SHINY OBJECT SYNDROME IS BAD, MKAY?

Shiny Object Syndrome. We see it every day. Everyone online seems to be discussing the latest trends to enhance our lives and business. It comes in the form of books, podcasts, blog posts and social media challenges. They know what's best and they are all willing to share their secrets – all we need to do is buy into the hype and follow the path that has been set before us. After all, it has worked for these people, so it must be legit, right?

WRONG.

You don't have to do what everyone else is doing to find a path to success or happiness.

After spending so much time listening and reading and following all of the success stories, you know what I discovered?

Noise.

Niche down. Focus. Don't speak to everyone. Use Wordpress. Advertise this way. Don't post personal stuff. Sell on Etsy. Use this platform. Follow me. Buy my course (even though you say you can't afford it). Pay me to coach you. Promote my product. Engage in my group. Look into my eyes.

One day, as I began to set off chasing another shiny object, I sat down in the quiet and started listening to my intuition. I discovered that the only way to be happy, successful and carefree was to make decisions that made sense for me and my business. That day, I decided to follow my gut and I have no regrets. These are my rules that I live by now that I am able to recognize my affliction with Shiny Object Syndrome.

Forget everything you've ever heard.

Well, actually, don't forget it. Some of it is good advice. However, when someone is giving you advice on your business, take it with a grain of salt. Always listen, but don't feel pressured to do exactly as they say. Most of the people claiming to be gurus and offering to train you are actually just normal people (like us) who are trying to launch something new. An overwhelming majority have no idea what they're doing and they're hoping to land you as their first client. Don't buy the hype or feel pressured to do what everyone else is doing.

Don't set limitations based on someone else's perspective.

It's true that the riches are in the niches, but don't let that set the limitations on your ability to create and do multiple things. I'm not saying that you should do everything or offer those things to everyone (remember, we're trying to avoid Shiny Object Syndrome). Instead, recognize that we are all uniquely diverse. Some of us have multiple talents and skills. Creative people really struggle with limiting their products and services and aren't able to choose just one.

If you're struggling to find your ONE passion in a sea of ideas, my (possibly meaningless) advice to you is – if it feels right and makes you happy, it will work itself out. Don't start a million different businesses that you can't manage. Instead, find ways to incorporate your interests to work together. You can always narrow down your focus later as your offerings grow or fade away.

You don't have to pay hundreds of dollars to learn, view insights or gain knowledge.

The internet is filled with information. Google is your friend. If you aren't sure how to do something, look it up or join a few helpful (and free) Facebook groups in your industry. Ask the masses and listen to the few who make sense.

Social media is easy – if you pay attention. If you want to gain followers, you don't need to buy a course, you need start following hashtags and watching people who are successful. Most successful people are too busy enjoying their success to be soliciting you in a private message.

Ignore the people who are pestering you to buy. The people enjoying their success are the ones you want to learn from. Check out their posts. Try out a similar approach. If that doesn't work, make minor adjustments or try something totally new. You don't have to reinvent the wheel to learn from others. You just have to pay attention to what actually works.

Know your market.

If your products are luxury items, don't market to people who can't afford them. And do NOT make those people feel bad for not having the funding to buy your service or product. You have two choices here, either (1) lower your prices or (2) only speak to "your audience" – whichever choice you make, stop expecting everyone to join your audience.

If you offer expensive courses and high-end design packages and only target new entrepreneurs without an established client base or residual income, you're taking advantage of them. It's a major turn off.

As a graphic designer, I know when someone can afford my service and when they can't (or don't want to). If someone asks for a logo, I share my standard rate. But you know what I do when they scoff at the price or ask for a discount, I make recommendations that fit their budget. Maybe they'll remember how helpful I was and come back to purchase my services one day. Maybe they won't. Either way, I've helped them and saved us both a lot of headache.

Don't get discouraged.

It's easy to be sad when someone turns you down. Not everyone will buy, but you don't have to sell to everyone. You just need to sell to the right one.

Buy the shiny things you love.

In all fairness, I would be a hypocrite if I didn't tell you that I'm still drawn to shiny things. I've built part of my business around them. Enamel Pins by Bloomfield Avenue started as a shiny object syndrome. Now, I'm able to offer those little shiny objects to people who love them just as much as I do. So, please, buy all the shiny things you'd like in The Pin Store

Enjoy my rambling?

Follow me on Instagram @heyitskimpaul for more frequent posts and random thoughts that cross my mind. "Keeping a Blog Updated" is one of the great pieces of advice that I've found distract me from more important work, like sharing funny memes. When I do actually create a blog post like this one, I'll be sure to let you know on IG :)