Jason Calacanis, the co-founder of Weblogs Inc. - the blog network home to popular tech blogs AutoBlog, Engadget and JoyStiq and the brainchild of many other successful startups, shared 17 tips on how you can save money while running a startup business. Most of his tips mentioned tools and furniture that a startup business owner does not have to purchase. They are stuff that too many entrepreneurs may NOT realize as just some money-waster.
a. Expensive Tables - Calacanis suggested that biz owners are better off buying expensive office chairs than tables since according to him, "the chair is the only thing that matters." If you definitely want to save money, don't splurge on furniture, just yet. Not even on chairs. If you are on a tight budget, it's smart to not invest on any expensive things just yet. Just yet is the operative word. When the moolah starts rolling in and you see that productivity can be increased with more comfy chairs to sit on, then, it's high time shop for new lovely office chairs.
b. Phone System - This depends on the nature of your business, of course. If you are operating a call center company or a virtual assistance business or a consultant who provides phone consultations and you don't have a reliable phone system, you get the idea. Online collaboration is the trend and I'm sure you've heard of mobile phones.
c. Extra Office Space - You can rent it out to make some money instead of letting it collect dust. But if you have a business that has a high turnover rate, like many BPO businesses, use it to give your employees some relaxation time. How about making it a billiard room? I'm thinking Googly here. Although you won't earn rent money, you will save some training money.
d. Microsoft Office Software Program - I'm not a fan of purchasing costly OS myself, especially now that I'm smitten by Google Docs and Spreadsheets.
e. Exchange Server - Exchange server licenses can cost as much as thousands of dollars. If you're just gathering steam as a business, look for other less expensive options.
Jason also mentioned some key services to outsource and stuff that your startup DO need. I'm adding large filing cabinets since I'm loyal to my paperless office dream.
Do you know of any other office equipment or software that you think could be forgotten by startup biz owners if they want to save some money?
image from Catalia
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