Growth multiplies tools, data, and people. The result is blind spots: incomplete data maps, weak or mismatched consent, excessive retention, vendor sprawl, and slow DSAR handling. Fix it with a living data map, channel-specific consent, default retention windows, vendor tiering with proofs, and a DSAR runbook you’ve actually tested.

Don’t treat compliance as a one-time project. Avoid copy-paste templates you don’t follow and manual spreadsheets you can’t trust. Under-documentation, skipped training, and ignored vendor risk create incidents and takedowns. Fix with a clear owner, risk-based scope, usable SOPs, and automation.

Compliance professionalizes operations and opens doors. Standardized policies, vendor oversight, and training reduce owner dependency. SOC 2/ISO act like trust badges for channel deals and enterprise accounts. A risk-based approach keeps cost in check; documented processes also raise valuation by easing diligence.