How To Build A NDIS Business That Works (Even When You’re Asleep)

I’m really excited because today we have Tania Gomez with us. Tania has helped at least 8,000 businesses get registered.

She loves helping small and medium providers grow and helps people break through those ceilings we all hit. Tania, if there’s one thing that brings you joy in helping other providers thrive, what is it?

I’m a teacher by background, and I really love seeing someone master what I’ve been trying to teach them. During the audit process, there’s a lot to learn.

I love going through an audit with someone who’s just starting out, then seeing them ace it at the next one. They don’t need me anymore because they truly understand it.

That’s what I live for – seeing that impact and improvement.

Why NDIS Business Owners Must Put Their Own Oxygen Mask On First

You didn’t get here by having it easy, right? No one makes it to the top of their game working five days a week and taking it easy. What are some sacrifices you used to make that you’re no longer willing to?

I’ve always been a workaholic – I love to work. But I’m no longer willing to sacrifice my health or myself. I’m a mum of four. I’ve been pregnant or breastfeeding for 13 years while growing and scaling businesses.

I used to put my children, my business, and my team first. Not anymore. I believe you have to put the oxygen mask on first.

Now I’m unapologetic about going to the gym, going for a run, getting a facial or massage. I book them like any other appointment I can’t miss.

If I don’t, I get so caught up in everyone else’s problems that I forget about my own well-being.

How Time Management and Routine Make NDIS Businesses Sustainable

How do you switch off at the end of the day?

I don’t think I ever fully switch off. My neurodivergent brain always has a billion things going on. But I do feel satisfied at the end of the day with what I’ve achieved.

Usually, I fall asleep patting my three-year-old to sleep. I get lots of beautiful cuddles at the end of the day, and I feel content with my family and work life.

That makes sense. Not every day is perfect, but setting up the right structures makes a big difference. What structures have you put in place to keep work from taking over?

I’m probably one of the most organised people out there. My superpower is time management. Between multiple businesses, four children, a PhD, and having a life, I plan everything.

I have my whole year planned – every event, every school pickup, every family holiday. About 80% of my life is pre-planned. I even block out free time. I follow the structure of The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma.

I go to the gym at 5:00 AM three to four times a week, and if it’s in my diary, it happens.

I break down every project and goal into chunks and schedule it all. My diary includes everything – school pickups, hair appointments, dentist visits. I put family stuff in first, then work, then anything else.

I’ve tried mornings with no meetings, afternoons with no meetings, set days for meetings. I play around with what works and refine things weekly.

The Real Reason You’re Drowning In Your NDIS Business (And What To Do Instead)

Many people in their first years of business say, “I don’t have time to look after myself or my family. I have to chase the urgent stuff.” What would you say to someone working 55 hours a week and feeling stuck?

It’s all about systems and processes. Look at everything you do each day. Ask yourself: What do I absolutely have to do? For example, I have to do payroll – I have access to the bank.

I also have to be the one doing podcast interviews, creating content, and attending our SIL Summits. Then I think about what I want to do – like being available for my team.

Both the “have to” and “want to” are important. After that, I look at what someone else can do. If you’re working with me, you want me to consult with you, but you don’t care who adds your logo to forms or sends documents.

So I ask, can a system do this? Can offshore staff do this? Can someone in Australia do this? I try to push down every task I can. Some things come back to me – like managing my diary – but at least I try.

In onboarding, I work out what can be automated, what needs to be done by a person, and what needs to be done by me. That way, I only focus on the highest-value tasks.

Early in business, this can be hard. But even generating invoices is something you can pass on. Trying to do everything can cost you.

For example, trying to manage audits yourself often leads to failure or huge costs. Bringing in an expert – even briefly – can save you time and money.

For our marketing, we do 12 months of content in two months by bringing in extra staff, then letting them go. You don’t need a full-time team – just get the job done when you need it.

To grow, you must focus on what you do best and delegate or automate the rest.

Stop Buying Yourself a Job: Start Building a NDIS Business That Works Without You

That makes so much sense. But some people still say, “I can’t.” What would you say to someone who’s become a slave to their business?

It’s easy to think you’re running a business when really, you’ve just bought yourself a job. Ask yourself: Are you just trying to replace your salary? Are you okay being your own employee?

There’s nothing wrong with that, but personally, I want a business that can run if I take a month off. I want something that could be sold. I want to leave a legacy.

To have that, you can’t be the only one doing everything. You need to work on the business, not in the business.

Your responsibility is to protect the business, nurture it, and help it survive. No one else can do that as well as the owner.

The Biggest Risks in NDIS Business (And How to Stay Safe While You Grow)

That’s powerful. And it comes from experience. For someone new and still underconfident, they might ask, “Can my business survive small or medium mistakes?”

Can they relax, or should they be constantly on high alert?

There are risks – big ones. Payment delays can kill your cash flow. That’s why most businesses fail. Losing your registration is another risk. One mistake in quality or compliance can result in a banning order.

That’s huge. Then there’s the human risk. The worst thing would be causing harm or death to someone in your care. The emotional toll of that would be unbearable.

When you work in this space, you have a massive responsibility to get it right. That’s why I say quality and compliance – along with finance – are the two pillars that hold everything up.

There’s no point pouring energy into marketing if your foundation is crumbling.

Absolutely. And there’s a difference between a serious risk and a minor complaint. The director doesn’t need to handle every small issue.

Exactly. Not every little thing needs your attention. If a participant didn’t like a colour on a form, someone else can fix that.

What Tania Wishes She Knew Before Starting Her First NDIS Business

Let’s say someone’s 30, thinking of starting their own business. What should she consider before taking that leap?

Just do it. What’s the worst that can happen? It doesn’t work, and you go back to your job. That’s not a risk – that’s just life.

When I left corporate, I was pregnant and had 12 months of maternity leave saved up. I started three businesses the same day. I knew I had a 12-month runway, and I treated that time like my golden window.

If it didn’t work out, I’d go back to my job. But I would’ve learned something valuable. Starting a business is hard. But even if it doesn’t work, you’ll gain something – skills, lessons, clarity.

For me, that’s always worth it.

That’s such helpful advice. The NDIS space is often so risk-averse that people act like starting a business is a heart attack. But you can survive a failed business.

Exactly. And we’ve both done it. Many people have.

Life Beyond the NDIS: What’s Next for Tania Gomez

So what are you looking forward to outside of work in the next few years?

My youngest starts school next year. After 14 years of childcare fees, I’ll have all four kids in school – two in primary, two in high school.

I’m also turning 40 soon, and we’re going to Disneyland Tokyo to celebrate! I’m also doing a PhD and working on my first publication. I’m learning to write academically, which is hard for a pragmatist like me.

But I’m really enjoying that learning journey and hope to apply what I learn back into the sector.

Legacy, Purpose, and the Final Message Tania Wants to Leave

What do you want written on your tombstone?

I hope it says I left a legacy beyond myself. That I made a real impact in the lives of people with disability by supporting strong NDIS providers. That my children and grandchildren can be proud of what I built.

That they see through my example that anything is possible.

You’ve certainly done that already. Thanks for all you do. Where can people find you?

On all socials, it’s Tania Gomez Consulting. Or visit www.taniagomez.com.

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