Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS) is a condition recognized by many entrepreneurs. It’s that urge to impulsively start “promising” projects, launch new products and services, and dabble in miracle marketing methods.

Pretty soon, your company is stretched thin trying to manage both your legacy business and these shiny new ideas. Sadly, many of these ideas don’t pan out, and your business is left retreating to its now distracted and weakened core.

Sound familiar?

My investment banking firm, MB Partners, fell victim to SOS in 2006. Our core business was doing great, thanks to a successful direct mail campaign. The phone wouldn’t stop ringing, and I thought we were untouchable. Then, two shiny objects caught my eye.

Our Shiny Object Syndrome Story

After reading Tom West’s Complete Guide to Business Brokerage and Michael Gerber’s E-Myth, I was inspired to launch two new ventures. We hired an expensive executive to run a startup business brokerage firm, and…