Opportunities are hidden in problems

The practice of entrepreneurship thrives through opportunities. Those opportunities are often not given to but are spotted by entrepreneurs who come across unsolved problems. Both Greeks and Chinese view crisis as an opportunity that could turn out for good. To them, problems are opportunities. Most people don’t train their minds to see past problems, which makes it difficult for them to come out of their problems.

Currently South Africa is faced with an energy crisis and almost everyone is blaming either the ruling party, the government or even Eskom for causing seemingly insurmountable problems for the economy. The neologic “Eishkom” is associated with power cuts, loadshedding, load reduction etc. Truthfully the economy is suffering, especially SMEs who can’t afford to procure alternative sources of energy to keep their businesses afloat. This does justify the blame-game so to speak. On a positive note, this crisis is an opportunity to start new industries such as Solar Installations, Research into alternative sources of energy which may create consultancies in this area etc.

Before the end of 2022, I had a coaching consultation session with a young entrepreneur who has seen opportunity in human waste and wants to harness its economic possibilities. Research has proven that there are several energy components in human waste or any waste for that matter and this young man is prepared to turn this “stinking business” into a lucrative business. I guess the saying “one man’s shit is another’s bread” rings true. As we explored possibilities and opportunities that may exist, also inlight of the current situation faced by South Africa, it was clear that this would be an opportunity not to pass on.

When my wife and I went with the kids to buy stationery for the new schooling year recently, I realised how the stationery isle was packed and cramped in the two wholesalers we went to in the South of Joburg. I then realised how convenient it would be to have someone do this at a fee for me; someone who could come buy the stationery, have it packaged and delivered to me. If time and energy to go buy stationery in January is a problem for some of us, it can be a solution you can provide.

Let’s apply our minds on how we can solve problems as we build our businesses. It is not every opportunity that will be handed to us, some opportunities will require one to search for them, whilst others we will find in daily problems. I saw a poster that was cluttered with faces of more than 30 artists which was used to advertise an upcoming music event. Some faces were smaller than others and that was a problem for a branding coach like me. I immediately developed a possible solution for their branding and advertising strategy and presented it to the organisers. Problems are all around us, but there are fewer solutions. Start seeing problems differently.

To help you think about possibilities and opportunities for business and how to make them work for you, contact us for a business coaching at 084?325 0139 or send email at [email protected]