15 Tips To Streamline Your Business And Become Profitable In 2006
In 2006, there is a lot of work to be done. This new year is already full of opportunities and possibilities. However, many businesses are struggling to keep afloat as the economy continues to struggle.
The good news for your company is that there are lots of tools out there now that can help you streamline your business and increase profits this year. All it takes is a little research and creativity.
Check out these 15 tips for streamlining your business and boosting profits in 2006.
1. Embrace New Technology
In the world of business these days, technology is playing a huge role. While many companies are still using fax machines, you should think about investing in an email marketing software program that can help you save money, time and stress. Here's how it works: You send out mass emails to all of your customers, inviting them to your site for a promotion or sale. When they all come to the site, you have everything set up like a breeze; inventory is at hand and ready for shipping, product descriptions are professionally written and everything loads up quickly on your server. Your site is then ready to go, and you start making money.
2. Hire More Staff
Having a few extra hands on deck can come in real handy if your business has been slow lately. Get in touch with your local employment center and ask about any temporary or part-time job listings they may have available. A little extra help will be a huge boost to your bottom line, and it's cost effective too!
3. Unplug Unnecessary Electronics
It seems like every company these days has their own BlackBerry or cell phone that they use for work. Consider the option of leaving them at home or in the office on days when you don't really need to be bothered. By unplugging yourself a little, you can have more time to get other tasks done. The same goes for TV's, stereos, DVD players and computers. If they're not being used, turn them off! You'll save money on your electric bill, and you'll also have more time to be productive during the day.
4. Organize Your Office
If you're not careful about keeping your workspace organized and free of clutter, it won't be long before it gets out of control. Take some time to tidy up and put everything in its proper place. You'll feel more at ease and get a lot more done.
5. Stop Telemarketing
Many companies have found that they don't really need to be making calls over the phone if they have a website that's getting enough traffic. Instead of spending the money on telemarketing, you can use those funds to advertise on other websites, or even put them toward better inventory. Successful businesses know that there are better ways to advertise than by using the telephone book.
6. Review The Competition
Your business is not the only business in town. There are other options for your customers, and some of them might be doing things better than you are. Take some time to review your competition and find out what they're doing differently, or how they're serving their customers better. Their strategies may be more innovative than yours, and you can easily steal what works. If not, at least you can learn from their mistakes!
7. Make A To-Do List
There are lots of tasks in each day that need to be accomplished before the day is done. If you make a list of everything that needs to be done, and prioritize each item, you'll get much more done in the day. You'll also feel better about yourself at the end of the day if you see a long list of items crossed off your list.
8. Stop Doing Everything Yourself
It's easy for small businesses owners to get caught up in doing a little bit of everything, but that's not always the most productive thing to do. If there are others around your office that can help you out, ask them to lend a hand! Have them help with some of your daily tasks so that you can free up some time for other pressing matters.
9. Make A To-Do List
There are lots of tasks in each day that need to be accomplished before the day is done. If you make a list of everything that needs to be done, and prioritize each item, you'll get much more done in the day. You'll also feel better about yourself at the end of the day if you see a long list of items crossed off your list.
10. Set Up Email Marketing Systems
Email systems are an inexpensive way for your company to market itself and service its customers. As opposed to having a phone, fax and mail system, an email database is way more effective for the price. When you have a sales campaign or promotion that you need to send out, it's all done in one click. You may also have the opportunity to do targeted email campaigns based on your clients' buying patterns and interests.
11. Switch Telephone Services
If you're still using a basic analog phone line, you're definitely not getting your money's worth! If there are multiple phones in your office that are used often, consider switching over to a digital service. If you want more than two lines, consider adding some VoIP phone lines and save even more money on calls.
12. Get A Website
Think about all the extra business you can get for your store if you have a website. This is an extremely effective way to market your company, and it's also a great way to show off the excellence of your products and services to other companies. You may also be able to advertise on other websites, or even pay someone else to do it for you as a marketing strategy.
13. Offer Gift Cards
If you've been in business for a while, then you know that customers like to get some sort of reward for shopping at your site or store.
Conclusion
By using the advice above, you'll be able to improve your company and make it more profitable. Whether you're running a small start-up business or an established large corporation, it doesn't matter.
14. Start A Blog There are tons of blogs out there that cover every kind of topic you can imagine; from fashion to sports to technology. If you're trying to build up your customer base and leverage the power of the internet and social media, starting a blog is a great option for your business. You can post interesting stories or information about new or upcoming products that are sure to attract attention from potential customers who are interested in what you have to offer. 15.