Sounds like your friend is afraid of taking risks.  But without risk there can be no advancement in life because no opportunity is risk-free.  And the bigger the risk, often the bigger the potential reward.  Getting ahead is all about risk management.  Take advantage of whatever opportunities come along, but do so in such a way that you won't get wiped out if things go sour.

Sounds like you're good at spotting opportunity.  Good luck helping your friend to get over her fear of risk taking!