Business By Design Part 4: Why you do it, not how you do it!

Clear Vision • November 29, 2016

Ever wondered why some businesses seem to inspire loyalty, achieve amazing results and grow exponentially while others lanquish, have trouble selling their products and ultimately disappear?

In recent blogs we’ve discussed some of the bottom line issues for poor business performance including cashflow issues and lack of strategic direction but this time I want to talk about your “why” and how that may be impacting your success in business, in your personal life and in how you lead others.

According to Simon Sinek, the fundamental difference between high flying companies like Apple and pretty much everyone else is that they start with “why.”

To explain this concept Sinek has developed what he calls the “Golden Circle”.  The golden circle has three layers:

  • Why: This is the core belief of a business.  It’s why the business exists.
  • How: This is how the business fulfils that core belief
  • What: This is what the business does to fulful that core belief.

What Sinek suggests, and what you’re probably starting to realise, is that most companies spend all their time focussing on the How and the What and no time on the Why.

The success of many of the world’s most outstanding companies is that they understand their Why and they are successful in communicating it to their target market and customers.

It seems the average consumer connects far better when making a buying choice with a company that demonstrates a passion for Why the provide a particular service or product than a company that only communicates its What or How.

Sinek also suggests that the same principle can be applied to our personal lives and our work.  If you don’t know Why you do what you do you may never love what you do and be great at doing it.

You can find Sinek’s original TedTalk outlining the idea here.  I strongly encourage you to take the time to watch it.

And if you’d like someone to talk to about developing the Why in your business please give me a call.

12% Superannuation Guarantee - 1 July 2025

By Caroline Gillies • June 22, 2025
From 1 July 2025, the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate in Australia will increase to 12%. This means employers will be legally required to contribute at least 12% of an eligible employee's ordinary time earnings to their superannuation fund. This increase is the final step in a legislated rise from 9.5% in 2021 to 12% by 2025, aimed at boosting retirement savings for Australian workers. If you use Xero for payroll, the SG rate should automatically update in the system. However, we recommend you double-check your payroll settings to ensure everything is correct. If you’re unsure or need assistance, please contact your bookkeeper or get in touch with us at: Clear Vision Accountancy Group (07) 4688 2500 We’re here to help you stay compliant and avoid any costly errors.

Capital Gains Tax Implications of Subdividing Land in Australia

By Caroline Gillies • June 1, 2025
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Autumn Tax Tips: Make the Most of the Final Weeks Before Year-End

By Caroline Gillies • May 25, 2025
As we step into the final week of autumn and feel winter’s chill approaching, it’s a natural time for reflection—and that includes taking stock of your financial and tax situation. The end of the year is closer than it seems, and a bit of preparation now can make a significant difference come tax season. Here are a few things to consider as the leaves fall: 1. Review Your Income and Deductions This is a good moment to check your income year-to-date and consider whether there are any deductions you can still take advantage of. Charitable donations or investment losses might help reduce your taxable income before year-end. 2. Maximise Super Concessional Contributions If you haven’t yet maxed out your superannuation concessional contributions, there’s still time. Remember unused cap amounts carry forward for 5 years and the 2019-20 unused cap amount will expire 30 June 2025. These contributions not only help secure your future but can also offer tax benefits now. 3. Organise Your Records Autumn’s slower pace is perfect for pulling together receipts, invoices, and financial documents. Getting organised now means less stress later when tax season begins in earnest. 4. Consider Tax-Loss Harvesting If you’ve had investments that underperformed, selling them before the end of the year to offset gains can be a strategic move. Consult with us today to see if this makes sense for you. 5. Plan Ahead Winter may bring holidays and downtime, but it's also a good window to consult with a tax professional. A quick meeting before year-end can reveal savings opportunities or help avoid surprises when you file. So, as the days grow shorter and frost begins to settle in, use this time to bring clarity and warmth to your finances.