It is said that "The harder I work, the luckier I get." While there's something to that, diligence, good sense and fortuitous timing is a great recipe for good luck. In other words, the smarter we work, the luckier we get.
In the past week, I pursued two separate leads that easily could have resulted in dead ends...and one that I almost turned into a missed opportunity. Instead, all three promise to lead to attractive solutions. My explanation for this outcome is...good luck.
In the first situation, my client is considering various approaches to product prototyping. He had dismissed 3D printing as a viable option for certain products, as he believes that the particular filaments required for this work do not yet exist. However, rather than accepting this as a given, I took it as a challenge and contacted a filament manufacturer that produced similar materials to the one my client desires. It seemed reasonable to me that this provider would want to offer this other material if they could. In speaking with them, I learned that they are working diligently to qualify the desired material and expect to complete this work within the next month. Pretty fortuitous, eh?
In the second case, my client is seeking an efficient temperature regulating material. She told me that a technology candidate I've suggested is a good performer, but as a class of materials is too expensive to merit very serious consideration for her target application. In speaking with a technology provider candidate within this materials area, I mentioned my client's cost sensitivity. He volunteered that his company has developed a new process that promises to reduce material cost "by at least half". If this proves out, it could cause his company's material to suddenly become a very relevant option. Pretty lucky, I'd say.
Importantly...perhaps most importantly, I experienced a third case of good luck...which I almost squandered. I was seeking a cost effective technology to increase the structural strength of a plastic substrate. Purely by chance, I spotted a post on LinkedIn that suggested a solution. I asked the writer a question to help qualify this lead and a commenter dismissed the technology's viability. Unwisely, I didn't pursue the matter. Fortunately, a couple of days later, I received a response to my question from the author of the post. He provided me with technical data that helped qualify the lead for the exact application that interests my client! My client and this technology provider are now in direct contact and she will be testing this strengthening material to assess its merits.
What's the lesson? Get up from your desk chair and test your assumptions with experts. Importantly, don't be lazy about follow-ups. Do this work consistently and don't be surprised if your luck improves.
"Connecting You With The Right Solutions" BFS Innovations, Inc.
Since 2005, BFS Innovations has helped its Fortune 500 clients with technology scouting, new business creation and development services. Contact Michael today at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 614 937-2408 to discuss your company's needs.