Avoiding 'Bright Shiny Object' Syndrome - How To Be Productive When You Get Off Track

When you get started as an online entrepreneur, it seems like almost every day there is a new strategy or technique that someone wants to share with you. This is referred to as the 'bright shiny object syndrome', and it must be avoided at all costs.

I was reminded of this when I received an email this morning about a real estate training by someone who is highly respected in the field. I worked in real estate for more than twenty years before coming online in 2006, so I was naturally attracted to this information. The next thing I knew I was visiting the website and checking to see if the date and time was good for my schedule. Suddenly I came to my senses and clicked away. The 'bright shiny object syndrome' had hit me!

Are you doing anything similar to this as you go about your daily activities on the Internet? If so, make it a point to stay on task when you are working, and to only check your email twice a day. Work in blocks of time for maximum productivity. I find that I can write for ninety minutes to two hours in the morning without stopping. I do not allow any distractions during this time, unless it is a true emergency. You will be amazed at how much responsibility your family can take when they know that you will not be getting involved with tiny details.

If you do see a product or hear about something that grabs your attention, give it what I call the 'used car' test. This means that it must be able to wait until tomorrow, or even next week, if you are going to get involved with it. Long ago my brother used to sell used cars, and most of his sales were based on the premise that the buyer had to make a purchase right then and there, or the offer would not be good.

Instead of allowing people to shop around, do some research, and then decide if that was the car for them, they were hurried into the sales office where the finance manager would close the sale. Thankfully, he no longer does this kind of work, but I am reminded of it often when I see product launches and other sales tactics used by some of the Internet marketers. Take your time for at least 24 hours to decide if that is what you need.

The bottom line is that you must lay a foundation for your business, stick with it for several hours each day, and then evaluate your results to see what you need to do next. Avoid the bright, shiny objects and you are much more likely to achieve your goals.


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Remember that the reason to start an Internet business is to give you the time and financial freedom to live the life you choose. Download a free teleseminar on building your online business by visiting Get Started Online to learn how to write articles, blog, become involved in social networking and learn the technology needed to build a profitable online business.