for trade shows, conferences and other high-traffic venues.

LUCK OUT: got an event coming up? Cool! Read this article called 19 Ways to be the One Person at Your Next Conference Everybody Remembers.

Also, watch this:

4. Stick yourself out there. The reason I meet so many people (and, subsequently have so many opportunities) is because a nametag is unexpected. It breaks people’s patterns. It makes them wonder, “Huh?” And especially if they notice a nametag in an unexpected venue, like a concert or a wedding, they’re more likely to approach me.

LUCK OUT: it’s not about the nametag – it’s about making the mundane memorable. Be unexpected.

5. Go to where people are. Identify your perfect customer. Find out where that type of person hangs out. Then go there all the time! Make yourself visible. Consistently deliver value through articles and giving speeches … and let them come to you!

LUCK OUT: learn what association(s) your perfect customer belongs to. Become a member. (Also, take this hint from Samuel Jackson.)

6. What’s in your wallet? Write every one of your goals down on one sheet of paper. Make them specific and attainable. Give each of them a date. Keep this goal sheet in your wallet at all times. Commence luck.

LUCK OUT: try this exercise for three months. See what happens. I triple dog dare you.

7. Kiss your comfort zone goodbye. Practice intentional discomfort. Do something absolutely crazy. No guts, no glory.

LUCK OUT: watch the video clip below to find out the three steps to making a name for yourself!

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
What is the #1 pigeonhole of your industry?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
Share your list of three ways to disarm it here!

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag
www.hellomynameisscott.com

Are you the luckiest person you know?

Watch Scott’s interview on 20/20!

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Watch The Nametag Guy’s clip from 20/20!

If you’re having diffuculty viewing this video, you can also watch it (or share the link) here!

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
Who’s the luckiest person you know?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
What do they do that nobody else does?

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag

Download Scott’s new book!
Right here, right now, for FREE, no strings.

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Read ABC’s transcript of Scott’s 20/20 segmet!

Hope everyone tuned in last night to 20/20’s “The Lucky Ones”!

We watched it out here in Maderia, OH, at Casa de S.F.K.A.

It was totally cool.

Here’s the transcript, fresh ABC’s website:

The Lucky Ones: Is It Serendipity or Smarts?
Good Luck and Hard Work Often Go Hand in Hand

‘Hello, My Name Is Scott’

Speaker and author Scott Ginsberg, 27, has no problem finding people to talk to. “I’ve probably had encounters with over 100,000 people,” Ginsberg said.

His popularity is fueled by an accessory that may make most people uncomfortable: He always wears a name tag.

“What is with the name tag? Well, I get that probably three to five times a day. And it’s been approximately 2,237 days that I’ve been wearing this 24/7,” he said.

Ginsberg feels the name tag represents friendliness in a world filled with strangers. In fact, he started his marketing business, “Hello My Name Is Scott,” when he was just 22. He now makes more than six figures a year from book sales and speaking engagements.

Ginsberg says his success is a result of his approachability and he can trace the first time it worked for him back to one key day years ago. He had a conversation with a stranger on a bus and gave him his card. “About a week later, I get a phone call from the editor of the Portland Tribune, who wants to do an article about my upcoming book. This article went out to every major news wire in the country. … Everything in my entire life since then is because that guy on the bus. His girlfriend was that reporter for the newspaper.”

Ginsberg, like most lucky people, doesn’t listen to naysayers. His belief in his positive attitude is so strong that he even got his name tag tattooed on his body. He said it’s “100 percent real. And you know what? This is as real as my commitment. And I think that is what can actually increase someone’s luck.” According to Ginsberg, he is the luckiest person he knows.

– – –

I’ll be sure to get the clip up on YouTube next week.

Until then, I’ve only got one thing to say…

“I’ve been dancing my ass off since Fresno!”

-Scott
www.hellomynameisscott.com

Watch The Nametag Guy on ABC’s 20/20!

OK. I’ve kept it a secret for three months…

I’M GOING TO BE ON 20/20!!!

I got the call in March. One of their producers read my article, How to become the Luckiest Person You Know.

HERE’S THE BEST PART: their upcoming episode is all about (get this) … people who create their own luck!

That’s me!

Anyway, their crew flew down from New York City, came to my office, sat in the audience of one of my speeches … even rigged me up with “Nametag Cam!”

Sure, they completely took over my entire office. But it was a blast. And I’m excited to see how the segment turns out.

(Boy, ABC brings a lot of gear, huh?)

REMEMBER: tune in THIS FRIDAY, June 15th on ABC’s 20/20 at 10 PM Eastern!

And if you can’t watch it, don’t worry … it’ll be on YouTube by next week.

ONE FINAL NOTE: you’re probably wondering, “How in the world did you get on 20/20?”

Check this out.

In March, 20/20 online posted this page.

It’s a online form.

You fill it out, share your “lucky” story and HOPE that 20/20 maybe calls you back.

Who knows how many thousands of other people you’re competing with?

I guess you could say it would be “lucky” if you got the call.

That is, if you actually believed in luck.

Which I don’t.

That’s why I NEVER filled anything out.

And miraculously, they called me.

Here’s why…

Because the producer, who was creating a piece about “lucky people,” went onto Google and did a search on the exact phrase “the luckiest person you know.”

And out of 539,000 pages, guess who’s article came up first AND second?

LESSONS LEARNED:

1. Writing is the basis of all wealth.
2. It ain’t about luck.
3. Stick yourself out there; get them to come to you.

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Tag: it’s not luck

5 Ways to Make Opportunity Knock More Frequently

Get rich slowly

How to (not) exist

Always have something to give

How to convince yourself that you actually have a real job

How to be a Sticky Note Superstar

How to become the Luckiest Person You Know, Part 3

Watch The Nametag Guy’s clip from 20/20!

Read ABC’s transcript of Scott’s 20/20 segmet!

Watch The Nametag Guy on ABC’s 20/20!