Seize opportunity by being unmistakably available

Bob used to guard his calendar like a secret vault—no windows, no cracks. Then he moved to a new city and suddenly had no invitations on his phone. One afternoon, he posted a simple note: “Here are my available slots this week—let’s catch up.” Within hours, old friends reached out, plus a gallery owner and a nonprofit director who’d been curious. That small act of radical availability reshaped his entire month.

In practice, opportunity knocks quietly. Behavioral research shows that responding promptly to requests not only accelerates progress but signals reliability—a key trait in forming strong partnerships. Bob began carrying a pocket notebook to capture sparks of ideas and names during walks or coffee runs. Each jotted note led to follow-up calls that opened doors to speaking gigs, collaborations, and meaningful meals.

By leading with generosity—offering help before asking—the trust loop closed faster. Instead of sending a cold ask, Bob would forward an article or introduce two contacts. He discovered that more goodwill meant more invitation. So he kept his notebook handy, his inbox tidy, and his phone at arm’s reach. As a result, he went from inbox zero to opportunities on tap.

Share your weekly openings with two people you trust, carry a notebook to capture ideas and contacts in real time, and commit to replying within 24 hours. Lead with an offer of help before asking for favors. By being reliably available, you’ll unlock connections you never knew were waiting.