1. Do you have the infrastructure/resources?

People dream of getting the big TV spot or viral article that will gain them instant fame. It sounds great, but the results can be so overwhelming that your website might crash, or your infrastructure won’t be able to handle the customer traffic.

If you are working on something big, you need to make sure that you have the proper tools in place to get it done. That means readying people and processes that can flex to support the size of the opportunity. You don’t have to do it all yourself; partners and contractors can absorb the growth while you build to catch up. Set aside cash reserve for when that big order comes in so you can fund the expansion.

2. Do you have the skill?

Nothing looks worse than overselling your knowledge, expertise, or abilities, only to be incompetent when the opportunity occurs. Before you pursue big opportunities, do a self-assessment for identifying the skill gap.

Be as unflinchingly honest and critical as you can about your readiness. Consider whether you have the current skills and knowledge to give the quality that is merited, and if you don’t, either figure out what it takes to develop them or let the opportunity go…