Can Your Dream Message Survive A Short Attention Span?

Last updated on April 2nd, 2012 at 01:16 pm

While I wait for a few products headed my way for review, I have to ask: Is it only entrepreneurs that have short attention spans when it comes to information?

I am certain there are good reasons for limiting the amount of information we are allowed to share online — both Twitter and Facebook cut off your text within a certain number of characters. I think these two companies understand our inability to absorb too much information due to our short digital attention spans.

What kind of information message works with our short attention spans?

I don’t see many. You can’t get across complex issues, difficult arguments, or detailed instructions in a sentence of 140 characters.  You can highlight a particular feature, focus on a new element, or simply point someone toward where they can get more information.

I’ve heard “short attention span” called many things, but when it applies to me, I call it “shiny object syndrome” and most entrepreneurs have it. You know if you have it, and if you don’t know — ask your friends and they will (hopefully) tell you. It’s the problem of being distracted by the next shiny object, whether you are done with the one you started with — or not.

Wow … look at that bird outside … see?

How does your business message hold the attention of your prospects?

There are several elements you should meet to make sure your message survives “shiny object syndrome”. Catherine covered a few of these in relation to content overall in her post “The 20 Most Irritating Mistakes Bloggers And Website Owners Make Manifesto“. Do you think your business message covers these elements?

Is it sticky? Keep people coming back, leaves them wanting more

Is it free? Nobody like paying, so make sure you have lots of incentive to make it worth spending the money once they get there

Is it entertaining? Life’s short, make me laugh. And yes, even serious topics can be broached with a fun slant.

Does it make sense? Make it crystal clear, and fast. You get less than 140 characters and under 15 seconds to catch my attention. Yes, I’ll be timing you.

Do I have to commit? After I decide you are funny and I love your stuff, make it easy to keep coming back. No one likes to be forced into an obligation.

Ever clicked on a link from Google based on the description? Been drawn to a sidebar comment in a blog based on a few words that caught your eye?

I’m sure they were shiny — hence the need for the quick message.

Thankfully we get the opportunity to get it done with a few more characters here on 8 Women Dream

Do you suffer from shiny object syndrome? If you aren’t sure — there’s a test — The Attention Span Test.  It’s a short test.  I think they get us.

Can you get your message across in less that 140 characters? Show me in the comments…

– Heather

Heather’s dream is to have multiple streams of income, starting with launching an e-commerce website that showcases her couture jewelry, which are crafted by her. You can find Heather online at For Your Adornment and Twitter And Beyond Dot Com. She also teaches Social Media tactics for business, besides being CEO of her own web design company. Heather’s post day is Friday.