Keep it Simple Stupid

I’ve spent years working with both large and small firms including running my own, and the best solutions I’ve come across all share one timeless principle: KISS. Keep It Simple, Stupid.

I’m not sure who coined the phrase, but they deserve a standing ovation. As business owners, we have a habit of overcomplicating things. We get in our own heads and turn small hurdles into mountain ranges.

It doesn't help that we live in an era of information overload. Within seconds, you can Google a new tax strategy, a budgeting app, or a 10-step strategic plan. These resources are amazing, but they often leave us feeling more confused and stressed than when we started.

A Case Study

This week, a client and I were reviewing her businesses' 2026 strategy. She was exhausted. She felt she was falling behind because she wasn't "keeping up with the younger generation" on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and LinkedIn. Between SEO, the ever-changing algorithms, and the pressure of short-form vs. long-form content, she felt like she was drowning in a language she didn’t speak. She had been told by others that if she wasn't on these "golden age" platforms, her business would be left in the dust. Even I had to admit, that's A LOT of social media to keep up with!

Then we looked at her 2025 numbers.

I asked her where she felt most alive in her business and where she thought she was most profitable. Her answer was immediate: in-person, one-on-one interactions.

As a CPA, there is no better feeling than when a client’s intuition matches their financials. When we dove into her data, the truth could not be more clear: her in-person service line had an ROI nearly double that of her online services. We spent the rest of our meeting revising her strategy to KISS: focusing on what she’s actually good at and what she actually enjoys.

Don't get me wrong: social media platforms are incredible tools. I’ve seen plenty of companies use them to reach massive success. But see them for what they are, just tools. If they're sucking up your time, energy, and most importantly clouding your judgement, it's OK to set them down. It's OK to go in a different direction that suites you and your needs. You don't need to feel obligated to use them just because "everyone" else is. Your competitive advantage starts with you, what you're good at, and most importantly what you enjoy. Happy Friday and enjoy the weekend!