If you've been around long-time investors, you'll probably hear them say, ruefully, "If only I had gotten in on the ground floor of such-and-such computer or social media company, I'd be rich today."

That may be true — but is it really relevant to anyone? Do you have to be an early investor of a spectacular company to achieve investment success?

Not really. Those early investors of the "next big thing" couldn't have fully anticipated the tremendous results enjoyed by those companies. But these investors all had one thing in common: They were ready, willing and able to look for good opportunities.

And that's what you need to do, too.

Of course, you may never snag the next big thing, but that's not the point. If you're going to be a successful investor, you need to be diligent in your search for new opportunities. And these opportunities don't need to be brand-new to the financial markets — they can just be new to you.

For example, when you look at your investment portfolio, do you see the same types of investments?

If you own mostly aggressive growth stocks, you have the possibility of gains — but, at the same time, you risk taking losses, from which it may take years to recover.

On the other hand, if you're "overloaded" with certificates of deposit and Treasury bills, you may enjoy protection of principal but at the cost of growth potential, because these investments rarely offer much in the way of returns. In fact, they may not even keep up with inflation, which means that if you own too many of them, you will face purchasing-power risk.

To avoid these problems, look for opportunities to broaden your holdings beyond just one or two asset classes.

Here's another way to take advantage of opportunities: Don't take a time out from investing. When markets are down, people's fears drive them to sell investments whose prices have declined — thereby immediately turning "paper" losses into real ones — rather than holding on to quality investment vehicles and waiting for the market to recover.

But successful investors are often rewarded when they not only hold on to investments during declines but also increase their holdings by purchasing investments whose prices have fallen — or adding new shares to existing investments — thereby following the first rule of investing: Buy low. When the market rises again, these investors should see the value of their new investments, or the shares of their existing ones, increase in value. (Keep in mind, though, that, when investing in stocks, there are no guarantees; some stocks do lose value and may never recover.)

Instead of looking for that one great "hit" in the form of an early investment in a skyrocketing stock, you're better off by seeking good opportunities in the form of new investments that can broaden your existing portfolio or by adding additional shares, at good prices, to your existing investments.

These moves are less glitzy and glamorous than getting in on the ground floor of the next big thing — but, in the long run, they may make you look pretty smart indeed.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SHANKLIN: When opportunity knocks, open the door

Northwest Florida Extension offices' 4-H Youth Development agents host a volunteer training program for enrolled 4-H volunteers. 

“Make a Difference Mondays,"  held the third Monday of each month, will help 4-H volunteers learn how to make a positive difference in the community. Each session features interactive presentations by guest speakers on the basics of club organization, officer training, project books, risk management, teaching strategies, fund-raising, team building and managing parent volunteers.

This month's training on public blue ribbon presentations takes place 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15 at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview.

If you are interested in becoming a 4-H volunteer or are interested in enrolling your child into the Okaloosa County 4-H program, please contact the Okaloosa County Extension Office, 689-5850, for more information. 

If you are enrolled as an Okaloosa County 4-H volunteer and are interested in the "Make a Difference Mondays" volunteer training program, please contact me at mismith@ufl.edu. 

Misty Smith is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences 4-H Youth Development Program uses a learn-by-doing approach to help children gain the knowledge and skills they need to be responsible, productive citizens.

This mission is accomplished by creating safe, inclusive learning environments, involving caring adults, and using the expertise and resources of the University of Florida and the nationwide land grant university system.

Source: Okaloosa County Extension Office

DID YOU KNOW?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SMITH: 4-H volunteer training scheduled in Crestview

Was one of your New Year's resolutions to start your own business? While it can be an exciting opportunity, it can also present challenges.

To help you start a small business or become an exporter, BusinessUSA combines business-related information from government agencies into a one-stop starting point. Explore http://www.BusinessUSA.gov to:

●Grow your business

●Explore government contracting

●Find International trade leads

●Learn about taxes and credits

●Browse resource for veterans

●Read the latest news

●Discover events in your area

●Explore state and local resources

●Seek disaster assistance

●Find more tools

Also visit our library web site electronic resources page for access (library barcode number required) to Business Insights: Essentials to:

●Investigate investment opportunities

●Find parent-subsidiary relationships

●Obtain competitive intelligence, market share information and product trends

●Explore market-industry information and analyses

●Study product and brand information

●Compare companies within an industry

Explore a wealth of business information today with BusinessUSA and Business Insights.

Sandra Dreaden is the Crestview Public Library's reference librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: DREADEN: Free resources to help you start a small business