Things are not always what they seem to be. Sometimes 'bad luck' just means that the timing isn't right. I have often heard that back luck comes in 3s. As I understand this expression, it means that when bad luck visits you once, you can expect another two visits.

Bad Luck X 3

This seemed to have been the case yesterday morning, when I received three pieces of what at the time seemed like bad luck...all before 10:00 AM. 

Just before 9:00 o'clock, I received an email from a new contact with whom I had a very long and productive telephone conversation the previous day.

Among the things we discussed was my working with him in a project that he was planning on starting early next month. The project was something that I am very interested in doing...but was thinking of pursuing in about 6-8 months.

So I welcomed the possibility of working on a similar project sooner than expected.

In the email, after thanking me for the conversation, my contact explained that having thought about the possibility of my assisting him in the project, it would not be possible...and outlined why this was the case.

Although disappointed, I acknowledged the e-mail and got on with my day.

Shortly after 9:00 o'clock, I received an email from a Real Estate Board contact, replying to an email I had sent him last week.

In addition to sending an email to this person, I had sent an email to the president of the board, although not in her capacity as president.

The President responded very favorably, referring my email on to a staff person.

Based on the President's response, I was hopeful that my request would be granted. Unfortunately as yesterday's email pointed out, Board policy prevented taking the action I had requested.

Once again disappointed, I acknowledged the e-mail and resumed normal activities.

The final of the set of 3 was learning that Google had dropped from its listings 10 of my web pages.

More disappointment but no email this time...I went out and shoveled snow to work off my frustrations.

Things Are Not Always What They Appear To Be

Doing something physical certainly does free up the thinking part of one's brain to address issues that appear to be problems.

On reflection, not participating in the new project is not really a big issue....in fact it is more of a non-issue.

Although I will not be involved in the project that starts next month, I can...and will...participate in a similar project later this year.

In his email, my contact even told me how to bring about this result.

Similarly, the Real Estate Board's denial of my request is also a non-issue.

Firstly, had my request been granted, the potential return on this marketing initiative would have represented considerably less than 1% of my projected sales revenue for the year.

And if I really do want to pursue this initiative, by paying $500 to the Board, I can do indirectly, what I cannot achieve directly.

And as for Google dropping pages...this is the second time it has happened.

The last time it happened, appropriate remedial steps resulted in the pages being re-listed...I have no doubt the same thing will occur this time round.

Not Bad Luck

Realistically, none of the 3 incidents can be classified as bad luck.

The first 2...not participating in a project and the denial of a request...were in fact failed expectations...expectations that were totally unrealistic.

From a sales perspective, each was a lead that failed to even become a 'warm lead'.

I think optimistic people, as I am, tend to develop unrealistic expectations...and experience the disappointment of failed expectations...unreasonable that they may be.

But that's OK...I'd would rather live with the consequences of being overly optimist than deal with the demoralizing fallout of pessimism.

And as a chronic optimist, I believe that in each case, the seemingly negative reply simply means 'no, not at this time'..in no way does it mean 'no, not ever'.

As for the dropped pages, it's not a personal thing between Google and me...it's just the result of Google's ongoing efforts to eliminate shady SEO techniques.

All things considered, yesterday was not such a bad day...even managed to move some snow...something I hadn't planned.