We Need to Trim Our Company Budget

Looking for ways to get that business budget under control and trim some of the excess?

While some small businesses spend too much in areas, there are those that are frugal and still can't make ends meet.

Here are some handy hints for small businesses to help them tighten their budget.

Save on Supplies

While inkjet printers are cheaper, many companies may think this is the better option for saving money. However, having few laserjet printers instead of more inkjet printers are going to be cheaper in the long term because of the difference in ink cartridges and maintenance. Buy generic on things that aren't going to matter, such as office coffee filters. Even better? Get a warehouse club membership and buy in bulk.

IT Outsourcing

If you are still paying for an IT professional, even if only on a part-time basis, consider outsourcing the work. You may get even more service for less money this way. Consider the support, the lack of having to manage them, and the ability to get a more experienced person at an hourly rate instead of a staff option. Go over all the choices, spreadsheet the costs if necessary, and finalize which option gives you the best cost effectiveness.

Consider Cloudsourcing

If you really want to trim some fat from your budget, don't have writers, web designers, and those with service-related talents on staff. You're paying for fulltime work for workers you need only on an as-needed basis. With cloudsourcing, you can hire experts as you need them and only for as long as you need them. By cloudsourcing the work that you need only from time to time, you can save a tremendous amount from your monthly budgeting.

Think about Your Cable and Phone

VoIP calls can be great for some small companies in helping to cut back on higher cost phone bills. Many small businesses are still on T-1, paying a high amount for lower service. Consider some other options and re-evaluate your speed versus cost each year.

Open Source It

Still thinking about the software bill you will have with Photoshop, Office, and WebEx? Consider switching to an open source software in place of the more expensive options. Paint.net can be a great alternative for Photoshop, or GIMP can be an option. Open Office has nearly all the bells and whistles as its more expensive counterpart Microsoft Office.

Go Green

Try for more electronic file storage instead of printing on paper. Xerox did a study where they found that within 24 hours of printing paper at the office, 40 percent was discarded. Saving paper is only one way to help offset costs. Another way is to use Energy Star appliances in your office. Replace those incandescent bulbs with fluorescent ones, too.

There are many ways you can cut your budget and not sacrifice your commitment to customers or your service.

Let these tips be a jumping off point for you to come up with even more ideas to shave costs.

About the author

Tina Samuels writes on small business topics and for About.com's Radio Controlled Vehicles.

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