We are all aware of the status of the economy, and most are probably dreadfully tired of discussing the matter. Large and small businesses alike have been closing their doors or are preparing to do so. But, there are ways to circumvent the need to close up shop. This article discusses three simple and extremely affordable options for saving on inevitable overhead costs.
What are three overhead costs that are an absolute necessity for just about every entrepreneurship and SME? Here is some impressive insight to keep the same quality level services by making a few rather effortless changes in phone service, computer repair and advertising services. These are all worthy of re-evaluating this year. In fact, get started immediately to decrease debt and increase organizational reinvestment.
Let us begin with telephone service. Phone service charges for small businesses can range from $40 to around $100 per month for only one line (depending on the company of course). And in most cases very few features are included such as call waiting, voice mail and caller ID. So let’s take an average bill of say $70 a month and figure the total annual expense of this overhead cost. We come to $840.00 for the year.
What if you could receive a phone number with a local corresponding area code, a voice mail box, caller ID, call forwarding and more for one low annual cost? SME’s can save over $700 each year! Skype will accomplish this. By using your already established internet connection, that is its own monthly expense, you can download Skype for free. Then set up your account for calls in and out which is an approximate total of $70 for the year. That’s right . . . about $70 for an entire year of phone service where you use your computer’s microphone and speakers as your phone piece. Of course, there is always the option to purchase a headset or even a cordless VoIP phone. The choice is yours, but most importantly the savings is yours. Learn more about Skype’s services at www.skype.com.
How can your business save even more? Computer repair costs when viruses ensue and infect our PC’s can be exorbitant. Or perhaps you’re not as technological as you thought and some of your important files seem to have mysteriously wandered into cyber space without a chaperone. In many cases, having an annual computer maintenance contract helps save on some of that cost. However the smallest traditional maintenance package is usually over a thousand dollars and really is just pre-paying for a guestimated block of service hours. Should assistance be required beyond the scope of the service hours outlined in the contract, the expense starts to add up at the going rate of about $85.00 per hour.
Here is an experienced technology firm that can assist with your crucial PC issues quickly and efficiently. And all for a flat rate of $24.99. Level Uno is the key to reducing computer maintenance costs by hundreds, if not thousands of dollars each year. Level Uno offers both online chat support and remote support. “Do you need help to locate a device driver or have a quick tech support question? The first 15 minutes are on us! Just hit the chat button . . . Your ongoing referrals mean a great deal to us; so in appreciation, we’ll answer those quickies you have for nothing. As your trusted advisors, we want you to keep coming back. If we hit the 15 minute mark, we’ll appreciate your choice to upgrade the support to our flat fee service of just $24.99 to help resolve the issue. To continue, you just pay with a secure Paypal or credit card transaction. We do not keep your payment information on file. If we can not repair the issue online, you are then eligible for a complete refund!” courtesy of www.leveluno.net.
Do you see your expenses shrinking yet? We’re up to well over a thousand dollars in annual savings. Let’s go for much more! Turn your focus to your advertising budget now. Do you even have one? Or are you one of those businesses who get sold on a deal by advertising sales people then find yourself disappointed when no additional business comes from the expenditure? Did you have the time to think about whether or not that advertising medium would reach your target market? Do you know who your target market is?
Start focusing on your customers, your product (or service), your employees and your organizational finances. Let the focus of your advertising rest on the shoulders of Vertical Insight. Since Vertical Insight is designed to specifically assist small businesses, you’ll no longer spend your hard earned reinvested funds on advertising that doesn’t work for your company. Nix the sales calls from advertisers and have Vertical Insight handle all your Marketing Management for a fraction of what you’ve been spending. Increase your business’ exposure by reaching your audience, drive your sales and save money doing it. Call Vertical Insight today to discuss your needs at (561) 283-1363.
It’s the beginning of a new year with bright new opportunities for your small business. These practically effortless adjustments in your business are guaranteed to put your company back on track. This is your opportunity to get off your haunches and crunch those overhead expenses.
