New start-ups are on the increase, rising from 432,300 in 2007 to 436,600 in 2008, with the overall number of businesses in the UK increasing to around 2.9 million.
Setting up a business in today’s recession can be a challenge in itself, especially as many existing businesses are downsizing to keep afloat.
It is therefore vital that start-ups keep a firm hand on the purse strings.
Here are some helpful tips on how to get started and save money in the process.
Software that doesn’t cost a fortune
Don’t buy traditional software packages, as you have to pay out a large amount initially, plus training, implementation and maintenance costs will need to be factored in.
The cost of hiring people these days is high and reliability can be an issue - a cheaper alternative is a virtual PA
You will more likely have to pay to keep this software up-to-date in future too.
Instead, get your software hosted online (cloud computing), that way you pay as little as £15 per month and you won’t have to foot the bill for maintenance and implementation costs, and best of all your software is always the most up to date version, and automatic updates are free.
You’ll not only save money, but you and your team will be able to access the software remotely too via PC, Mac, laptop or mobile.
Don’t hire an admin assistant or secretary
The cost of employing people these days is high and reliability can be an issue.
A much cheaper alternative is to use a virtual PA or assistant on a pay-as-you-go basis.
The virtual industry market is booming in the current economic climate as more small businesses are cutting costs and reaping the benefits of low-risk outsourcing.
What is great about virtual assistants is that you don’t have to pay sickness, holiday or other benefits.
Over time you build up a great relationship with your virtual PA, and none of your customers are any the wiser – they just think you’ve taken on extra staff.
Don’t hire a receptionist
Many start-ups make the grave mistake of trying to answer calls themselves only to get frustrated by constant call interruption while they’re in meetings or trying to grow their businesses.
The fact is that many rely on their mobile voicemail or answer phone when they are too busy.
Unfortunately, statistics reveal that 80% of callers will not leave a message, resulting in lost revenue.
Don’t be another statistic: use a virtual receptionist to take your calls.
