I often read emails which start with ‘Hi Jean, I’ve seen this really cool thing (insert bright shiny object name here) and I was just wondering whether I should buy it’ or sometimes the variation is ‘do I need ?’ So I thought I’d sum up my advice if you’ve ever been faced with this dilemma. First some things I need to get clear on:
- People will always try to sell you new stuff
- A lot of people are very good at selling you new stuff
- We all like bright shiny objects
So, here’s the process I try to go through (when I remember – I’m not totally immune to this stuff either !)
The first question to ask yourself is ‘ Does this BSO (bright shiny object) solve a problem I currently have?’ Note I said, currently – not a problem that I’ve been convinced I have through the sales page.
Then: ‘ If I buy this will it distract me from my current business plan or does it help me get towards my goals?’
Followed by: ‘Realistically how much new technology will I have to learn? And, do I have the spare time to do it?’
I also take in to account whether it’s a one off payment or a monthly charge (I don’t generally like monthly charges – but that may just be me) and if there’s a money back guarantee.
I am one of those people who put a review date in my diary and if I either haven’t used the BSO or it doesn’t do what I thought it would I will ask for a refund. Now, you may say that’s sad – I like to think of it as efficient.
And, always remember these BSOs do come along all the time. In other words if you don’t buy it today it’s probably going to be there tomorrow or there’ll be an even Brighter, Shinier Object along before you can whip your credit card out.