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20 Small Business Tips, For Success
These are just some general tips to keep in mind as you
design/operate your small business:
1. Take the time out to explore and understand whether or not
you are compatible with running our own business. Some people
are just plain happier...
Be your own boss. Work at home!
Tired of being bossed around? Looking for something better than the rat race? Maybe it's time for you to work at home. When people work at home, it gives the impression of independence and entrepreneurial spirit. It is not easy once you decide to...
First Steps to Picking the Perfect Marketing Method For Your Home-Based Business
Part of running a successful business is making it grow. Home-based businesses are no exception. In fact, it can be even more important if you are just starting out or lack a potential client base. The key to growing a business is marketing.
...
Getting a Small Business Loan
Are you in need of financial resources in order to start or even
maintain your small business? Most of us are. The fist step is
to take a look at the vast number of commercial loan sources
that offer help in this area such as Chase, Citibank,...
More Uses for Your Business Plan
You have invested a lot of time and energy on writing a business plan just to get a loan or to attract an investor. What do you do when you get the money or, worse, should you be turned down?
Do you just file it away? That's like investing in...
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Small Home Business: Effective Ways To Reduce Your Costs
One of the advantages of conducting your own small business is you can significantly reduce your costs by controlling a few simple processes. Here are ten useful ways to reduce your business costs.
1. Network With Non Competing Businesses
This can present a fantastic opportunity for many businesses. Try networking your business with other business owners. Of course, you would not approach someone with business that is in direct competition with yours! There may be several non-competing businesses that appeal to a similar market as your business. For example weight loss, lingerie and child care businesses all appeal to women and do not compete with one another. You may be able to trade leads and mailing lists.
Make a list of all the possible business alliances in your area, work out a win-win arrangement where both businesses benefit, and systematically work through your list. This will cut down on your marketing and advertising costs.
2. Wholesale/Bulk
You'll save money buying your business supplies in bulk quantities. You could get a membership at a wholesale warehouse or buy them through a mail
order or internet wholesaler. Buy the supplies you are always running out of.
3. Free Stuff
You should try visiting the thousands of freebie sites on the internet before buying your business supplies. You can find free software, graphics, backgrounds, online business services and business cards to mention a few items. There are many online sites providing freebies, and to get you started visit www.freeonline.com.au and www.ifree.com.au
4. Borrow/Rent
Have you ever purchased business equipment you only needed for a small period of time? You could have just borrowed the equipment from someone else or rented the equipment from a business equipment supplier. A quick search through the Yellow Pages or on the internet will give you a number of places that rent office equipment.
5. Online/Offline Auctions
You can find lower prices on business supplies and equipment at online and offline auctions. I'm not saying all the time, but before you go pay retail for these
items try bidding on them first. If you are not able to visit a local auction, you may find online auctions such as www.ebay.com useful.
6. Plan Ahead
Make a list of business supplies or equipment you'll need in the future. Keep an eye out for stores that have big stock clearing sales. Purchase the supplies when they go on sale before you need them.
7. Used Stuff
If your business equipment and supplies don't need to be new, buy them used. You can find used items at garage sales. Keep an eye out in the papers for liquidation sales.
8. Negotiate
You should always try negotiate a lower price for any business equipment or supplies, especially if you are paying cash. It costs the retailer to operate a merchant account for credit cards and often they willing reduce the price for a cash sale. It doesn't hurt to try. Pretend you are talking to a salesman at a car
lot.
9. Search
You can always be searching for new suppliers for your business supplies and equipment. Look for suppliers with lower prices and better quality. Don't
just be satisfied with a few.
10. Office Upgrades
Many commercial businesses upgrade their information technology requirements every few years. When this happens offer to purchase the old equipment, which may be going to be scrapped in any case. It is likely your IT requirements are not as stringent and the ‘old’ system will still adequately run the software you need for your business. Keep an eye out for new office fit outs. When a tenant leaves a commercial building they may be required to removed their office fit out. Desks, chairs, partitions are just some of the useful home office items you may pick up for a penny!
© Kim Beardsmore
About the Author
Kim is part of an established home business group operating across 60 countries. We urgently require people to join our expanding team. Earn $500-$5,000 per month part time around your current schedule. Full training and ongoing support to ensure your success. http://free2liv.com/?refid=csts -567887442
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| United States Small Business Administration |
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| Business & Small Business |
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| Microsoft Small Business Center |
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| Small Business and Self-Employed One-Stop Resource |
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| Small Business Service | Home |
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| NSW Small Business |
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| Business Management & Advice: Small Business Resources & Information |
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| Small Business Development Corporation |
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