subject: Small But Significant: Small Business Savings [print this page] Small business owners are generally thriftily minded folk, but there's always room for improvement revised protocols, fuel cards, energy saving tips and innovative marketing can all contribute small savings to the small business, making a big difference!
The Office Environment
Most importantly, the basic equipment for a business is the imperative. The necessary computer hardware and software to work proficiently should be at the top of the list. Conversely, if a small business owner can function perfectly capable on older equipment, the most frugal idea is to stick with it until finances improve.
When it comes to office dcor and saving money the rule of thumb tends to be - No Unnecessary Luxuries!
Recycling and energy saving can shave precious pennies off utility bills. Energy saver light bulbs, turning off machines overnight, going paper-free, creating a stringent office supplies ordering process all of these easy tips help eradicate an environment of wastefulness.
Out of Office
Depending on the nature of a small business, company vehicles may be involved in the day to day running of a company. To simplify the situation, individual employee fuel cards or fleet fuel cards create a system of transparency concerning mileage etc. Many fuel card suppliers offer excellent rates and saving of up to 10p per litre. Fleet fuel cards can also be tailored for European travel and use on toll roads.
Discouraging use of company cars unless imperative to the job in hand may seem miserly, but those trips back and forth to the sandwich shop add up over time.
Marketing
The playground of big businessesand the blight of small! But marketing needn't be completely defined as commissioned advertising publicity, word of mouth, limited marketing outsourcing, partnerships, web optimisation (e.g. social networking, website maintenance, directory articles etc) and local advertising are all free or cheap methods of creating a buzz around a small business brand.
