Key ways to overcome rising costs and expenses

We live in uncertain economic times, with operating costs still on the rise, but by focusing on cost-reduction and revenue-generation, you can protect your business from the worst effects.  
A recent survey showed that 32 per cent of Australian businesses list increased operating costs among their top three concerns. And rising costs can have a significant impact on your cashflow and bottom line.  
So, what can you do to minimise the impact of sky-rocketing costs in your business?   
When costs are rising and profit margins are falling, that’s bad news for the financial health of your business. But there are ways to combat this scenario.  
In short, you have two main tactics to kick into gear. You can either look at cost-cutting across all your operating expenses, or you can find ways to sympathetically boost your revenue.

Strategies for cost reduction
Streamline your operations 
Look for any inefficiencies and find ways to streamline your processes and reduce the underlying costs. You can also use technology to automate key functions to add efficiency. 
Negotiate with suppliers 
Revisit your existing contracts with suppliers and see if there is the possibility to negotiate better terms, while also being mindful of the suppliers own cashflow pressures. Looking for alternative suppliers or finding cost efficiencies by purchasing in bulk can also be of great assistance. 
Reduce your energy consumption 
Putting energy-saving measures in place, like LED lighting and energy-efficient equipment, is a move towards good sustainability, but can also help you save money. Consider renewable energy options. 
Manage inventory effectively 
Keeping your inventory lean is a good way to optimise inventory levels and minimise your holding costs. Implementing a just-in-time inventory management process can cut costs while keeping you ready to service customer needs. 
Strategies for increasing revenue
Expand your customer base 
A broader customer base helps to bring in more sales and revenue. Explore the potential for entering new markets or customer segments, and boost ecommerce and digital marketing to sell more online. 
Raise your prices strategically 
Think about the demand for your products/services in the market and revise your pricing to keep it competitive. Be sure to communicate any price increases sympathetically to customers, so you don’t damage customer loyalty. 
Introduce new products or services 
If your current products/services are not selling, it could be time to diversify your offering to meet changing customer needs. Make the most of your existing resources and expertise to bring new products to market. Have you checked out your competitors lately? Consider what they are offering and if they are doing things differently. 

There’s no magic wand that can make the current economic pressures go away, but by being proactive about your cost-reduction and revenue-generation, you can do your best to protect your business from the worst elements of increasing costs and an uncertain market. 
We can help you review your current financial and business strategies to look for the best possible opportunities, whether it’s better cashflow management, cost-cutting or revenue generation. Simply get in touch with us on (08) 9367 4199 to book an appointment to discuss this.