Starting out, part #2 - collect as many shiny objects as you can

Sure I destroyed my guitar at every concert, but it was okay, because I’d always get a shiny new one the very next day. Patti Smith

One of the 101s they taught me in Internet Marketing School is not to chase shiny objects.

You see dear reader, Shiny Object Syndrome (aptly called SOS) is the fate of the magpie bird who collects a large amount of shynies to bring back to its nest (I assume this is correct – I have never met a magpie).

SOS is a bad ass. Just look at this post here from Warrior Wiki:

“Shiny Object Syndrome is the tendency for someone to get distracted by new thoughts and ideas, their own and others, and never focus or complete anything. In effect, the internet marketer is in such a state of constant distraction that they continually lose themselves in imagination and dreaming, instead of seeing the bigger picture and getting things done.

And so it goes on.

I had recently made the transition to a full time internet marketer. I was fortunate to work with an outstanding mentor who truly cares about his students. Being an established player in the IM industry his focus is on creating products and recruiting affiliates to promote them (of which he has hundreds).

This is a effective strategy to catapulting a product launch into the best seller list. It’s a well intentioned, sleekly marketed and highly effective strategy.

Is it the only one? I don’t think so.

In parallel I purchased a blogging authority course from the outstanding Ryan Deiss, as well as a slew of WSOs dealing with anything from How to Rank your Video on the 1st page of Google to the latest WordPress SEO Theme.

Have I lost my focus?

Not in the slightest.

Has it given me a new perspective about this fascinating industry?

Absolutely.

Has it pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me try new hacks, tried me to the limit, allowed me to connect with a number of bright young inventors?

You bet.

You see dear reader, life is what you make of it. If you choose to be distracted, baffled and confused by a slew of new technologies than it is exactly that – a choice.

Can doctors ignore the latest techniques and innovations that befall their profession? I don’t think so. And neither can I.

Quite simply, I cannot afford to fail. I want to know everything that moves, breathes and pulsates in this industry. And I suggest that you do the same.

As always I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Starting out, part #2 – collect as many shiny objects as you can

Dan Ashendorf