Whether you are working from home in a corner of a room or you have an office space, when you are self employed and in a new small business it is easy to fall into the wrong routine. There will always be perhaps housework to do, children to get to school or a call from a friend for a chat…….these things have to be put to one side and delegated. You need to start work as though you work for someone else and have to be ‘at work’ for a certain time – your working day has to be organised and given a regular time slot in your daily routine.
This principle applies in most businesses even if you are not office based e.g. landscape gardening. Your work may be outside however you will still have to delegate time to do basic business bookkeeping etc.
Save money by paying less : Whether starting up a business or just trying to live frugally on a tight budget it is always advisable to stick to some basic ‘Pay Less’ principles which will save money.
Always do research to find the cheapest price.
There are so many businesses vying for custom with attractive discounts and special offers that you will always have plenty of choice to be able to find things cheaper. Check out the internet to track down the good deals. Ask around, consult friends and business associates, asking people who are not trying to sell you anything can often be the best advice!
Develop a permanent ‘pay less’ attitude.
If you believe you can always do better than the asking price you are half way to being successful. Train yourself to look for angles which will save money in every situation no matter how large or small the savings may be. There is no reason why others should get the bargains and not you. Most companies, goods and services operate with a healthy profit margin so there is usually plenty of room for manoeuvre.
Take time and think about your purchase.
Never rush into a decision. If you decide to travel book tickets in advance, as you will get the best deals, if you wait for the sales the item you want may be much cheaper, or just keep an eye on prices so you can then dive in and make your purchase when the prices drop. Always try to give yourself time to shop around and weigh up all the options available to you so you can buy when the time is right.
Try to ask the right questions
The magic phrase that may get you a bargain is one I am sure you will have heard before ‘Is that the best you can do’? In other words you are asking the seller to be resourceful with their prices on your behalf. Sometimes you may find that you may qualify for a discount simply because you can pay cash. Perhaps it may be that your holiday will be cheaper if you go ‘off peak’, maybe your insurance premiums will be lower if you can meet certain criteria. Ask when the ‘sale’ is, perhaps the item you have been looking for will be going on sale very soon. If you are friendly and ask your questions with a good attitude most people will want to help you.
You have bargaining power – use it!
Be prepared to haggle, perhaps you should consider how much the seller wants your business. Normally you can assume he wants to do a deal, sometimes offering to buy more will encourage the seller to give you a discount. Perhaps consider accepting a reduced service will mean you can pay less. However do remember that if you are prepared to bargain that you must always be prepared to walk away empty handed if your ploys do not work.
Whatever the project or purchase is – think creatively.
Always try to be flexible if the price is not what you would wish. Sometimes you can get workmen for example, to lower charges by offering to do part of the job yourself, this will save money. If you get together with friends or other businesses you can buy in bulk and get discounts on almost anything. Sometimes it is not about money at all – if you can do something in kind e.g. shopping in exchange for perhaps looking after your toddler one afternoon then everyone gets something for less that they really need.
