“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Wayne Gretzky
The other day at work, I almost passed on an opportunity.
In our sales office, opportunities come in the form of tours. Marketing brings clients in and gives us a chance to present and potentially close a deal.
That afternoon was slow.
Only a few tours came in.
Normally, I would take every opportunity I can get, but this time was different.
I was leaving the next day for a quick trip, and mentally I was already halfway out the door. I wasn’t really in the mood to take another tour.
Then a message went out in our group chat asking if anyone wanted the opportunity.
Sometimes, when days are slow, the top people will pass so someone else can take a shot.
One of the people on my Elite line replied first. These are the people I compete with every day.
She said something simple.
“The rent is due every day.”
Then she said she’d take the tour.
Our boss replied right away.
“I knew you would.”
That exchange just sat there in the group chat for everyone to see.
And suddenly it felt strange for me to sit there and say no.
Even though I still didn’t really want the opportunity.
So I decided to take the shot.
A little while later, I closed the deal.
Not only that, it turned out to be the only deal written that afternoon.
Moments like that remind me of something simple.
You can’t sell someone you don’t talk to.
Opportunities don’t wait for perfect timing. They wait for action.
And sometimes the shot you almost pass on is the one that pays.