
Shiny Object Syndrome: Is It Hindering Your Business Growth? Here Is How to Overcome It
02/27/24 • 25 min
Do you sometimes find yourself juggling pile of tasks and ideas for your business, struggling to make meaningful progress on the main project?
Perhaps you might even be losing sight of what the main project actually is because you always get too excited about a new idea or opportunity that comes your way.
I used to look at other business owners on social media and see them doing all the things - running a digital shop, running a product shop, running a print-on-demand shop, offering consulting and launching membership - I'd felt like I needed to do all of it too. Ideally, start right away!
I'd hear people saying - you need to be on TikTok. Others would say you can't rely on social media - you also need to have an email list. Others would say you need to go on Pinterest because Pinterest is so hot right now. And the list of opportunities goes on and on.
On the outside, all of it may look like a good idea, potentially an opportunity to earn more, and it might even be important to implement for your business - at some point.
But what we don't realize is that the social media world of distraction can be a recipe for disaster for your business. That is if you fall into shiny object syndrome and don't protect your priorities, time and resources.
I had my fair share of shiny object syndrome, and at some point, I wasn't even aware of it! That's why, in today's episode, I am sharing with you what it is, the symptoms and practical tips that helped me to overcome the nasty "distraction syndrome" for good!
In this podcast episode, you'll learn:
- The importance of focusing on your main project if you want to grow your business
- Learn to identify if shiny object syndrome is hindering your success through common warning signs
- Practical steps to help you prioritize effectively and stay focused on making progress in your business
- How shiny object syndrome can hinder your business growth
Tools mentioned in this episode:
- Save 15% off my social media Canva templates and website template from Tonic site shop (CODE: MICHAELAF15) - SHOP HERE
- Want more help growing your business on Instagram? Join Instagram for Small Business Academy HERE
- Try my Instagram hashtag helper Flick (affiliate link): TRY HERE
- Start for free in my productivity system Notion - START HERE
- Try my Instagram automation tool ManyChat (affiliate link): TRY FOR FREE HERE
- Outsource part of your social media delegation process with Fiverr - EXPLORE HERE
Let's connect:
- Follow me on Instagram: @smallbizbabescommunity
- Join our podcast-exclusive private Facebook group
- Visit my website: https://michaelafong.com/smallbizbabescommunitylinks
Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Some of the links in resources are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link I shared (at no additional cost to you). This helps me to continue creating this podcast and share more valuable resources with you.
Do you sometimes find yourself juggling pile of tasks and ideas for your business, struggling to make meaningful progress on the main project?
Perhaps you might even be losing sight of what the main project actually is because you always get too excited about a new idea or opportunity that comes your way.
I used to look at other business owners on social media and see them doing all the things - running a digital shop, running a product shop, running a print-on-demand shop, offering consulting and launching membership - I'd felt like I needed to do all of it too. Ideally, start right away!
I'd hear people saying - you need to be on TikTok. Others would say you can't rely on social media - you also need to have an email list. Others would say you need to go on Pinterest because Pinterest is so hot right now. And the list of opportunities goes on and on.
On the outside, all of it may look like a good idea, potentially an opportunity to earn more, and it might even be important to implement for your business - at some point.
But what we don't realize is that the social media world of distraction can be a recipe for disaster for your business. That is if you fall into shiny object syndrome and don't protect your priorities, time and resources.
I had my fair share of shiny object syndrome, and at some point, I wasn't even aware of it! That's why, in today's episode, I am sharing with you what it is, the symptoms and practical tips that helped me to overcome the nasty "distraction syndrome" for good!
In this podcast episode, you'll learn:
- The importance of focusing on your main project if you want to grow your business
- Learn to identify if shiny object syndrome is hindering your success through common warning signs
- Practical steps to help you prioritize effectively and stay focused on making progress in your business
- How shiny object syndrome can hinder your business growth
Tools mentioned in this episode:
- Save 15% off my social media Canva templates and website template from Tonic site shop (CODE: MICHAELAF15) - SHOP HERE
- Want more help growing your business on Instagram? Join Instagram for Small Business Academy HERE
- Try my Instagram hashtag helper Flick (affiliate link): TRY HERE
- Start for free in my productivity system Notion - START HERE
- Try my Instagram automation tool ManyChat (affiliate link): TRY FOR FREE HERE
- Outsource part of your social media delegation process with Fiverr - EXPLORE HERE
Let's connect:
- Follow me on Instagram: @smallbizbabescommunity
- Join our podcast-exclusive private Facebook group
- Visit my website: https://michaelafong.com/smallbizbabescommunitylinks
Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Some of the links in resources are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link I shared (at no additional cost to you). This helps me to continue creating this podcast and share more valuable resources with you.
Previous Episode

Avoid these 7 Instagram pitfalls if you want to get customers consistently and grow your business
Are you a small business owner learning how to use Instagram to get customers or clients to your business?
Well, hold onto your smartphones because today, we're putting the spotlight on the time-wasting pitfalls that many entrepreneurs stumble into on Instagram.
Get ready as we delve deep into seven Instagram mistakes that might just be hindering your growth and, more importantly, your ability to attract customers.
But we are not here to just point fingers. We are here to give you actionable tips so you can learn, improve and see your Instagram efforts pay off!
In this episode we'll cover:
- The seven most common Instagram mistakes that often trap new business owners
- How to spot the subtle signs of 'desperate energy' in your Instagram strategy and understand its impact on your results
- Why sending your audience to your bio link might be costing you potential customers and what to do instead
- The importance of nurturing authentic relationships and trust within your Instagram strategy
If you loved this episode, you will also love:
- E18: How to stay consistent with social media for your small business - LISTEN NOW
Tools mentioned in this episode:
- Want more help growing your business on Instagram? Join Instagram for Small Business Academy HERE
- Try my Instagram automation tool ManyChat (affiliate link): TRY FOR FREE HERE
- Join the waitlist for Social Media Planning Masterclass - JOIN HERE
Resources:
- Branding checklist for your small business - FREE GUIDE
- Instagram profile makeover for your small business - FREE GUIDE
Let's connect:
- Follow me on Instagram: @smallbizbabescommunity
- Join our podcast-exclusive private Facebook group
- Visit my website: https://michaelafong.com/smallbizbabescommunitylinks
Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Some of the links in resources are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link I shared (at no additional cost to you). This helps me to continue creating this podcast and share more valuable resources with you.
Next Episode

My weekly routine for productivity as a full-time business owner
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, you probably know that making the most out of your week can be a challenge.
And if you're like me and you're constantly striving to improve your time management and productivity, you are in for a treat!
In this episode, I am diving into my weekly productivity system, including the nitty-gritty of my weekly smart scheduling.
I'll be sharing with you how I time block my week as an owner of a multi-six-figure online business.
No secrets here - this is what works for me and how I plan to make space for deep work as well as managing day-to-day operations. I will also share how I prioritise where I spend time in my business, introduce you to my daily work themes and how I plan for the week ahead!
So, if you need a refresh to your weekly planning, maybe you can try a thing or two from my system!
In this episode we will cover:
- The importance of time-blocking uninterrupted hours to work on projects dedicated to long-term business growth
- Deep dive into my exact weekly schedule, why it's set up this way and the daily themes you can implement to continuously make progress in your business
- How I batch time-consuming tasks in my business for increased productivity
- The power of weekly reflection and getting clear on your schedule for the week ahead on Friday so you can avoid being overwhelmed when it's time to do the work
If you loved this episode, you will also love:
- E38: My daily routine for productivity as a full-time business owner - LISTEN NOW
Tools mentioned in this episode:
- Start for free in my productivity system Notion - START HERE
- Join our private Facebook group here
- Try my email marketing platform (affiliate link): Flodesk 30 days free trial + 50% off your first year
- Try my Instagram hashtag helper Flick (affiliate link): TRY HERE
- Save 15% off my social media Canva templates and website template from Tonic site shop (CODE: MICHAELAF15) - SHOP HERE
- Try my Instagram automation tool ManyChat (affiliate link): TRY FOR FREE HERE
- Outsource part of your social media delegation process with Fiverr - EXPLORE HERE
Let's connect:
- Follow me on Instagram: @smallbizbabescommunity
- Join our podcast-exclusive private Facebook group
- Visit my website: https://michaelafong.com/smallbizbabescommunitylinks
Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Some of the links in resources are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link I shared (at no additional cost to you). This helps me to continue creating this podcast and share more valuable resources with you.
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