Entrepreneurs: Trim the Fat and Boost your Profits!

Now more than ever, individuals are looking for ways to cut costs — personally and professionally. This is especially true for entrepreneurs preparing to sell their businesses. Higher profit margins naturally make a company much more attractive to potential buyers, and increased seller’s discretionary earnings generally equate to reaching the closing table faster and with a better selling price.

Most business owners today are using tried-and-true cost-cutting methods, as well as employing more creative techniques in order to reach their goals sooner.

Here are some suggestions you may wish to consider in the continuing quest to lower expenses:

Enjoy the electronic age
Try a voice mail system for your office and use email whenever possible. This may help reduce the hours needed for a receptionist or secretarial staff and could allow these employees to contribute in other areas. There is a variety of affordable software for businesses, which can help increase productivity within the office. Don’t forget to take advantage of the sales and marketing opportunities the Internet provides at little or no cost.

Deal directly with the source
Establish relationships with the manufacturer of products you frequently use. This may help avoid surplus charges added by third parties.

Makes vendors competitive
Sometimes business relationships can become too complacent. Check out current pricing by requesting multiple bids – especially on larger projects. Remember that sometimes the lowest-price offer may actually cost more in the long run, so be sure to examine the fine print and associated details.

Be rewarded for loyalty
For those vendors you patronize, ask about any loyalty programs they may offer. Even if none are publicly promoted, you may find a vendor will express thanks with special savings.

Outsource when appropriate
Both in terms of employees and leasing space, this is an attractive option for business owners. Outsourcing continues to grow in popularity on many levels. Temporary employees or contract workers make sense for seasonal jobs and short-term projects. Try renting or subletting space when it is needed only occasionally (such as a conference room or large space for presentations).

These are only a few of the many ways savvy business owners are making a direct, and positive, impact on their bottom lines. We’d love to hear what suggestions you might have for other entrepreneurs!