Running a business has never been straightforward – and with today’s cost-of-living pressures, many owners are taking a hard look at how to protect profitability.

Fetch has partnered with Melbourne-based Business & Development Coach Shaun McGrath, who brings more than 30 years of industry experience. Shaun built a highly successful plumbing business from a garage desktop into an $11 million operation with 70+ staff and has held senior leadership roles across construction.

As the founder of Wingman Mentoring, Shaun explains:

“The so-called ‘cost of living crisis’ may not compare to the challenges faced post-war, but for today’s generation of business owners, it’s a very real, first-time experience. In tough times, the potential to grow is always there – but only if you focus on what you can do, rather than waiting for silver-bullet solutions from so-called experts. We often overcomplicate business when the real answers are profoundly simple.”

Here are 10 practical areas Shaun recommends reviewing to strengthen your bottom line—that very bottom line of cash in hand after everything else is paid.

1. Planning

All great adventures start with a plan. Do you have a business plan, and when was it last reviewed? Combine detailed short-term forecasts (1–2 weeks) with broader three-to-twelve-month projections. Without this, you are reactive and often out of control, which can overwhelm everyone.

2. Overheads

Do you know your overheads as a percentage of revenue? Whether it is paying down loans, renegotiating leases, or cutting unnecessary subscriptions, even small changes quickly add up.

3. Productivity

Ask the team how output can increase without working harder. The best ideas often come from those closest to the front line. Think simple one per cent improvements like shared supplier phone lists, on-demand couriers for urgent deliveries, or a dedicated site WhatsApp group for orders.

4. Team & Leadership

It is all about people. Keep developing your own leadership skills, set clear expectations, and make tough calls when someone is not the right fit. As Jim Collins says, “First Who, Then What.” Get the right people on the bus and everything else becomes easier.

5. Sales

Not all customers are equal. Identify the clients who bring the greatest value and nurture those relationships. Likewise, recognise which clients drain time and margin. Focusing on the right clients creates healthier profits and more enjoyable projects.

6. Pricing & Estimating

Know your rates, margins, and the profit you will actually make. Poor estimating or unclear pricing is one of the fastest ways to erode profit and confidence.

7. Suppliers

Your suppliers shop around. Do you? Keep an up-to-date comparison list and review prices regularly so you are never overpaying. Break out disciplines where needed to optimise spending.

8. Systems

Great teams win with great systems. Make sure everyone understands their role and that processes for planning, ordering and closing out jobs are documented or automated. Streamlining these saves hours every week.

9. Reporting

Think of reporting like a pilot’s dashboard. You do not need complexity, but you do need visibility of the right numbers. Cash in the bank today is no guarantee of long-term success. Regular, focused reports give you the real picture.

10. Finance & Wealth Creation

Why did you start your business? Ensure you have a proactive accountant and solid corporate or tax structures. Prepare twelve-month cash-flow forecasts and monthly reporting, and set personal wealth goals such as when to buy that investment property or when you want to retire, so you know what you are working toward.

Why This Matters

For many of our clients, these areas are the difference between just getting by and driving sustainable growth. The good news is that none of this requires a silver bullet. Just an honest assessment and a clear plan.

Shaun McGrath offers a free consultation for any Fetch Recruitment clients who would like to explore these areas further. Whether you want to review overheads, sharpen pricing, or put better systems in place, he can help you identify practical next steps tailored to your business.

👉 Get in touch with us to arrange an introduction and book your free session.