What’s the Difference Between Shiny Objects and Opportunity?

I’ve been doing some speaking (around the country) on the topic of “shiny objects.”

A vendor approached me and wanted me to promote his latest website, which he claims will make everyone a superstar in their corner of the lending world. He offered to pay me a commission for everyone that signed up.

Here’s the thing. While it might be an awesome website and an opportunity to make some coin, I review every offer to determine how valuable it might have been in my own mortgage business—before I would recommend it to Mortgage Girlfriends.

You’ve probably been asked to contribute to the Board of Realtors golf outing. Or participate in a bridal show. Sponsor a luncheon. Or participate in the latest marketing tool offered by your company (which you may or may not be required to pay for).

I’m not saying that these tactics are either good or bad. What I want to point out is that they are merely forms of “shiny objects” if the events/participation were NEVER part of your marketing plan.

So, how do you determine if participation is an OPPORTUNITY or a SHINY OBJECT? Ask yourself these questions:

Is the opportunity aligned with your goals and personal interests?
Will it help build your brand/reputation?
Will your participation add value to the meeting/event AS WELL AS be valuable to you?
Does the opportunity expand your network/increase your database?
What does your gut tell you?
Do you have mutual interests or is it just one-sided (to get you to sponsor stuff)?

Using these filters, my gut told me that this website needed more time to work out the kinks.

Feel free to print this VIP Digest article. So, the next time you are presented with an opportunity, ask yourself these questions, because not every opportunity is a shiny object—but also realize that not every shiny object is an opportunity!

By the way, my e-Book called No Shiny Objects: 29 Sales and Marketing Ideas (members visit the link to download the ebook) is INCLUDED free with your Mortgage Girlfriends Membership. View membership options now!