Career, Business & Money

How to Run a Leaner Business

man wearing gray suit besides woman

If you’re looking to improve your business, perhaps by reining in your expenses, or increasing efficiency, then one of the best things you can ever do is get lean, and we don’t mean in the gym! Lean businesses run on only what they truly need to succeed, which means they are cheaper, more efficient an ultimately more profitable. Sound good? Read on for some top tips on how to make your business leaner right now.

Ditch the Stuff You Don’t Really Need

It’s time to take a hard look at what you’re spending on and ask yourself, “Do I actually need this?” If your monthly outgoings list looks like a Christmas wish list, it’s time to start trimming. For instance, instead of buying every piece of fancy machinery under the sun, consider renting when you need something. Say, you need a telehandler for a one-off project – why buy when telehandler hire from https://equipa.com.au/telehandler-hire/ can get the job done just as well, and you don’t end up with a massive forklift you don’t know where to park? Renting gear as you need it is just one way to avoid drowning in maintenance costs for stuff you use once a year.

Get Ruthless with Software Subscriptions

Software can be the ultimate money sucker. How many times have you clicked “Start Free Trial” on a shiny new app, forgotten about it, and ended up with yet another monthly expense? Now’s the time to be ruthless. Have an honest clear-out of all those rarely used subscriptions, find out which ones your team genuinely can’t live without, and bin the rest. There are plenty of affordable tools out there that won’t bleed you dry every month. And hey, if you save enough, maybe you’ll finally be able to justify that coffee machine in the break room.

people working on macbooks sitting by the window
Photo by Weavehall Collective

Outsource Like You’re Casting a Reality Show

Once upon a time, business owners thought they had to do everything in-house, which sounds great until you’re paying five full-time salaries for things that happen once in a blue moon. Enter outsourcing. Hire freelancers for specific projects, and bring in temporary help only when you need it. It’s like auditioning talent for a reality show – only the cream of the crop makes the cut, without any long-term commitments. And if you find a gem who does an amazing job on a per-project basis, keep them on standby for when you’re ready to roll again.

Downsize the Workspace Without Downsizing Your Ambition

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that you don’t always need an office the size of an airplane hangar to get things done. Many businesses are going remote, but even if you still need a physical workspace, think small. A smaller office space (or shared space) saves on rent, utilities, and the endless money pit that is office supplies. Plus, a cozy work environment can be great for morale – or at least give everyone a little extra incentive to avoid clutter.

a woman sitting on a chair while holding a drinking glass
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich

Prioritise Quality Over Quantity

It’s easy to believe that more stuff equals more success, but lean businesses know better. When it comes to both purchases and hires, prioritising quality over quantity will make you leaner and meaner. High-quality hires, top-notch materials, and reliable equipment will cost less in the long run than bargain-bin alternatives that break, flop, or require constant babysitting. Less really is more!

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