You Don’t Have to Get Ready if You Stay Ready: Positioning Yourself for Opportunities

Last week, I was approached by a young man outside of a store. He had just started a youth nonprofit and was seeking donations in exchange for Peanut M&Ms or Wild Berry Skittles. When I asked if he had registered his nonprofit, he admitted he was “still working on it.”

I encouraged him to formalize his organization so people wouldn’t question his legitimacy—and he thanked me for the advice.

That short exchange highlighted something I see often in business and leadership: many people delay execution until everything is “perfect.” Others take bold steps before all the pieces are in place. The difference between those who succeed and those who stall? Preparation.

Why “Staying Ready” Matters

Opportunities rarely come with advance notice. Whether it’s an investor meeting, a job offer, or a client request, readiness means you can seize the moment instead of scrambling to catch up.

The young man had the courage to act, which I admire. But imagine how much further he could go once his nonprofit is properly established—when confidence meets credibility.

How Professionals and Entrepreneurs Can Stay Ready

1. Formalize Your Foundation

   • Register your business or nonprofit.

   • Secure the necessary licenses or certifications.

   • Protect your intellectual property.
     Why? Legitimacy builds trust. Without it, opportunities may pass you by.

   2. Sharpen Your Story

   • Can you clearly explain what you do and why it matters in 30 seconds?

   • Do you have materials (pitch deck, resume, website, or one-pager) ready to share?
     Why? Clarity attracts confidence from others.

   3. Build Repeatable Systems

   • Use tools like CRMs, financial software, or project trackers early.

   • Document processes, even if you’re a team of one.
     Why? Systems make scaling easier when growth comes faster than expected.

   4. Invest in Growth

   • Expand your skill set through courses, certifications, or mentorship.

   • Build and nurture your network before you need it.
     Why? The more equipped you are, the more opportunities you can confidently pursue.

   5. Execute Consistently

   • Don’t wait until the conditions are perfect—start, test, learn, refine.
     Why? Action creates momentum, and momentum creates visibility.

Final Thought

Execution without preparation can limit you. Preparation without execution keeps you stuck. The sweet spot is staying ready—building your foundation while taking bold, imperfect action.

Because when opportunity knocks, it’s too late to start preparing.