“Luck plays an important role in success: It’s the moment when preparation and opportunity meet.”

-Jalen Rose
 
Two Saturdays ago, my Michigan State Spartans “stole” a victory from arch rivals, the University of Michigan Wolverines. Or did they?
As many of you know, I’m a proud Michigan State University grad. As you may also know, in Michigan collegiate sports, Michigan State is the perennial “little brother” to the University of Michigan.
Football is by far the biggest college sport, and Michigan Football has long and storied history. A history that includes dominating “little brother,” Michigan State.

Lost Luster

But over the past decade or so, the tables have turned a bit. Michigan football has blundered through a string of losing seasons, leading to the acrimonious ousting of several high-profile (and extremely high-paid) head coaches.

Edged Out By Little Brother

While on the other hand, Michigan State has played their best, most consistent football in decades. Several undefeated, or nearly undefeated seasons, and big bowl wins have ensued, culminating in a 2014 Rose victory over the mighty Stanford.

A Return to Form

But this season, the University of Michigan’s fortunes seemed sure to change. Jim Harbaugh – University of Michigan Alumni and former standout UofM quarterback, productive NFL player, successful college (Stanford) and NFL (San Francisco 49ers) coach – took over as Michigan’s head football coach. Understandably, fans and pundits alike predicted the “return” of dominate University of Michigan Football.

Poised to Break

And by all accounts, Michigan Football was back on the winning track. The Harbaugh helmed team cruised into the rivalry game with Little Brother, Michigan State, with only one loss (Michigan dropped their season opener to then top 5 ranked Utah).
The world seemingly righted once again as pundits universally picked Michigan to prevail over upstart little brother, Michigan State (never mind that Michigan State was undefeated, again, and ranked higher than their big bro).
Though a very close game, the pundit’s predictions appeared spot on… With only mere seconds remaining on the clock, Michigan was up by three, with a score of 20-23. All the mighty Wolverines had to do was punt away the ball and let the clock expire…

The Agony of Defeat

But somehow, Michigan lost. The punt-kicker babbled the ball on the hike, and it was knocked away. Michigan State’s Jalen Watts-Jackson grabbed the loose ball and ran it back, miraculously dodging multiple defenders and receiving key blocks, to score a touchdown. Watts-Jackson crossed the goal line as the final seconds ticked off the game clock.
So the question is: Did Michigan State Win or did Michigan lose?
Well, that really depends on your perception of success, what role you believe luck plays in success, and how you define luck.

And believe it or not, this has lot to do with marketing.

For my part, I endorse the Jalen Rose definition of the role luck plays in success: Opportunity Meets Preparation.
Let’s break it down – in Football and Marketing:
In Michigan State’s case….
Opportunity, a babbled hike by a nervous punt kicker, met preparation, a heads up play by defensive player Jalen Watts-Jackson who had the presence of mind to scoop up the loose ball and run it back the length of the field for a touchdown.
In marketing, it looks something like this…
You know how certain people in business always seem to… land the BIG client … close the BIG deal … make the BIG score?
They always seem to be in the right place at the right time.
How do they do it?
They’re always marketing…

• They have a strong presence online and in social media
• They use marketing tools like email and direct mail to great affect
• They’re active in industry networking circles and organizations, always making the scene
• They’re visible in industry trade publications and media coverage

In short: They’re EVERYWHERE.

Is it luck?

In the “opportunity meets preparation” sense, yes. Opportunity, when a potential client needs their services, meets preparation, their high visibility in all the right places keeps them top of mind with prospective clients.

Can You Make Your Own Luck?

Absolutely!
A-B-M – Always Be Marketing.

What About You?

How has being in the proverbial Right Place at the proverbial Right Time helped your business? Swing by my Google+ Page and share your experiences.