You Can't Control Everything, But You Can Own Your Tech Strategy

A Policy Change That Hits Close to Home

When Canada decided to drop its digital services tax, it gave businesses across the country a rare win. Prices for tools like Office 365 and Google Workspace didn’t suddenly spike. There was no last-minute scramble. Just a quiet sigh of relief from businesses that rely on those platforms to keep operations moving.

But moments like this are a good reminder of how much is outside your control. Government policies, trade negotiations, global tech standards. These things shift quickly. And when they do, they can quietly reshape your cost structure without warning.

What You Can Control: Your Tech Strategy

You can’t control global policy, but you can own your tech strategy. That starts with clarity. It means knowing exactly what your business is trying to achieve and making sure each piece of your tech stack serves a real purpose in that mission.

This isn’t about chasing every new tool. It’s about being intentional. Businesses that operate with a clear tech strategy avoid redundant systems, know who owns what, and can adapt faster when the environment changes.

When Tools Pile Up Without a Plan

It’s easy to lose track of what’s running behind the scenes. I’ve stepped into businesses where multiple departments used different tools to solve the same problem. Where team members stored files in several places. Where no one was sure which platform held the latest version of a document.

That kind of setup isn’t just messy. It’s costly. When people waste time searching for information or using the wrong tool, it drags down productivity. And when something changes, like a price hike or a new integration requirement, no one knows what to do first.

This is where tech strategy makes the difference. It helps you clean house, set priorities, and make better decisions about what to keep and what to retire.

Tech Strategy Means Real Ownership

The tools you use are only as good as the systems behind them. That includes process documentation, accountability, and routine check-ins to make sure everything still serves the business. Someone needs to take ownership of that structure. Not just when things go wrong, but proactively.

When there’s clear ownership and regular review, your systems stay lean, relevant, and easier to manage. That’s not just good tech hygiene. It’s a strategic advantage.

Be Ready for the Next Shift

Canada backing off the digital services tax worked out this time. But there’s no guarantee the next policy change will go in your favor. If it doesn’t, will your business be able to respond quickly? Will you know where to cut, what to keep, and how to stay productive?

If you’ve built your tech strategy with care, the answer is probably yes.

You can’t control everything. But you can stay ready, focused, and clear on what matters most.

And that’s what keeps your business steady even when everything around you shifts.