Why “special cases” quietly destroy margins, and what to do about it Most small business owners don’t realize this, but margins rarely die from big strategic mistakes. They die from exceptions. “Can we just do this one differently?”“This client is special.”“We don’t usually do this, but…” Each exception feels harmless. Helpful, even.But collectively, they create operational drag that bleeds profit. Let’s break down why. The Hidden Cost of Exceptions In a small business, standard work is...