# Are you in control of your business Last updated: 2026-09-09 *Blog | June 2021* # Are you in control of your business ### “Success isn’t a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.” ## How can you get back in control of your business? Feeling dominated by your business implies the loss of control; thinking that you need to be available to your customers 24/7 and that your team can’t cope without you. It can also lead to a lack of perspective and self-care – thinking that this is just what it’s like to be a business owner and that it’s not something you can change. Maybe Covid had a huge impact on your business and you’re playing catch up. There are lots of reasons why you feel controlled by your business. In other words, lots of excuses. The OARBED behaviour model tells us we must act above the line; taking Ownership, Accountability and Responsibility for our actions and the choices we make. Feeling controlled by your business is a choice. So, what can you do to stop feeling this way? How can you get back in control of your business? First, review and update your processes. If customers are contacting you at all hours, put in place a timeframe for responding, e.g. within 24 hours, and communicate this with your customers. If cashflow is an issue, review your payment terms and ensure they’re being enforced. Next, if you don’t feel like you can trust your team to run your business without you, establish why this is. Do they need more training and support? Have you given them the opportunity to step up and take on more responsibility? Do you need to take on more team members or outsource some tasks? Whatever your reasons – or excuses – are for feeling controlled by your business, now is the time to reflect on what it is you wanted your business to deliver to you. Set goals for what you want your business and personal life to look like in 12 months. Break these down into 90 day goals and actions to achieve those goals. Take ownership, accountability and responsibility for regaining control of your business. Consider the following questions: - Do you need to start going home on time every night? - Do you need to stop accepting work from people who don’t respect your payment terms? - Do you need to block out calendar time to respect your health and wellbeing? - Do you need to implement 10 strategies to grow your cashflow? - Do you need to train and empower your team to take on more responsibility? - Do you need more time to plan? No more excuses – it’s your business, you make the rules, choose not to be controlled! Need accountability coaching? We can help you be the master of your business. “Success isn’t a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.” – Arnold Glasgow Tags: advisory, business growth, cashflow, finance director, forecasting, leadership, management accounts, management reports ![](https://loveyouraccountants.com/asset/2411/175-175-def/author-andy-mildner.png) **Author** ###### **Andy Mildner** Andy is a seasoned accountant, FD and business coach passionate about helping business owners achieve clarity and confidence. As founder of LYA... [Read more](https://loveyouraccountants.com/author-andy-mildner) --- ### Related Blogs - [UK Interest Rate Rises 2026: What It Means for Business](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/uk-interest-rate-rises-business-2026) — Markets are now pricing in UK interest rate rises rather than cuts in 2026. Here's what that means for business loans, overdrafts and cashflow. - [Corporation Tax Late Filing Penalties Doubled in 2026](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/corporation-tax-late-filing-penalties-doubled) — Corporation Tax late filing penalties doubled from 1 April 2026. Here's exactly what a late CT600 now costs, and how the fines escalate. - [UK Autumn Budget 2026: How Small Businesses Should Prepare](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/autumn-budget-2026-small-business-preparation) — The Autumn Budget lands 28 October 2026. Here is what UK small business owners should actually check now, before tax changes are confirmed. - [Frozen Tax Thresholds Explained: The UK Stealth Tax](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/frozen-tax-thresholds-stealth-tax) — Personal allowance and higher-rate thresholds have been frozen since 2021. Here's how fiscal drag quietly increases your tax bill, with real salary examples.