Overwhelm is a real thing in online businesses. There is always more that could be done. More products to create, more blogs to write, more opt-in pages to build, more clients to connect with, more, more, more. It can cause you to become confused and lose focus!
And one of the biggest contributors? Shiny object syndrome.
Every time you’re tempted to buy that new, must-have tool, or to test out a new marketing method, or even to switch business models entirely, you’re falling victim to this business killer.
Here’s the problem with shiny object syndrome. It prevents you from achieving success by shifting your focus away just when you’re about to hit your sweet spot. It’s true. We’ve seen it happen time and time again. A promising startup just begins to make sales and gain a following, and then out of the blue, the owner does a pivot into a completely unrelated niche or business.
All that work… just gone. Don’t let this happen to you.
Set Clear Goals
The first step toward the clarity and focus you need to avoid shiny object syndrome is simply to know your goals. Where exactly are you going? Whether you want to build a brick and mortar business or earn a living from your blog, you need to know where you are going!
Regardless of your business model, if you don’t know your goal, you will always struggle with focus, and every new strategy and tool will pull you further away from your dreams.
Learn more about setting goals here: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_90.htm
Commit to a Plan
Before you implement a new marketing strategy, change business plans, or even purchase a new tool, ask yourself if you’re truly willing to give it a fair shot at success. Marketing strategies take time to grow legs. Business models can require years to show a profit. And that shiny new tool won’t earn back its cost if you toss it aside next week for something different.
Be realistic with yourself, and make a plan to give your idea the best shot at success. Make a commitment to yourself and your business.
Put on Your Blinders
If all else fails, simply stop paying attention. Get off the mailing lists that endlessly promote the latest and greatest idea. Stop reading the blogs and visiting the Facebook groups. Don’t click on ads.
Focus on what you know works, keep your goals in mind, and recommit to making your business as good as it can possibly be.
Adopt a “Wait and See” Approach
“When you’re unsure, it helps to adopt a “wait and see” approach. With rapid technological changes today, many tools tend to become obsolete after a couple of years. For example, many WordPress plugins are no longer supported or have died out. Products that claim to be the best often get replaced by better products one to two years later. My personal approach when I feel 50/50 about something is to wait and see. If it’s a new tool, I take the chance to look at the company’s background, preview the tool, and assess if I really need it. For new online tools, there are often integration issues and unknown bugs, and it can be costly to be an early adopter if you already have a live business with customers. Unless this is something that I need to use now and I have no other alternative, I find that “waiting and seeing” a much more prudent approach.”
Excerpt from https://personalexcellence.co/blog/shiny-object-syndrome/
Have you ever been victim to the shiny object syndrome? What have you done to overcome the distractions and stay focused on your goals?
