Making Tougher Decision
A New Financial Year – Same Pressure or a Different Approach?
As the 2026 financial year comes to a close, most business owners will sit down, review their numbers, and have a moment of truth.
If youโre honest, youโll fall into one of three categories below:
- It was a solid year. Now the question is, how do I grow and improve even further?
- It didnโt quite hit the mark. I need to make better decisions and lift performance.
- It was a shocker. Itโs not sustainable, and if I donโt act now, I risk going backwards fast. Iโm working too hard for too little return.
The reality? Most business owners sit in categories two or three.
Running a business today is getting tougher and it is not getting any easier. Inflation continues to rise, increasing the cost of wages, materials, compliance, and day-to-day operations. Yes, you can pass some of that onto your customers, but only to a point. Eventually, clients become more selective, reduce spending, or walk away altogether.
At the same time, uncertainty is everywhere. Government changes, upcoming elections, shifting policies, new taxes, and compliance requirements such as Super Pay Day from 1 July, are all adding to the pressure. In Victoria, ongoing discussions around working from home requirements are already creating concern for many small and medium-sized businesses that donโt have the flexibility or scale to absorb those changes easily.
This is the environment youโre operating in.
When the market is strong, business feels easier. When it tightens, survival mode kicks in. You adapt, adjust, and do whatever it takes to keep moving forward. Thatโs where the pressure builds. You invest in marketing. You roll out new products and services. You upgrade systems, technology, and equipment. You refine processes. Sometimes you even expand into new premises. All of it is aimed at staying competitive.
Along the way, you make mistakes. You learn. You adjust. And you keep going because you want control of your own future. But letโs call it out. There are three things that consistently keep business owners awake at night:
Revenue
Not enough coming in. Cash flow is tight. Youโre watching every dollar and juggling commitments to keep the doors open.
Staff
People challenges. Conflict, poor performance, disengagement. Add in Workcover, compliance, and psychosocial pressures, and it becomes draining very quickly.
Customers
Struggling to win new business or losing key clients. One wrong move can cost you significant revenue.
The good news is all three can be addressed, but not by chance. They require clarity, structure, and the right support. You need a clear pathway forward, one that is backed by the right people. Your accountant, business advisor, HR support, legal guidance as these are not people you call only when things go wrong. They should be part of your business before problems arise.
Too many business owners operate in a reactive way. When you run your business like that, it drains your energy and your finances. Every issue becomes urgent. Every mistake becomes costly. Every decision feels rushed.
There is a better way. Be proactive. Create a plan. Build a pathway that gives you direction, focus, and confidence. When you lead your business with intent, everything changes, the way you think, the way you act, and the results you achieve.
As you move into the new financial year, get the fundamentals right:
- Strengthen your foundations
- Build a capable and aligned team
- Use your advisors for guidance and validation
- Be clear on your โwhyโ
- Take your people on the journey
Your team needs to understand where the business is heading and how they contribute to that success. When people are aligned, performance improves.
Make the decision to become an employer of choice. Lead with purpose. Recognise effort. Celebrate the wins, big and small. Reward and acknowledge your people. They are critical to your long-term success. And remember, you donโt have to do this alone.
Your business is bigger than just you. Itโs your team, your advisors, and your suppliers working together. The real question is, are you running your business, or is it running you? Find the right experience. Get the right support. Build something stronger.
If youโre feeling overwhelmed, time-poor, or unclear under pressure, now is the time to act. Delaying decisions only increases the cost financially and personally. With the right guidance, you can make better decisions, focus on what truly matters, and move forward with confidence.
Even in uncertain times, well-planned, positive change is not only possible, itโs essential.
Partner with Key Business Advisors
At Key Business Advisors, we have an experienced team committed to delivering results aligned with our mission, vision, purpose, and values. We develop tailored strategies that help businesses move from good to great. With a proven model and over 18 years of experience, we have built strong, long-lasting client relationships across Australia.
To learn more and access valuable resources to help your business grow and evolve, explore our FREE resources:
- KBA Business Strategy & Growth – https://keyba.com.au/business-advice-strategy-and-growth/
- KBA People & Culture – https://keyba.com.au/people-culture-business/
- KBA HR Advice and Support – https://keyba.com.au/hr-advice-support/
- KBA Leadership & Development – https://keyba.com.au/professional-sales-training/
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Need help? give us a call! Let us help you to enhance the performance and culture of your business. Contact Key Business Advisors on 1300 4 ADVICE today!
