An Entrepreneur's Last Chance: Kansas City PIPELINE Application Deadline Today!

Have you ever heard the phrase "luck is preparation meeting opportunity"?

You've prepared your business idea; scrutinized the business plan, held countless meetings with your business partner, even developed a logo, website and business cards.  But have you found the right oopportunity to officially launch your business?

The opportunity is at your fingertips today, entrepreneurs.  Today is the last chance to appy for the PIPELINE immersion program--an initiative designed to identify the most talented, high-growth technology entrepreneurs in the Midwest and propel their dynamic growth. 

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree, must be currently running or launching a technology business in the Midwest and must have at least three years of business or scientific management experience. 

That's right; tonight at midnight is the final deadline to apply for PIPELINE's 2012 Class of Innovators.  Apply today and finally find that moment when preparation meets opportunity.  Best of luck and Think Big!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Sometimes, All You Need is Opportunity

“Ability is nothing without opportunity.”

This famous quote from Napoleon Bonaparte reveals that sometimes, you just need a little opportunity to get where you want to be.  This is true for every aspect of life: making a new best friend, landing your first job, making it on the high school basketball team, starting a new business—it all begins with opportunity.  Opportunity is the first stepping stone in creating a successful life.

Which is why Jessica Garand started the Opportunity Music Project.

The Opportunity Music Project, based out of New York City, is a movement that provides underprivileged children the chance to find passion, hard work and opportunity through music.  Children involved in the Opportunity Music Project are taught an instrument and then perform for the homeless, the elderly or for hospital patients.  The project offers children interested in music with the opportunity to take private music lessons and learn the value of service within the community.

“The Opportunity Music Project came from the accumulation of all of my experiences,” says Jessica Garand, the founder of the Opportunity Music Project. “I performed for the elderly and in hospitals when I was young.  I want these students to have this same experience and develop the same leadership skills that I did.”

The Opportunity Music Project provides students with weekly half-hour lessons on the viola or violin.  Students and their families are then encouraged to attend classical music concerts around New York City, participate in meetings within the project, and perform in a final concert.

“My favorite part of this experience has been seeing the kids inspired about music,” says Garand.  “When I saw the kids’ faces after their final concert, it was amazing.  Also, seeing the support from their families is incredible.”

The Opportunity Music Project recently partnered up with RentMyInstrument.com, a company based out of Kansas City, Missouri.  With RentMyInstrument.com, OMP now has even more of an opportunity to improve children's lives through the magic of music.

In addition, a documentary is being filmed about the Opportunity Music Project which will be completed in the weeks to come.  In the inspirational documentary, viewers can see how the Opportunity Music Project has transformed the lives of every underprivileged child involved.  The documentary proves that anybody can achieve their dreams—no matter how out-of-reach they may seem at first.

Because after all, it all begins with opportunity. 

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

Looking For A Job vs Creating An Opportunity

"Luck is preparation meeting opportunity." - Oprah Winfrey

If you are like many people today, you may have recently lost your job, may be wondering how long you will keep your job in a company whose future is uncertain or may be trying to create your own dream job, tired of working in a passionless career for someone else.

Chris Gardner, Think Big Kansas City's 2010 keynote speaker, talks about the difference between looking for a job versus creating an opportunity. YOUR opportunity. An opportunity to take your passion and skills and create a new future based on doing what you love and what you are truly able to do. But you must be prepared to pay the price.

If you think that some people are luckier than others when it comes to jobs, careers and satisfaction (and life), then you may be right but for the wrong reasons. There is no substitute for hard work. But if you are well prepared to take advantage of opportunity when it comes along, then you too can seize your future. You can join the "lucky" people who are one their way to creating the life they dream of - and are willing to work hard to attain!

Are you well prepared?