The math is inescapable: a business’s profits are bound by both their gross earnings and their expenses. Many factors that affect gross profits are outside a business’s control. However, careful assessment of costs can held identify areas where expenses can be lowered to make a business more profitable. The areas below are ones to examine on a regular basis to see where a business owner might be overspending. Careful attention can cut business costs and increase net profits.
Staffing Costs
Staffing is often the largest business budgeting expense a small business owner will face. Making sure that the people who work in a business are driving its success is imperative. Some businesses find that they can get by with a smaller administrative full-time staff and can, instead, bring in temps a few times a year or outsource many support options.
Other businesses can keep staffing costs from rising by offering non-tangible benefits for performance instead of bonuses or raises. These can include flexible schedules or the ability to telecommute.
One more resource to consider is interns. Certain business tasks that are uncomplicated but that can help future candidates understand how the business is run can be effectively handled by interns. By providing value in the form of education and contacts, a business can create a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Cutting Insurance Costs
Insurance of all kinds tends to increase in cost every year. Business owners should audit their policies at least annually to ensure that the coverage that they have fits both their needs and their budget. Some businesses may find, for instance, that they hold more liability coverage than is needed or that other insurance providers may provide a better price. In other cases, a company that provides health insurance to employees may find that this is less expensive to at least partially self-insure instead of working solely with an external insurance provider.
Cutting Costs on Office Space
Business owners should ensure that they are using their office space in a way that is efficient and worthwhile. Whenever a business lease is up or there is an option to end it early, businesses can look at other options that are a better fit.
Sometimes, a change in zip code is the key. Economically depressed areas often offer great properties at a lower price per foot. Other times, a smaller space is the ticket to reduced costs. Businesses that find that they have a lot of dead and unused space can save money by choosing a smaller location.
By assessing each cost and looking for a way to reduce it without hurting operations, businesses can increasingly keep their budget in the black. Careful attention to the tips above and other areas can be the key to cutting business costs and helping net profits soar.