When business feels uncertain, the best thing you can do is pause and get clear on what really matters. That’s exactly what happened during a recent webinar hosted by Optimum Recoveries alongside guest speaker Brad Bulow, Director at SB Group and author of The A to Z Business Survival Guide.
Brad has worked with business owners across Queensland for decades. He’s not one for fluff or theory. His approach is grounded in what he’s learned from growing his own firm from a single desk to a large team, and from walking alongside clients through growth, risk, and recovery.
If you missed the session, here’s a breakdown of the five principles covered, each one framed around a vowel. Simple in structure, but powerful when put into action.
A is for Adapt
The landscape is shifting constantly. Prices go up, technology evolves, and customers expect more. To stay in front, you need to move with purpose. Waiting too long to act can cost more than a wrong move made early.
Brad encouraged business owners to make regular time to review their model. Pricing, suppliers, service delivery, and staffing levels should not be set-and-forgets. Keep a close eye on what’s changing around you and adjust your inputs to match.
E is for Educate
Keeping your skills current gives you a real advantage. Whether you’re building a team or running solo, education shouldn’t be squeezed into the leftover hours.
Brad shared how his firm takes a structured approach to learning, allocating time for both technical and personal development. That isn’t to say you need to take on another full degree as podcasts, articles, workshops, and mentoring all play a role. The point is to build space for growth into your routine.
Education also keeps your thinking sharp, which is essential when the goalposts are always moving. Invest in learning before you’re forced to catch up.
I is for Insure and Invest
Many businesses protect their property and equipment but forget to insure the most critical asset: the people. Without you, the business can’t run. That’s why personal risk cover matters.
Beyond the traditional policies, it’s also worth considering trade credit insurance and protection for your receivables. In uncertain times, these are often the assets most exposed. Brad stressed the importance of covering income, not just physical assets, especially for business owners carrying personal financial risk.
On the investment side, small improvements often deliver the best returns. Flexible work hours, wellbeing programs, even the quality of snacks in the office! All of it contributes to stronger performance and team loyalty.
O is for Outsource
It’s common for small businesses to hire someone to handle a mix of tasks, from admin to marketing to HR. But generalists rarely deliver strong outcomes across the board. Brad offered an alternative: outsource to specialists who do one thing well.
Outsourcing doesn’t have to mean loss of control. In fact, it can give you better visibility and accountability, especially when your consultant has clear milestones, agreed scope, and measurable results. It can also be a smart way to bridge skill gaps without taking on long-term costs.
Outsourcing also supports your ability to focus. The more time you spend doing what you do best, the better your outcomes will be. That’s a foundational principle in effective Debt Management too.
U is for Understand
Understanding your value is essential if you want to set fair prices and make confident decisions. That means going beyond intuition and digging into your numbers.
Your profit and loss, balance sheet, and aged receivables all tell a story. If you know how to read them, you can spot early warning signs and make adjustments before pressure builds. Brad urged attendees to price on their actual costs, capacity, and income goals.
He also reminded us that not every client is the right fit. When someone drains your time, undercuts your boundaries, or regularly pays late, they may not be worth the effort. There is power in saying no.
Being across your payment terms, forecasting inflows, and preventing future issues is also the foundation of effective Debt Prevention. When you understand what’s happening in your business, you can take control.
Build Your Business to Withstand What’s Next
There’s no single formula for business survival, but the AEIOU framework gives you a practical place to start.
If you’re feeling the pinch or want support with your debt prevention, management, or recovery, contact us today. The team at Optimum Recoveries is here to help you build a business that’s resilient and ready to grow.
Brad Bulow leads a team that helps businesses improve their financial position through expert accounting, lending, and advisory services – and if you’d like to continue the conversation, we’d be more than happy to put you in touch.
