Feeling Like a Slave to Your Business? Here’s How to Take Back Control

Are you running the business or is it running you? Feeling like a slave to your business often means:

• You’re available to clients 24/7

• You don’t trust your team to manage without you

• You’re always behind and can’t seem to catch up

• You believe “this is just how it is” as a business owner

But here’s the truth: feeling stuck is a choice.

The OARBED mindset tells us that when we act above the line — with Ownership, Accountability, and Responsibility — we can shift from survival mode to strategic action.

So What Can You Actually Do?

Start by identifying what’s causing the pressure and what you can do to change it.

1. Set boundaries and fix broken processes
   Clients messaging at all hours? Introduce a standard response time and communicate it clearly (for example “within 24 hours”).
   Cashflow issues? Review your payment terms and enforce them.

2. Empower your team
   Don’t trust your team to run things without you? Ask yourself:

   • Have I trained them properly?

   • Am I giving them enough responsibility?

   • Do I need to hire or outsource to ease the load?

3. Get back to your ‘why’
   What did you want when you started? More freedom, less stress, or time with your family?
   Revisit the vision behind your business and let that guide your next steps.?0

What Gets Measured Gets Managed

Here’s how we support business owners to make real, lasting change:

• Monthly Coaching – Regular check-ins to review your actual results and clarify areas where you can improve your business performance and overcome obstacles.
  
  
• Quarterly Strategy Sessions – Deep dives to reflect, plan and set meaningful 90-day goals.
  
  
• Practical tools – Cashflow forecasts, wealth creation plan and system reviews tailored to your business.

You Don’t Need to Do It Alone

Running a business doesn’t mean doing everything. It means setting the direction and building the support to stay on course.

If you’re ready to regain control, stay focused and actually enjoy running your business again, we’re here to help. Let’s talk about how our coaching services can support you and your business.

At DVA, we work with business owners across North Shore and wider Auckland who want to feel more in control of their business. To find out more about our Advisory Services visit this page.