|
Time- and Budget- Stretching Tips for the Self-Employed
Special to The Truth
The ability to stretch a
budget can help businesses or those who are self-employed
weather lean times and flourish in good periods, and being
efficient with time can mean surviving a busy season with
your sanity intact. But these principles can be hard to
uphold.
To help, here are a few
tips to assist freelancers, entrepreneurs and small business
owners to make more happen with existing resources.
Seek Out Resources
Taking care of certain
logistics is easier these days, as retailers like Staples
offer resources for small businesses, such as their Small
Business Hub, where you can design and order business cards,
print marketing flyers and posters, get invitations,
announcements, calendars and brochures, many on the same day
that you place the order.
“When you are on a tight
schedule, having one place where you can go that meets a
bulk of your small business needs is extremely useful,” says
Melanie Salinas a photographer and the blogger behind “Story
of Five.”
Salinas, who recently
partnered with Staples as part of their #MakeMoreHappen
campaign to help small business owners learn about resources
to help them get things done, is a frequent user of both
Staples’ online hub, as well as their in-store Copy & Print
center.
Keep Expenses Organized
“Don’t mix business with
pleasure. Easier said than done when you’re working from
home, but it’s a must. Keep business expenses separate from
family expenses,” says Salinas.
It may seem like an extra
step now, but you can avoid accounting headaches and help
make tax time a breeze by staying organized. Good
organization will also help ensure you don’t overlook
expenses that could lower your taxes.
Create a Workspace
If you are looking to take
your business to the next level, it’s important that you
have a dedicated workspace where you can get stuff done.
Look to programs like Staples Rewards to get cash back on
purchases, special coupons and deals.
“Even if it’s just a
corner of your bedroom, creating a functional workspace will
help you boost productivity,” says Kayla Buell, who runs
“Gen Y Girl,” a Millennial career and lifestyle blog, who
recommends sprucing up the area with supplies and décor that
inspire and motivate you.
Use Time Wisely
Marketing yourself or
promoting your business can be tough, especially if your
days are full working for existing customers and keeping
your business going.
“Promoting sounds like a
lot of work when you’re bursting at the seams, but you have
to communicate with people you want to hire you,” says Susan
and William Brinson, who own a thriving photography business
and blog at “House of Brinson.” “We use the weeks where
we’re slow -- around the holidays for instance -- to work on
promotions.”
More business ideas to
save time and money can be found by visiting Staples.com and
by following #MakeMoreHappen on social media.
Give yourself a cushion --
both on your calendar and in your wallet. Smart approaches
to running your business will boost your productivity and
stretch your budget.
Courtesy StatePoint
|
