The habits our most successful business clients have in common
We asked the team recently what they wish clients did more of and it became clear that our most successful business clients all shared the habits that were listed off. They don’t necessarily have the biggest teams or the most beautiful office. What they do have is a consistent way of operating that makes their businesses easier to manage, more resilient, and far less stressful — for them and for their advisors.
Here are the habits we see time and time again among the clients who get the best outcomes.
1. They stay on top of their debts and ATO obligations
Successful business owners don’t ignore their tax and compliance obligations, even when cash flow feels tight.
They:
- Pay BAS, IAS and tax returns on time
- Address amounts owing early
- Engage with payment plans when needed
This proactive approach reduces penalties, minimises interest, and avoids last-minute panic. Most importantly, it keeps options open and allows for proper planning rather than constant firefighting.
2. They’re responsive to communication
Our best clients:
- Reply to emails and requests promptly
- Provide information when asked
- Ask questions if something isn’t clear
This makes a real difference to how well we’re able to work with you. Quick communication means faster turnaround times, fewer follow-ups, and better advice because decisions are made using complete and current information.
Great outcomes come from strong advisor–client partnerships, and communication is what underpins that relationship.
3. They’re keen to get things done
Momentum matters in business. Our most successful clients don’t let tasks sit on the to-do list indefinitely. When something needs to be done – whether it’s setting up systems, signing documents, or cleaning up historical records – they take action.
That willingness to get things done leads to:
- Cleaner records
- Fewer issues down the track
- Better long-term outcomes
Even when something feels unfamiliar, they understand that action now prevents bigger problems later.
4. They’re across their books (at least at a basic level)
Our best clients don’t try to be accountants (because outsourcing where you can is another thing that correlates to success) – but they do understand the basics.
They have a general grasp of:
- How their business is tracking
- What their profit looks like (not just their bank balance)
- Where to find key reports in Xero
Because they’re familiar with their own Xero files, conversations shift from explaining numbers to making decisions. That’s where advisory support becomes truly valuable.
5. They’re genuinely interested in their business and keen to learn
This one might seem obvious, but not all business owners actually love what they do or the industry they’ve found themselves in. Perhaps the biggest differentiator we see is curiosity.
Our most successful clients show a genuine interest in how their business works financially. They want to understand their numbers, learn how their books fit together, and improve over time. That interest leads to better decisions, more confidence, and ultimately stronger businesses.
There’s no single formula for business success, but these habits consistently show up among the clients who get the most value from their accounting and advisory support.
If you’re building these habits, or want help developing them, the payoff is clarity, confidence, and better control over your business.
If you’d like to chat about how we can support you in building stronger business habits, we’d love to help.
