Richard Branson: How to Spot an Opportunity Like sunrises, opportunities come and go -- but there will always be more.

By Rose Leadem

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Aaron Davidson | Getty Images

"Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them," Virgin Group founder Richard Branson quotes writer William Arthur Ward in a recent blog post. Like sunrises, opportunities are fleeting, and they will pass if you are unprepared.

Related: Richard Branson's Top Book Recommendations From 2016

They do not always come at the perfect time, either, so you must be ready to seize them when the chance presents itself, Branson says. There is no point in waiting to act. If you do, they will likely disappear.

That's why you must be prepared. If you "put yourself in the right mindset to spot opportunities, there are always more to follow," the successful entrepreneur writes.

Of course, that's easier said than done, because noticing opportunities can be tricky. Again, preparation is key. "Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognize them," Branson quotes columnist Ann Landers.

Related: Richard Branson: To Be Successful, Take the Stairs

Ironically, hard work is the key to taking advantage of opportunities. If you put in the time, effort and commitment, you'll open many doors for yourself. It's only a matter of noticing opportunities and acting upon them.

Rose Leadem is a freelance writer for Entrepreneur.com. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

Elon Musk Gives One-Sentence Response to Linda Yaccarino Stepping Down as CEO of X

Linda Yaccarino announced on Tuesday that she was leaving her role as X's chief executive.

Business News

Here's the Exact Amount of Money You Need to Be Wealthy, According to a Charles Schwab Survey

Financial service giant Charles Schwab's annual Modern Wealth Survey reveals some eye-popping numbers.

Thought Leaders

How to Build Thought Leadership That Fuels Growth, Earns Trust and Positions You as an Industry Leader

Follow this proven three-part formula that transforms organizational expertise into market influence through strategic research and content activation.

Money & Finance

Don't Let Slow-Paying Customers Slow Your Business Down. Here's Your Playbook for Getting Paid on Time.

Respectful, consistent pressure can encourage hesitant customers to pay promptly, enabling your business to thrive.

Business News

Meta Invests Billions in World's Largest Eyewear Company After Ray-Ban Smart Glasses Success

The deal arrives one month after Meta debuted new Oakley Meta AI smart glasses in partnership with the eyewear company.