... and what it taught me in business

You know that feeling when everyone else is living their best life and you’re… not?
Yeah, that was me last week.

While half the bookkeeping, accounting and small‑business universe was swanning around the Australian Business Expo in Sydney, soaking up the content, the networking, the after‑hours shenanigans — and don’t even get me started on the boat trip — I was at home watching the Instagram stories like a kid with their nose pressed against the window of a lolly shop.

I had full‑blown, capital‑letter FOMO.

And look, I’m happy for everyone who went. Truly. Deeply. Madly.
But also… rude.

🌟 The business side of FOMO (because it’s not just about missing a boat party)

Here’s the thing. FOMO doesn’t just hit us when we miss an event. It sneaks into our business decisions too. And when it does, it can make us do some very questionable things.

😬 Common business FOMO moments

• Signing up for software you don’t need because “everyone else is using it”
• Taking on clients who aren’t a fit because “what if the next one doesn’t come”
• Saying yes to every opportunity because “what if this is the one”
• Changing your niche, your pricing, your entire business model because someone online said you should

Sound familiar? Yeah… same.

🧠 The consequences of business FOMO

Business FOMO feels productive, but it’s actually the opposite. It can lead to:

• Burnout (because you’re doing all the things)
• Overwhelm (because you’re doing all the things badly)
• Wasted money (hello unused subscriptions)
• Loss of direction (your business starts to look like a buffet plate — a bit of everything, nothing that goes together. And no-one really loves a buffet)

FOMO makes us reactive instead of strategic.
And reactive businesses don’t grow — they scramble.

🌱 How to avoid business FOMO (without becoming a hermit)

Here’s what actually helps:

✔️ 1. Know your goals

When you’re clear on what you’re building, it’s easier to ignore shiny distractions.

✔️ 2. Choose your events intentionally

Not every event is your event.
Some are for learning.
Some are for networking.
Some are for boat trips.
(Still not over it.)

✔️ 3. Debrief with someone who did go

You get the insights without the travel, the cost, or the blistered feet from wearing cute shoes.

✔️ 4. Remember: you can’t be everywhere

You’re running a business, not collecting attendance badges.

✔️ 5. Trust that the right opportunities come back around

They always do.

And if I miss the next big industry event, I’ve made myself a little anti‑FOMO plan:

• Step 1: Accept my fate
• Step 2: Message a friend who’s there and demand photos
• Step 3: Watch the replays with snacks
• Step 4: Book myself a “consolation prize” — a beach walk, a long lunch, or a sneaky glass of bubbles
• Step 5: Remind myself that one missed event does not define my career

And if there’s another boat trip?
Well… I’ll just have to organise my own. Preferably with better snacks.

Stay cool and hit the beach!