In real estate they say it’s all about location, location,
location.  If that’s true (and I believe it is) then in business it’s
all about timing, timing, timing.  The point at which you get into a
business relative to whether the window is opening, open, or closing
will — in large measure — determine how difficult or easy it is to
succeed in the venture.

Here’s an example:  had you decided to become a realtor in 2000, you
would have found real estate to be a heady place.  The window was just
really opening and realtors everywhere were making a fortune.  Many
were successful in spite of themselves, not because of themselves. 
Life was good.  Fast forward to today.  Starting last fall (at least in
our area) the window started to close in earnest.  Today it’s almost
entirely closed.  Last year in January there were 317 building permits
issued in our small town.  This year in January they issued 16.  If
that’s not the end of the boom, I don’t know what is.

Now, if you’re a realtor who’s been successfully making your living
for awhile, these numbers are a big concern.  If you’re just getting
your license today, the sound you just heard was the window of
opportunity slamming shut on your fingers.  If you’re really going to
proceed, you’ve got a steep, steep path to trod.  Good luck.

Does a closing (or, in this case closed) window mean you can’t
succeed?  Of course not.  But you will have an entirely different set
of challenges than the person who got in in the year 2000.  Success in
business comes from effective planning and execution.  As you begin
planning for your future, ask yourself where the window of opportunity
is in your industry, then plan with that in mind.

Obviously, if you’ve got a choice, choose an industry where the
window is just opening — or already open  — and make it easy on
yourself.