by Tatenda Rungisa, Human Resources Practitioner and co-founder of Twin Connect Solutions

When a new year commences, there are many goals, resolutions and strategies that are planned by individuals as well as organizations. The respective person/s has the duty to ensure that the set goals and targets are achieved. However, it is vital to note that there are opportunities that may arise within the year that we would not have planned for. On a more interesting note, as individuals or organizations, we are also able to create our own opportunities and use them to the fullest.

There are different ways in which one can create opportunities in different settings and environments. From experience, problems encountered especially in business setups can be turned into opportunities. In an age of rapid change, people who can recognize and leverage new opportunities bring enormous value to their businesses and organizations.

Be in the right place at the right time

There should be an urge to network and find the right crowd to mingle with. Most businesses lack opportunities as they are with the wrong associations or spend much time isolated and not getting involved with affiliations that are in line with their industry.

Be creative and good at what you do

Always value excellence and execution in the business, and ensure that all business and operational plans have a strategy that enhances innovativeness. This will enable your brand to be outstanding, hence opportunities will come knocking on your door.

Always have a strategy

Devise a strategy that helps you stand out from the crowd and get you noticed. Develop and promote a website that comes first in terms of search engine optimization for visibility. This will deepen your knowledge and allow you to share it with the world. If you do this effectively, you will get noticed among the people who matter in your field.

Develop and Work Your Plan

Pick your strategy and tactics, and create a plan. Make it happen. It sounds simple, but execution is the most important part of the process.

So, what is needed to create new opportunities?

Be willing and able to embrace change.
Knowledge: Know your values, skills, strengths, weaknesses and passion.
Develop the ability to analyze opportunities and make sound decisions.
Demonstrate initiative and speed: procrastination will only result in the next business grabbing the opportunity you have and making lots of money with it.
Show resilience: the environment is characterized by hardships, especially in Africa. However, to be successful and create opportunities one should be able to see positivity and be resilient to all challenges and obstacles in the way.

Tatenda Rungisa is a 25 year old based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. She holds a Bsc Honours in Human Resources Management, Certificate in workplace collaboration and development, certificate in management strategies for people and resources and certificate of completion in the growth mind-set speakers training. She is a Human Resources Practitioner by profession, motivational speaker, blogger and columnist in a local newspaper. She also co-founded Twin-Connect Solutions which is a youth driven organization led by young females based in Zimbabwe and South-Africa. She is passionate about writing, women empowerment and community work.