It
is important to note that the distance to which the mileage rate is applied is
work-related mileage only, and not the total distance travelled by the vehicle
for the year. A logbook needs to be maintained, recording the dates the
vehicle is used, the mileage and the destination.
CUTTING
COSTS IN YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
Do
you know where to start? You know when something big goes wrong in your business
when a contract isn't renewed, or a product line doesn't sell. But not every
business owner knows when little things go wrong. little expensive things, that
have a big impact on the bottom line.
When business is good, it can be easy to ignore the little things and spend your
energy on the bigger picture. but when the economy takes a downturn, it really
pays to take a good hard look at every aspect of your business.
CUSTOMERS
Which
of your customers are actually costing your money? I'll bet there are more than
you think. Customers who require a lot of support, who aren't satisfied with the
work you do, who demand large discounts or special deals, who never seem to
appreciate your service or product. Find out who they are - it may be time they
looked elsewhere, and you concentrated on the customers that value your company.
SUPPLIERS
Don't
take things for granted. While it's true that long standing relationships
with trusted suppliers can make things smoother and easier, you need to be aware
of competitors' prices and services. you want to be sure you're getting the very
best deal you can on every transaction. And don't be afraid to ask for a
discount.
EMPLOYEES
Got
a feeling that someone's not pulling their weight? Think you might have to
downsize, but don't know where to make the cuts? Keep track. Get people to write
down what they do each day. Find out who's doing what and how long it's
taking them. Because without that knowledge, you'll end up hiring and firing on
a hunch. And you might just lose your most valuable employees.
OVERHEADS
Negotiate,
reduce, cut. But first, find out how much you're paying now. What does your
phone cost per month - is there a cheaper plan out there? How many color copies,
faxes, printed and bound reports does your company produce each month? Do you
track and charge for them? What about travel expenses? Stationary supplies?
Rent? Before you start cutting, you've got to know where to cut. If you're not
keeping track and recovering this type of cost, you're loosing money.
BIG
PICTURES PAINTED WITH SMALL BRUSHSTROKES
Being
successful during difficult economic times means paying attention to each small
brushstroke that makes up the big picture of your profitability. Because what
you don't know will hurt you. And what you do know will help you build a
stronger, leaner, more profitable company.