An opportunity is presenting itself to you. Today. Take it.

With the economy bouncing back from Covid-19 better than most experts initially predicted, now could be the time to grasp any opportunities that arise with both hands.?Today could be the day to implement new ideas that you have been considering for your business.

There is a precedent for massive growth following a pandemic.?The 'Spanish Flu' pandemic of 1918/19 was a global disaster that infected more than 500 million people and tragically led to what is believed to be 50 million deaths.

Immediately following this was a period of growth and excitement known in history as the 'roaring 20s'.?Of course, the cause and effect are not that simple; however, with recently announced 'bumper results from tech, financial services, and healthcare' and UK employer confidence 'soaring ', today’s economy does appear to be bouncing back from the pandemic.

Well-known business guru Brian Tracy has recently said that in the aftermath of the previous pandemic of 1918/1919, 'thousands of people took advantage of the newly created opportunities and found amazing success.'

Do you want to be one of those people, this time around? Do not miss the boat.?The time to act is NOW.?Not later. Now.

For many business owners, that is easier said than done.??

Having multiple options to consider and evaluate causes 'analysis paralysis'. The result? Inaction.

Worries about what might or could go wrong often mean that no decision is made.?The result? Inaction.

But what if taking no action at all is the worst thing that could happen?

As I have said previously,

"The most difficult action to take is deciding to take action, not what action to take".

In today's volatile environment, quick decision-making can offer you a competitive advantage.?In a world where the only certainty is change itself, decision–making and taking action are crucial leadership skills.

How though, can you ensure your decision-making is fast and effective rather than wild and reckless?

Have faith.

• Are you experienced in your industry? Do you have the expertise required to do your job well? Of course, you do.?Learn to trust your gut instinct.
• Have you empowered your team to make the more minor decisions so you can concentrate on making the big ones??
• Is data available to back up your decisions??If not, can you collect some data??Numbers can often show you the way forward.?However, don't let lack of physical evidence prevent you from acting if you know that a decision is the right one, go for it.
• Have a culture and mindset within your business where you and your team are not afraid of failure.?There should be no blame.?Companies need to be agile, and in many markets, they need to be experimental to stay one step ahead of their competition.?Staying still can be the same as going backwards.?Not everything will work. But everything will teach you something.?Review and analyse each decision and take those learnings into the next one.
• Review each opportunity and decision in light of whether it will get you closer to your overall business objective.
• Utilise a business coach or mentor who you trust - Someone with a different perspective who can play devil's advocate and sense-check the decision with you to give you peace of mind.

Seth Godin wrote that 'Playing it safe and not taking a risk is probably the most dangerous thing you could do in today's rapidly changing and highly competitive business environment.'?Seth Godin is a self-professed 'change junkie.'?He is hugely successful.?I will leave you with another of his quotes, this one from his book 'What to do when it's your turn (and it's always your turn).

“The person who fails the most, wins” - Seth Godin

Do you agree?