Saving Money
Monday December 22, 2008
While it's always important to reduce costs, the current state of the economy makes it even more important to save some money for both you and your clients.
- Offer a discount: While of course you earn less when offering a discount, consider getting clients on a retainer so you are also guaranteeing income up-front.
- Print for Less: Reduce project budgets by using less expensive papers or online printing services.
- Reduce Fees: Take a close look at your design and business-related fees, such as for software and magazine subscriptions.
- Promote for Less: Try inexpensive or free advertising options.
- Limited Budgets: Learn to make trade-offs so you can work within a client's budget.
Sometimes saving money is not the greatest way to go. Saving money is the reason many companies cut corners and utilize toxins in their products. At Mindforge Studios, we believe that cutting corners to save money should not be done. As for printing, I advise using recyled materials and going out of your way, sometimes at the clients expense, to use products that are sustainable.
Only use online printers that offer affordable printing and not large amounts of waste. I do agree with using coupons and finding inexpensive ways to advertise. If you are small, make handmade business cards from recycled materials. I like to cut up old proofs and sketches and use them in creative ways to create advertising and leave behinds.
Always think about how you are going to sustain your growth responsibly.
Mindforge Studios
http://mindforged.com
Thanks for your comment Robert, and great point. I in no way intended to imply the cheapest printers and papers should be used, no matter what the cost to the environment. Choosing papers and vendors wisely, however, was just an example of ways to reduce costs, even if for some that means using a less expensive recycled paper, but recycled nonetheless.
I believe it is very important to save on costs with the current economy as well. But there is a better way to look at it. Instead of spending large budgets on expensive marketing mediums. Get creative and think of ways to use your money on more effective mediums and create lasting impressions on your consumers. Obtain a higher ROI.
I believe it and have proven that it is always more important to put tangible collateral in your consumers hands and give them something they want.
Derek Kohn
makemealive.com