This came up again and again in conversations this week. Smart, capable business owners. Paying for software they meant to use.  Tools they planned to roll out.  Systems they were told would “save time and money.” But right now? They’re just quietly draining cash in the background.

And here’s the truth most people miss: The problem isn’t the tools.  It’s the lack of intention behind them. When everything feels urgent, tools get bought reactively.  A new app for reporting.  Another platform for workflows.  Yet another subscription “just in case.”

Before you know it, you’ve built a tech stack that looks impressive — but doesn’t actually serve you.

Today’s tip is simple, but powerful: do a tool reset.

Set aside 30 minutes and ask three questions for every tool or subscription you’re paying for:

1. What specific outcome was this meant to deliver?
   (Not “be better organised” — be concrete.)
2. Is it actively being used to achieve that outcome today?
   (Not “we’ll get to it soon.” Today.)
3. If we cancelled it tomorrow, what would actually break?
   (And who would even notice?)

You’ll be surprised how many tools fail this test.  Here’s the reframe to consider: Every tool in your business should either save time, reduce risk, or make money. If it does none of those — it’s not an asset. It’s noise. Clarity doesn’t come from adding more. It comes from removing what no longer serves you.  And when you reduce waste — financial and mental — progress gets a lot easier.

If you’d like help reviewing your systems and aligning them to what actually matters in your business, that’s exactly what we do inside our Profit Improvement Workshop.

Sometimes the fastest way forward…  Is clearing what’s in the way. Take 5 minutes to complete our free Profit/Efficiency Diagnostic to get your free report.

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Please also note that many of the comments in this publication are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and the information’s applicability to their particular circumstances. Should you have any further questions, please get in touch with us for assistance with your SMSF, business, bookkeeping and tax requirements. All rights reserved. Based on content from Mindshop, a trusted resource for business advisors worldwide. Liability Limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.