A successful LNC focuses on business to avoid the Shiny Object Syndrome to keep your business on track. Overwhelm in business is a big deal. There is always more that could be done. More blog posts to write, more social media marketing, more clients to connect with, more, more, more!
And one of the biggest contributors? Bright Shiny Object Syndrome. Yes, it’s real – so real, that it has a name! Every time you’re tempted to buy that new, must-have tool, or test a new marketing method, or switch business models completely, 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. I’ve seen it happen time and time again. A promising startup just begins to secure new clients and gain a following, and then out of the blue, the owner does a pivot into a completely unrelated direction.
All that work… just gone.
Don’t let this happen to you!
My goal when I went out to lunch with my neighbors last weekend was to have a good time in our favorite restaurant. It was the first time my husband and I saw this couple in more than a year. None of us had eaten in a restaurant since the pandemic started, and we were looking forward to catching up.
My husband and I got our food first. We were so engrossed in our conversation that we did not notice at first that it was taking a very long time for our friends to get their meals. The manager came over to apologize and said, “We made a mistake in the kitchen.”
Nest, Jeff got his meal and after another long wait, Gail got her food. The manager apologized; the waiter apologized and the manager insisted we accept free dessert.
As we walked out, I told Gail I was sorry they had to wait. We’d never seen this restaurant have a problem with meals arriving late. She shrugged her shoulders, and said, “These things happen.”
We achieved our goal of having a good time, eating great food, and catching up. We stayed focused on our goal instead of devolving into anger about being kept waiting.
The key as business owners is for us to remain focused on business plan and goals. Don’t give in to the many distractions and all of the big claims and promises you see everywhere online. It will only cost more money and slow down your overall growth.
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? Do you want to build a six-figure business? Do you want a strong foundation that can help you build it better and faster?
Regardless of your business model, if you don’t know your goals, you will always struggle with focus, and every new strategy and tool will pull you further away from your dreams.
Commit to a Plan
Before you implement a new marketing strategy, change business plans, or 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 profitable plan to give you 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 of the mailing lists that endlessly promote the latest and greatest ideas. Stop reading the blogs and visiting the Facebook groups, unless you can avoid the temptation of buying things. Don’t click on ads.
Focus on what you know works, keep your goals in mind, and recommit to making your business as strong as it can possibly be. Avoid getting caught up in the online hype.
It can take you much longer to establish your business when you are disorganized and always trying something new. You’ll never be able to enjoy the success of your business chasing every promise you see online.
You’ve gotten your legal nurse consulting business started, you have clients, and you want to sustain your success. How can you manage that business in the best way? There are dozens of traps that can trip you if you aren’t aware of them and prepared to tackle them.
I know – I founded and managed a multi-million dollar legal nurse consulting business.
Let’s face it – working with trial attorneys is a challenge. They are driven people who want to do their best for their client. There is a lot at stake in litigation, and you want to have strong relationships with them.
In this book, you’ll learn how to deepen your connections with your clients through your communications. When conflict or the need to negotiate arises, the tips in this book will give you the confidence needed to tackle some of the world’s best negotiators. Being able to successfully master negotiation, business communication and conflict are essential.
Order at this link. Use this book to keep you eyes on your goals.
Pat’s How to Manage Your LNC Business and Clients provides a helpful reference source for LNCs piloting their own practices. Through very interesting personal accounts and invaluable take away pearls, she presents a work filled with advice essential to both the new and the veteran independent LNC.
Mary E. Vaughan, RN, BA, LNCC
Mary E. Vaughan and Associates
Pat Iyer is president of The Pat Iyer Group, which develops resources to assist LNCs to obtain more clients, make more money, and achieve their business goals and dreams.
Pat’s related websites include the continuing education provided on LNCEU.com, the podcasts broadcast at podcast.legalnursebusiness.com, and writing tips supplied at patiyer.com.
Get all of Pat’s content in one place by downloading the mobile app, Biz Edu at www.legalnursebusiness.com/bizedu. Watch videos, listen to podcasts, read blogs, watch online courses and training, and more.