Success = Talent + Luck.

Distinguished Scholar and Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman was asked several years ago what was his "favourite equation". The above quote was classic Kahneman, but what did he define by this simple equation?

To most of us the idea that luck plays a major part in our lives is something that we tend to discount. We prefer the idea and self-comforting belief that we are more or less true masters of our destiny.

Well truth be known in almost every aspect of life luck plays a major hand, even if we know it or not. From a business prospective it's present in almost every aspect, let's look at the following examples.

You just happened to pick the phone up in the office at the right time and got a lead that landed you a massive deal.

During a business presentation you had the relevant stakeholder and decision maker attend.

One of your competitors has supply issues for a particular product and you manage to capture market share off the back of "continuity to supply" issues.

The client that you are meeting with has had a great day, everything that he has been exposed to prior to that meeting on the day has been positive and successful; because of this he is in a good mood and more receptive to the proposition that you are presenting.

So considering the four examples above, let's look at the intersection called, Talent & Luck.

Yes the examples above all have a level of luck, but at the same time they can intersect with talent. Yes luck gave you the opportunity to be the person to answer the call, but from there on your knowledge, business understanding and professional demeanor allow you to present a compelling business offering to secure the deal.

Even though you did not know if the relevant stake holders were attending your presentation you still did due diligence about the company and their requirements beforehand to help develop and deliver a tailored solution for their desired outcome.

Similar could be said for the supply chain issues; having a good understanding of the market and/or competitive intelligence can allow you to take advantage and act quickly to competitor weaknesses when they occur.

In summation luck has a lot to do in our daily life, the majority we have no control over; but at the same time luck be it good or bad for that matter, creates the opportunity for us to use our business talent to have success.

My final word, be proactive. The more proactive you are in business the more luck you will have to intersect with your talent.

Wayne~

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