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Read time: 2 mins
Ever notice how easy it is to fill up your garage with clutter?
Our garage has an ungodly number of boxes, bags, shoes, every type of sporting equipment imaginable, and yes, cables:
Businesses can get like this too.
It’s easy to add things and keep them, thinking they’ll be useful:
More reports, more tools, more processes.
But here’s the thing—while it’s easy to add, it’s just as important to remove.
This happened to Steve when he was head of analytics and reporting for a large company.
His new COO came in one day and told him to shut off all operational reports.
Everyone freaked out, including Steve.
But guess what?
After they turned everything off, 90% of those reports stayed off.
People didn’t even notice they were missing!
It made Steve realise how much clutter they had; and how much time, money, and effort was being wasted producing reports no one ever looked at.
Those reports were the garage clutter of the business.
So, when’s the last time you decluttered your business?
If you haven’t done it lately, it’s probably time for an audit.
Here are 3 ways to identify what to cut in your business, to keep it lean and efficient:
3 WAYS TO DECIDE WHAT TO REMOVE IN YOUR BUSINESS
1. Look for What’s Not Being Used
Are you paying for tools, software, or subscriptions no one touches?
Do you have reports or processes that people have forgotten about?
Start by reviewing what’s not getting used.
If it’s not adding value or getting used regularly, it’s probably time to let it go.
2. Identify Bottlenecks
What’s slowing things down?
Sometimes, the tools or processes you’ve added over time are creating unnecessary complexity.
If something consistently causes delays, confusion, or frustration, it’s worth asking if it’s helping or hindering your team.
3. Measure the ROI
Everything in your business should save you time, make you money, or improve your outcomes in some other clear way.
If you’re unsure why you’re still using something, ask yourself:
What’s the return on this?
If you can’t quantify a clear benefit, it’s probably time to cut it.
Bottom Line: Removing unnecessary tasks, tools, and processes can free up space, time and resources for what really matters.
Need help figuring out how to declutter and maximise the value of what you keep?
Let’s chat!
Speak soon,
Lynne & Steve
TLDR:
- To keep your business lean and efficient, regularly audit what you’re using.
- Here’s how to decide what to cut:
- Look for what’s not being used.
- Identify bottlenecks.
- Measure the ROI of each tool or process.
- Need help? Reach out—we’re here to help streamline!
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