Exploit tiny openings

by Dale Davidson

Here's a great Tweet that resonates with my own experience:

I exploited a tiny opening to get my first 1099 gig.

Here were the circumstances:

  • I did great work for a client
  • The only other person who could do my job for this client at my company quit and there weren't any obvious replacements due to security clearance requirements
  • The client wanted to put more money onto the project

That was it. I saw a small window of opportunity where I had enough leverage to pull off going 1099.

If you spot that tiny opening, take advantage of it.

Circumstances won't be perfect, but you can make the most of it.

A funny cartoon showing an aspiring entrepreneur exploiting a small window of opportunity. The scene depicts a stick figure entrepreneur standing in front of a tiny, literal window labeled 'Opportunity' that's barely big enough for them to squeeze through. The entrepreneur is depicted with oversized tools like a magnifying glass and a crowbar, comically attempting to make the window larger or dive through it. Around them, there are discarded attempts like a too-large suitcase labeled 'Big Ideas' and a deflated balloon with 'Plans' written on it, symbolizing previous failed attempts to seize opportunities. The background shows a contrastingly large door marked 'Missed Chances', slightly ajar and leading to darkness, adding to the humor by highlighting the entrepreneur's focus on the tiny window. The style is exaggerated and whimsical, emphasizing the creative and often humorous lengths to which entrepreneurs go to exploit even the smallest opportunities.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.

Back to Newsletter