Can Your Business Be Any More Efficient?

January 30, 2019

As your business begins to expand and compete more readily with your well established industry rivals, you may begin to feel overwhelmed by your success. This is not unusual. Not too long ago, your startup was merely a figment of your imagination, that you worked on in your spare time, and that you finally morphed from a dream into a money making reality. Fast forward to today, and your business is going from strength to strength. Having found your niche, you are now flourishing. However, with an increase in size, comes an increase in outgoings, which can have a knock-on effect on your efficiency. Take a look at these ideas to help make your company more efficient to save your time, effort or money.
Energy
As you grow your business, you may find yourself moving to a larger premises, opening up a new site or adding to your storage facilities. As such, you will be spending more money on energy in terms of lighting, heating and water. It’s vital that you adhere to legislation and that you employ the services of an ESOS compliance service from Encope. Now that you are a larger business entity, you will need to conduct an audit to assess your energy efficiency credentials. While this is a legal requirement, you should also see it as a useful tool to become more efficient and save money. Getting a professional team of auditors on board may require a financial outlay, but the monetary savings will repay you tenfold.
Outsource
While some entrepreneurs still regard outsourcing as a defeatist concept, you shouldn’t ignore how relinquishing some of your business functions offsite can save you money. IT issues may crop up daily, and as your business expands, these issues may become more frequent or more advanced. This eats into your time when you could be focusing on more pressing issues. WiFi issues and downtime can also hit productivity hard if your employees are sat without an Internet connection for twenty minutes every day. Outsource to an external company of specialists who can manage your IT provision remotely. Downtime will be kept to a minimum, and you will no longer have to worry about frozen laptops.
Flexible Working
The twenty first century has seen the emergence of flexible working. While a little daunting, giving your staff team the freedom to work in a coffee shop, from home in their pyjamas or in their garden can empower them and boost morale. A happier, more content employee leads to a more productive employee. Make sure that you have a clear flexible working policy so that the concept doesn't become abused. Set clear targets, ensure the quality of work doesn't suffer and pilot the flexible working scheme for three months. You may find that your company becomes more efficient as a result.
Having an efficient business is relatively easy when it’s a small entity. As you expand, things can become more frantic and get out of hand. Begin your efficiency drive and save your company money.

Mark Asquith

That British podcast guy, Mark is co-founder of Captivate.fm, the world's only growth-oriented podcast host. A Harvard, TEDx, Podcast Movement and Podfest speaker (amongst many more!), he's a wildly approachable Brit and Star Wars/DC Comics geek.

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