Running a small or medium-sized business is a brutal, relentless challenge. Too big for spreadsheets and sticky notes, but not big enough for an expensive ERP system. Stuck in the middle, businesses are left to cobble together half-baked solutions that never quite fit.

As companies grow, the headaches multiply. Tracking customers, managing inventory, coordinating teams, and keeping operations flowing—all of it gets harder. The  add-ons that  promise to help? Often, it makes things worse, layering on more confusion, more data entry, and more ways to waste time.

The Growing Pains of Business Software

Every business starts simple. A few spreadsheets. Some emails. Maybe a CRM that someone sets up but doesn’t fully use. But as things ramp up, those tools start to fall apart. Data gets scattered, mistakes creep in, and what once worked becomes inefficient.

The logical solution? Business software to bring everything together.

But the market has a problem. On one side, expensive ERP systems that require consultants and long setups. On the other, lightweight tools that do a few things well but leave critical gaps. Neither serves businesses that are growing but not yet at enterprise scale.

Why Business Software is a Mess

Business software is supposed to make life easier—fewer mistakes, less repetition, and more time to focus on actual work. Instead, many systems make things worse:

• CRMs that require constant manual data entry.
• Tools that don’t integrate properly, leading to double-handling and errors.
• Systems so complicated they need a full-time person just to manage them.
  

I’ve seen businesses wrestle with software that demands more time and effort than it saves. That’s not how it should be. Good software should streamline processes, not create extra admin work. It should take the grunt work out—like automatically transcribing phone calls, updating customer records, and handling routine follow-ups—while also providing tools that make work easier. With built-in customer portals for orders, online invoice payments, and seamless phone integration, the right system doesn’t just track work; it helps run the business more efficiently.

When Software Advice Misses the Mark

No business owner has ever thought,” What my company really needs is a more complex accounting package”. Yet, some accountants and bookkeepers jump to big accounting upgrades or bloated ERP solutions as the answer for businesses that need more than accounting and spreadsheets to manage their operations:

• Need better sales tracking? Get an ERP.
• Struggling with inventory? Buy a premium accounting package.
  

Instead of recommending software that truly meets a business’s operational needs, businesses end up being overloaded with unnecessary features and locked into costly, complicated systems. The result? More businesses drowning in admin – less time spent on growth.

Good Software Pays for Itself. Bad Software Just Costs You Money.

I’ve seen businesses spend tens of thousands on ERP systems they barely use. I’ve also seen companies save thousands by switching to software that suits their needs. The trick isn’t spending more—it’s spending smart.

That’s why we keep Tall Emu affordable. And that’s why we offer a reward to people who introduce us to businesses that need a better system. If you’re an accountant, bookkeeper, or business consultant and refer someone to us, we’ll put $1,500 in your pocket.

No hoops, minimal fine print—just a straightforward way of saying thanks.

The Future of Business Software

For too long, growing businesses have been stuck choosing between limited tools and oversized systems. But technology is evolving, and businesses are demanding better solutions.

A new generation of software is emerging—designed for companies that have outgrown spreadsheets but don’t want the complexity of an ERP. AI and automation are making it possible to grow without unnecessary complexity.

At the end of the day, business software should help, not hinder. Business owners should focus on serving customers, growing their teams, and building something great—not wrestling with software.

Tall Emu: The Down-to-Earth CRM That Just Works

We’re not some faceless software giant with call centres halfway across the world. We’re an Australian company, built and supported locally. We believe in:

• Being human – No tech jargon, no confusing pricing, just common sense.
• Keeping it fair – No sneaky fees, no expensive add-ons—just a product that delivers value.
• Actually supporting our customers – Real, local support when you need it.
  

Businesses in South East Asia can also access Tall Emu through our partner, Bangkok-based World Communications Technologies (WCT), ensuring they get the same great service.

Let’s Fix Business Software—One Smart Decision at a Time

I hate seeing businesses struggle with clunky, overpriced software. It shouldn’t be this hard. And if you feel the same way, let’s do something about it.

Know a business that’s stuck in spreadsheet hell? Send them our way. They’ll thank you for it. And so will we—with $1,500 in your pocket.

Because business should be smart, not hard.