In the world of business and life, we often hear the saying, "Success is being in the right place at the right time." But there's a twist to this tale. Imagine a surfer, poised on the water, awaiting the perfect wave. This moment offers a new perspective on the concept of the right place and right time.

"Timing," they say, "is everything." However, it's time to challenge the prevailing wisdom. Sure, timing matters, but our culture's obsession with it often overshadows what we can truly control. Consider this: the surfer doesn't control when the perfect wave arrives. But they do control their readiness. It's about skill, knowledge, preparation, and the equipment - like the waxed surfboard.

"Your organization should be focused on the few, not the many. Better is better than more."

Seth Godin

To conquer any wave, you need readiness. In business, the wave is represented by the ever-cycling market - sometimes up, sometimes down, but always in motion. Readiness becomes your surfboard. And the surfboard needs constant care. It must be well-waxed, perfectly crafted, and up-to-date to ride those waves of opportunity. Here are the components of readiness:

Skills: Just like the surfer's ability to ride a wave, your skills define your capacity to capitalize on opportunities. Invest in learning, practice, and growth. Master your craft.

Investment in Tooling: Modern business relies on technology and tools. Are you equipped with the right gear to navigate your industry effectively?

Capability: The foundation of your organization, including infrastructure and human resources, matters. Ensure you have the capacity to act swiftly and efficiently.

Knowledge: Staying informed and continually learning is essential. Understand market trends, emerging technologies, and customer behavior.

Experience: The wisdom gained from past experiences is invaluable. It provides the insights to navigate future challenges.

Performance: Consistent high performance is an indicator of readiness. A well-tuned operation can consistently deliver quality.

Innovation: The ability to adapt and innovate is a crucial aspect of readiness. Innovation ensures that you remain competitive and relevant.

Our surfboard is never complete. It demands ongoing attention, like a piece of art that's always evolving. Without readiness, even the most perfectly timed wave will slip through your fingers. So, while timing is vital, refining your readiness is where the true journey begins.

The Chessboard of Positioning

Positioning in business is akin to a game of chess, where you must understand the board, your opponents, and your moves to secure victory. Just as the surfer understands where to catch the perfect wave, businesses must grasp where they stand in the marketplace.

It's about knowing the game: the industry's rules, dynamics, trends, challenges, and opportunities. You're not playing chess without knowing the rules, right?

“People do not buy goods and services. They buy relations, stories, and magic.”

Seth Godin

Then comes understanding your competitors - your fellow chess players. What are their strengths and weaknesses? How do they approach the game?

History often repeats itself in business, much like chess strategies. Studying past successes in your field can offer insights into what works and what doesn't.

Your strategic identity becomes your queen on the chessboard. Your brand's identity defines who you are, what you stand for, and what makes you unique. A well-defined identity sets you apart from the competition.

And then, there's messaging clarity. Crafting messaging that communicates your identity and value proposition with utmost clarity is pivotal. It ensures your target audience understands and resonates with your brand.

Positioning is a game of strategy, just like chess. But it's not a one-time move. It's an ongoing battle. It guides your efforts and actions, ensuring you're in the perfect position to seize opportunities when the right moment arrives.

Consider it a chess game, with you as the grandmaster. Adapt your position as needed, stay agile, and navigate the shifting landscape. Be strategic, and when the perfect move comes, you'll be prepared to claim victory.

"The job isn't to catch up to the status quo; the job is to invent the status quo."

Seth Godin

As you can tell, I like Seth Godin, and it’s because we share this #perspective. In business, like surfing and chess, timing is essential, but readiness and positioning are your power plays. Be ready, take command of your rightful place, because you know where that is, and the waves of opportunity will come to elevate your position.