If I’ve learned anything during my decades in business is that seizing opportunity is as much about timing as it is ability. Just because it comes around once doesn’t mean it will come around again…especially if you disrespect it.

Too often today being prompt, like receiving good service in a restaurant is rare. So much so that when it occurs you’re blown away by it where as only a few years ago it was the norm in business. Let’s just say I’m not liking the trend here.

Hey – we’re busier than ever these days, I get it.  Meetings tend to run into each other and next thing you know, you’re 5 minutes late for your next appointment. But that’s not what I’m talking about here.

I’m talking about when you’ve requested a meeting with someone who has the ability to take your business to the next level and you show up late…or in one case, not at all.

A few weeks ago a colleague asked that I help someone needing guidance for their business. We met over lunch and a subsequent meeting was requested to which I agreed. I showed up on time and waited outside of the establishment calling their office at the 15 minutes late mark. The assistant apologized and promised to get right back to me. Ten minutes later I drove away having received neither a phone call back nor the person showing up.

The next day at lunch a business partner told me of a guy looking for investment dollars showing up for their breakfast meeting 10 minutes late that morning. Oh, the idea is stellar and on paper looks to be sound. But I got the impression the investment isn’t going to happen.

Reason being is that if you don’t handle this part of the relationship, how are you going to handle the rest of your business? Are you going to be in the right place at the right time? Or, are you going to miss the bus? After all, whether it’s by five minutes or two hours, missing the bus is still missing the bus.

Woody Allen once said that “80% of success is showing up.” Sometimes achieving that last twenty percent depends on your being on time.

Dwain – The Biker Guy

As always – These are my thoughts and I look forward to yours.  So, if you disagree or simply want to pile on, please do so here on the BLOG or email me directly at Navigator@BikersGuidetoBusiness.Com  I look forward to hearing from you.