In this episode, I reflect on a transformative trip to the US, where stepping away from my daily routine allowed me to see things from a fresh perspective. I hope that by sharing my experiences, you too can find inspiration and seize the unexpected opportunities that lie around you.

Let’s set the stage. About ten days ago, there was a global IT glitch that disrupted planes, hotels, trains, and major businesses. This chaos was triggered by an error from the cybersecurity company Crowdstrike. I was at the airport during the meltdown, capturing the growing queues and posting the footage on TikTok and Twitter. Within hours, my videos went viral, garnering around 200,000 views on TikTok and 80,000 on Twitter. Suddenly, I was in high demand for TV interviews, reporting live for ITV, BBC, and Sky News. This frenzy showed me how hungry people are for real-time updates during global events.

From this unexpected burst of online fame, a company even wanted to buy the rights to my footage. It was a surreal experience, and as I jetted off to the US for a series of workshops, I couldn’t help but reflect on the vast sea of opportunities surrounding us daily. Often, we let the doom and gloom of news and social media convince us that opportunities are scarce, but in reality, they are abundant.

As a business owner, you might feel overwhelmed by the notion that there’s a lack of opportunities due to economic challenges. However, the truth is, there are countless opportunities at our fingertips. The key is to recognize and seize them. For instance, I've had scenarios where seemingly insignificant meetings turned into life-changing deals. One coffee meeting, which I almost skipped due to skepticism and past disappointments, led to a project pitch and eventually the biggest deal of my career. This experience taught me that opportunities don’t always come neatly packaged.

I've been active on social media for nearly 20 years, posting across various platforms. Recently, someone reached out to me for a meeting after seeing my Twitter posts. Initially, I was hesitant due to the long drive and my past encounters with time-wasters. However, I took the plunge, and although the initial meeting seemed fruitless, it eventually led to a significant project pitch. This was a stark reminder that we must remain open to possibilities, even if they don’t immediately seem promising.

One major takeaway from my travels and experiences is the importance of building relationships and personal branding. Being visible and nurturing connections can unlock opportunities that no business plan can predict. Often, we miss these chances because we are too focused on our to-do lists and productivity.

For instance, filming a TikTok video at the airport led to my footage being featured on major news outlets. This wasn’t planned or expected, but being in the right place at the right time and sharing my experience created a significant opportunity. It’s crucial to be present and aware, allowing room for these unplanned moments.

In summary, as solopreneurs or small business owners, it’s essential to invest time in building relationships and your personal brand. While not every interaction will lead to immediate success, these efforts create a foundation for significant opportunities down the line. Reflect on your approach: are you allowing space for relationship-building and personal branding, or are you too consumed by daily tasks? The unexpected opportunities are often disguised as time-wasters. By staying open and proactive, you can turn these moments into game-changing opportunities. So, take a step back, build those connections, and stay present in the moment – you never know what incredible opportunity might come your way next.