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Tips for a More Efficient Business
By Ira Gostin © 2003 www.gostin.com
Being efficient in the office can provide you with a smoother-running operation, as well as a little more free time. All of these tips may not be applicable to all businesses, but take a few hours and look deep within your business for ways to gain back some time and some money.
Postage Meter - A postage meter will assist in saving you time as well as presenting your business in a bit more professional manner. While the meter and scale lease do actually cost you money, you can eliminate trips to the post office. For me, I feel like I have been given a gift of a few hours a week! It may sound like exaggerating, but if you consider the drive to the post office, standing in line, and then driving back to your studio or office, it really is a weekly savings of time. Plus it just looks so pro!
Organize Your Marketing - Have an area of your office that is dedicated to housing your marketing materials. Even in this age of web sites, prospective clients still want to see your marketing materials in person. You need to have your promo sheets ready to go, with envelopes, shipping labels and any other materials you will send out. Try a shelf organizer or some other sorting device from your local office supply store.
Keep Your Computer Clean - Make a point of keeping your computer clean from junk email. Deal with things as they come in and don't let the Spam build up. Deal with it or delete it!
Insurance - Are you constantly spending money with FedEx and UPS on added insurance? While it is definitely the safe route to insure your packages, you may be able to add a floater policy to your business insurance to cover shipping. My insurance covers loss or damage to shipping, loss or damage from airline transportation, as well as greater coverage in other areas for under ten dollars a month.
Treat Yourself Creatively - Once a month or more, treat yourself to a few hours out of the studio. Go to a gallery or museum or special event. Keep your pager and cell phone off, and just relax. Take in the creative aura!
Ira Gostin is an entrepreneur, photographer, cowboy, marketer and photo educator and lives on his ranch in Reno, Nevada. He can be reached at ira@gostin.com.
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Ira Gostin Articles
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A Sample Marketing Plan Outline
Crafting a Marketing Strategy
Great Business Tips Right From The Client
Tips for a More Efficient Business
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