Louis Pasteur is regarded as one of the greatest scientists of all times but he wasn't a really good student. As a youth, he wanted to become a professor of Fine Arts. Thankfully, he chose science and we have Pasteurization to thank him for.
"What does this have to do with my career" you ask? It demonstrates that we often have multiple skills and abilities which taken individually don't seem to have much to do with each other. When properly combined and balanced, those diverse skills can create remarkable achievements and results.
Secondly, luck does play a part in everything we do. Call it fate, kismet, karma, fluke or the Midas touch, luck does factor into your career. I always like to say, "The harder you work, the luckier you get."
You can prepare for luck as well. Read Robin Greenspan's February 25th Execunet newsletter on "How to Avoid Sending Plea-Mail." Robin makes a great argument about how networking is often reactive. Thus today's quote.
Make networking part of your daily and weekly process. Join LinkedIn and send me an invitation, Read "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi. Forward this to someone you know.
2008 is looking to be a bumpy ride Mr. Toad. Be Prepared.
