LUCK - When Preparation Meets Opportunity

Many years ago, I worked for a fun, popular, southeastern restaurant chain called Darryl's. We were known for a lot of things, including delicious beef ribs, Pig Pounder beers, and waitstaff who wore interesting, funny (and sometimes a bit sarcastic) buttons on their burgundy suspenders.

I loved wearing those buttons. While some made me laugh, others allowed me to express thoughts I might not have been brave enough to say. And then there were those that inspired me. Perhaps my buttons were the original inspiration for Positive Thought Cards?!

Anyway, one of my buttons was graced with the phrase, "Luck is when preparation meets opportunity." I've always loved that saying, and it continues to prove itself to be right.

A few weeks ago, I was in my very first art show at Se7enbites in Orlando, Florida, the same location where I painted a parking space back in September. Neither of those opportunities would have been possible if I hadn't done a design months earlier that inspired my mural.

While the art show was awesome, it was announced at the last minute, and I had to scramble to get ready for it. Thankfully, I had enough time to prepare some prints and gather some of my Positive Thought Cards, original photos, books, and other items. It wasn't perfect, but again I was prepared to take advantage of the opportunity.

As soon as it was over, I began preparing for the next one by:

• Painting smaller pieces that would be perfect for holiday gifts.

• Creating a catalog of my leggings, bags, and accessories to view in person.

• Designing and ordering note cards.

• Researching fun group projects to engage people at future events.

And now BOOM - it's happening again.

I have another show coming up just 4 days from now at Se7enbites.

It's Monday, November 10th, from 6 to 10 PM. Same location, same time, same setup. I'm already lucky and look forward to discovering what luck will come my way this time. If you are in the Orlando area, please stop by!

Speaking of preparation, I wanted to share a few tips for increasing last-minute purchases and holiday sales.

• Offer bundles and packages. This could mean putting a couple of services together into an offer that is better than purchasing them separately, like adding a free upgrade or add-on with them. It could also mean combining a product and service into a package, so there is a physical gift to go with a paper or plastic gift card.

• Set up a counter-top, table, or display for a featured product or service. Include signage to share the benefits, specials, or related items. If you have any "Grab and Go" items (candles, aromatherapy, eye masks, etc.), this is the perfect place for them. "Share the gift of relaxation for under $20."

• Scents sell. Have testers available of your favorite scented products. Encourage people to check out the "scent of the week" or incorporate it into services as a free bonus upon request.

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Need help brainstorming other ideas or preparing for the opportunity to get lucky? I'd love to be of support.

Book your session here — transformation starts the moment you say yes.

“The universe responds to the vibrational energy of your decision.” — Abraham-Hicks