A few Fridays ago, I headed out for my usual walk after work. Same route. Same steps target. Nothing particularly remarkable planned.

As I passed Musgrave Park (just down the road from where I live), I noticed more people than usual. A few merchandise stalls. A bit of a buzz.

Instead of walking on, I did something simple. I asked a stranger what was going on.

It was the Six Nations U20 game between Ireland and Italy.

That stranger, ‘Hugh’ from Mallow Rugby Club, happened to have a spare ticket which he kindly offered me.

Two hours later I was still standing in the cold, Irish scarf newly purchased, having watched an exciting 30–27 win for Ireland.

Completely unplanned.

It struck me afterwards how often opportunities start like that. Not with a strategy document or a formal introduction. But with curiosity. A question. A willingness to step slightly off the planned path.

In business, it is easy to stay on the “usual route”:
– Same networks
– Same environments
– Same assumptions

But you never know what you might be missing unless you put yourself out there and start new conversations. Most opportunities do not announce themselves. They sit just beyond your normal line of travel.

Sometimes growth, partnerships, even friendships, begin with a simple: “Sorry, what’s going on here?”

Friday reminded me that being in the right place at the right time only matters if you are open enough to engage.

Who knows what you are walking past this week?

Niall Dologhan

Niall Dologhan is a Senior PR Account Manager with Fuzion, a Brand Communications agency with offices in Dublin and Cork.