Intersection #10 of 10: To take advantage of missed opportunities and pivot when needed.
By Mitch Praver (a.k.a. The CEO Magician, www.theceomagician.com )
In magic, most magicians catch the bug when we’re young and develop a strong passion that, in my case, never left me. There are, at last count, if you look at the worldwide membership of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM), the Society of American Magicians (SAM) and the Magic Circle in the U.K. – somewhere around 10,000-15,000 magicians in the world – with only 10-20% as full time professional performers. The other 80-90% consist of hobbyists, performers who work at no cost (eg. amateurs), collectors or part-time performers.

Magicians have heard the many stories of very successful people who didn’t follow their magic passion. They missed their window of opportunity.

People such as:

1. Actor Dick van Dyke
2. TV Host Johnny Carson
3. TV Host Dick Cavett
4. Comedian and Actor Steve Martin
5. Film Actor, Director Writer and Producer Orson Welles
6. The G.O.A.T. Muhammad Ali
7. HRH King Charles III
8. General Norman Scwartkopf

In business, too, the landscape is littered with missed opportunities. About 20% of startups fail in the first year of operations; another 70% of all startups fail in years 2-5. Why? They either run out of cash,there is not enough market need for their product or service or it took too long to validate their place in the market than founders expect. They never achieved success in their desired field.

In magic as well as business, you can hear the phrase: Woulda. Coulda. Shoulda.

For me, I am at that exciting crossroads where an opportunity presents itself – that I want to embrace. Thus, the creation of The CEO Magician (www.theceomagician.com). For all of you, I hope that you, too, follow your passions and create something extraordinary, master your craft, innovate, and provide unforgettable magical experiences for your audiences.