Although some people seem lucky, if you look a little deeper, you’ll see that they just take advantage of what’s happening around them. This is especially true in business. If you keep your eyes open and then capitalize on what you notice, you, too, can be “lucky.”

Here are 5 ways to increase your luck in business.

5 Ways to Be “Lucky” in Business

1. Be prepared.

Have a written business plan and update it at least yearly. Done properly, this will make you think through the best and worst case scenarios for your business, so you’ll be prepared to act on either. The results? Lucky!

2. Make the best use of your time.

If you’re an early-morning person, think of that as your “lucky time” and dedicate it to the important elements of your business…and the same if you’re a night owl. Don’t waste your prime time on routine activities like email.

3. Invest your time in things that only YOU can do.

Don’t waste your time and energy on things that any Thoma, Deidre, or Harriet can do. Focus on your area of expertise, and see how lucky you become.

4. Provide value to others.

The more you do for others, the luckier you’ll find yourself. This doesn’t mean you have to labor away, but just think about how you might share your expertise with little effort.

5. Follow up.

One of my favorite quotes from The Woman’s Advantage® Calendar is: “The Fortune is in the Follow Up.” Whether you call it fortune or luck, if you don’t follow up, you’ll find yourself unlucky, indeed.