When sales are down and the economy slows, and you find yourself dipping into your own savings in order to meet payroll demands, it will take deliberate tightening of the purse strings to bolster your business. Below are some effortless, practical cost-cutting strategies to consider as you face the year ahead:

1. To cut down on paper usage, use both sides of each sheet when printing internal documents.

2. Turn off the lights, computers, electronics, and adjust the heat/air accordingly when you leave the office overnight and on weekends. Conserving energy saves money as well as resources.

3. Request bids from new vendors for the materials that you use to make and/or package your products. Comparing services and renegotiating prices with your current vendor can get them to offer you a better deal, thereby saving you money.

4. Take advantage of early-bird discounts. For example, most suppliers offer their customers a nice discount for ordering holiday cards and gifts in September.

5. Forego lavish holiday gifts. Instead of sending your best clients expensive gifts this year, make charitable contributions in their honor or consider hosting a holiday open house.

6. Take advantage of special, Web-only airline specials and discounts offered by major airlines.

7. When traveling, cut lodging costs by staying with friends or relatives. Instead of paying a pricey hotel bill, treat your hosts to a delicious dinner out on the town.

8. Limit business travel whenever possible. Try video-conferencing rather than meeting face to face. Microsoft Live Meeting video-conferencing software and many other software/services available today allow you the convenience of meeting without the hassle and cost of travel.

9. Purchase ad space after the official closing date/time. Most small newspapers and radio stations are willing to unload unsold space and time at a considerable discount on Cost-Cutting Strategies.

10. Regularly review and update insurance coverage for your business. If you sold a vehicle or other insured equipment, call your agent to have it taken off your policy. Ask about any other discounts that you might be able to take advantage of -accident free, non-smoking, etc.

11. Review all cellular phone and pager usage. Employees who rarely leave the office for business purposes, don't really need these conveniences available for their use.

12. Consider locking up your office supply storage cabinet/room. Institute a buying freeze on anything but essential supplies and make use of all of those free notepads and pens that you've collected from vendors and reps. Ask employees to use what they have on hand in their desks, pencil jars, and briefcases before they take from to the supply cabinet.

Companies who can help you reduce costs include business consultants, car leasing and a good business consultant you may even find your web design Manchester can help. Franchises can also be helpful.



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