The Power of Being on the Standby List

Have you ever flown on a buddy pass? I’ve been lucky enough to have friends in the airline industry who’ve hooked me up with a few. It’s such a great deal—like having a golden ticket to your desired destination. But here's the thing: to get a buddy pass, you need to be close to someone who has access to them. It’s all about proximity.

You also go on the standby list. That means you have to prepare yourself in the event your name is called, and you get a boarding pass. Some may not see that as a powerful position. Most would agree we want a guaranteed boarding pass. However, life does not always come with guarantees. Exactly the opposite, we prepare for opportunities that may never materialize or take time and patience to happen. Being on standby is like the old gospel song, “He may not come when you want him, but he’s always right on time.”

This idea of proximity doesn’t just apply to travel; it’s a crucial factor in many areas of life. Who’s in your circle? Are they helping you get to the next level? If not, it might be time to expand your network and find those connections that can open new doors for you.

Storytime: I was excited about attending a particular event and had planned to buy a ticket. But life got busy, and I forgot. When I finally remembered, the tickets were sold out. Ouch. Most people would have given up at that point, right? Not me.

I reached out to the event coordinator and a speaker, hoping against hope that I could still get in. No luck. So, I faced a choice: accept defeat or show up and see what happens. I decided to go for it. If I didn’t try, I was guaranteed to miss out. But if I showed up, there was a chance, however slim, that I could still get in.

Well, it turns out the event had a delayed start due to technical issues, which gave me more time to network. I ended up meeting six potential leads, and a few of them were very interested in my services. Plus, I had the chance to make someone's day by buying a book for them from one of the speakers. All this happened because I was willing to show up and embrace the possibility.

So, remember, proximity can open doors, but you must be willing to show up and walk through them. Keep your circle strong and always be ready to seize the moment. You never know where it might lead you.

Applying standby strategies to life in general can help you increase your chances of success and seize opportunities. Here’s how:

1. Arrive Early: Life Application: Be proactive and get a head start on your goals. Whether it’s a meeting, a project, or a networking event, showing up early demonstrates your commitment and eagerness. This can set you apart and create a positive impression.
2. Be Flexible: Life Application: Stay open to new opportunities and be willing to adapt your plans. Flexibility allows you to take advantage of unexpected chances and respond effectively to changing circumstances. This can lead to new connections, experiences, and successes.
3. Stay Informed: Life Application: Keep yourself updated with relevant information in your field or areas of interest. Stay aware of industry trends, potential opportunities, and key contacts. Being well-informed allows you to make better decisions and stay ahead of the curve.
4. Pack Light: Life Application: Simplify your life and minimize unnecessary baggage. This could mean decluttering your physical space, streamlining your schedule, or letting go of unproductive habits and relationships. By focusing on what truly matters, you can move more efficiently towards your goals and be ready to seize opportunities when they arise.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you increase your chances of success and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.