The Perils Of “Shiny Object Syndrome” For Business Owners

In case you’re interested...

For more strategies on using LinkedIn to generate more business, grab a free copy of my book: It’s the road map to connecting with prospects, engaging with and converting new clients, and levelling up your consulting business. - Click Here

Let’s dive in….

What’s your natural reaction when you see a shiny new toy like this?

(Photo by Marc Kleen on Unsplash)

Do you rise up on your toes to get a better look - oblivious to everything else around you?

(Photo by James & Carol Lee on Unsplash)

Okay, that’s a meerkat and you’re probably not a meerkat. But you’re distracted by shiny objects - whether Ferraris or mere (get it?) Christmas tree baubles. 

And that’s not good for your business.

The need for business owners to focus on their business plan, the goals they have set within that plan, and their priorities is often stated. But we still run into many who are looking for the latest piece of technology, newest platform, or shiniest toy that will shortcut their way to success: faster, less effort, less outlay, etc., etc.

Beware ‘shiny object syndrome’. It can send your LinkedIn strategy and more besides into a rapid downward spiral.

In fact, if you’re looking for faster alternatives to connect, engage, convert on LinkedIn, you may be digging yourself a large hole.

‘Shiny object syndrome’

Without a plan that you commit to, broken down into achievable goals, it’s quite easy to get distracted by apparent shortcuts.

Shiny object syndrome is the attraction to objects that exhibit a polished or shiny appearance. If you’re a parent, you’ve probably seen your children fall prey to it!

(Photo by Eddie Kopp on Unsplash)

The fact that little children are often its greatest victims should be a massive warning sign. But guess what. Many business owners are attracted by metaphorical ‘baubles’ too.

Whether it’s a ‘get rich quick scheme’, a ‘sure-fire’ way to bring in tons of leads without any effort, or the latest time-saving gadget. It can be tempting to try to take the shortcut to success with the latest shiny object.

The problem is that most of these objects gleam and catch the eye but do little else. They don’t end up saving you time, generating profit quicker, or ‘hotwiring’ the road to success.

In fact, rather than delivering any substantial or sustainable benefit to your business, they may actually slow you down…

The supermarket checkout syndrome

(Photo by Fancycrave on Unsplash)

Supermarket queues are a good example of what happens to many business owners on LinkedIn.

They start out queuing in one lane. It’s moving a little slowly while the lane next to them seems to be moving along at a decent rate.

Changing lanes looks attractive. They do it. After a minute, they see that the customer at the checkout has lost his debit card and spends the next 3-4 minutes looking for it. 

With this hold up, another lane appears to be quicker. They jump into that lane. Then they see that a trainee has just been appointed to that checkout. Things slow to a crawl.

Meanwhile, if they’d only stayed in the original lane, they’d have been loading their shopping into the car in the carpark by now.

We’ve all seen and done this at one point or another. But the smartest business owners know that just because something looks better, more efficient, or more rapid, it doesn’t mean it will get you to your destination any quicker or more effectively.

Control change rather than reacting to it…

(Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash)

The cost of changing lanes in a supermarket is usually little more than a few lost minutes in your day.

However, chopping, changing, and starting again in your business can result in masses of lost time, energy, and momentum.

If your strategy is well-considered and the path ahead clear, stay with the plan. Follow through with what you’ve committed to; don’t be tempted by the next shiny object that comes your way.

You should be looking to steer a defined course towards where you want to be - not simply drifting with the tide. That way you can help control the change rather than simply reacting to it as it affects you.

P.s. Whenever you’re ready… here are 3 ways I can help you grow your business with LinkedIn

1. Join the Influencer Boardroom and connect with other advisors and consultants who are scaling too: It’s our new Facebook community where smart advisors and consultants learn to generate more purpose, profit and power. - Click Here

2. Join Our Implementation Program and be a Case Study: I’m putting together a new consulting case study group inside The Influencer Project this month… stay tuned for details. If you’d like to work with me on your client-getting and business growth plans using LinkedIn… just send me a message and put “Case Study” in it and I’ll get you more info.

3. Work with me and my team privately: If you’d like to work directly with me and my team to take you from 6 to 7 figures and level things up… just send me a message and put “Private” in the first line… tell me a little about your business and what you’d like to work on together, and I’ll get you all the details.