Save Money in your Business
Running a business isn’t just about making money—it’s about making smart financial decisions. From leveraging free marketing to maximising every customer touchpoint, these 10 practical strategies will help you cut costs and grow your business without sacrificing quality. Discover simple yet effective ways to keep more money in your pocket while scaling your success.
1. Constant yet Cheap Advertising
Advertising doesn’t have to break the bank. Get creative with your existing touchpoints. If you're sending out invoices, include a promotion or special offer. If you have packaging or bags at the point of sale, add a discount code or QR code that links back to your business. Make every interaction with your customers count.
2. Joint Venture Advertisement
Why go it alone when you can share the load? Partner with complementary businesses to split the cost of advertising or create special joint promotions. You could even cross-promote to each other’s customer bases. Just ensure any shared customer data is handled ethically and aligns with both businesses’ values.
3. Client Referrals
Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the most powerful (and free) marketing tools available. People trust recommendations from those they know, so encourage your customers to spread the word. A simple referral program—like offering a small discount or bonus service for every new client they bring in—can go a long way in building a strong pipeline of new customers.
4. Be An Expert
People buy from those they trust, and one of the best ways to build trust is by sharing your knowledge. Whether it’s through teaching a workshop, writing an article, or speaking at an event, positioning yourself as an authority in your industry can bring credibility and attention to your business. Yes, it takes some effort, but the long-term impact is worth it.
5. Blogging Or Social Media
If you’re not using social media to market your business, you’re leaving money on the table. Find Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, or industry-specific forums where your audience hangs out and start contributing valuable insights. Blogging is another free way to establish authority, improve SEO, and drive traffic to your business.
6. Free Forms and Templates
Time is money, so why waste it on creating documents from scratch? There are countless free business templates and forms available online that can be customised for your needs. Whether it’s contracts, invoices, or project planners, using ready-made templates saves both time and effort—allowing you to focus on growing your business instead.
7. Hire Temp Help
Hiring full-time staff comes with a big financial commitment, especially if your business has seasonal fluctuations. Instead, bring on temporary staff during busy periods to help manage demand without the ongoing overhead costs. This keeps your business flexible while ensuring you have the support you need when you need it.
8. Hire Free Help
Hiring interns is a win-win—they gain valuable experience, and you get additional hands on deck without the cost of full-time salaries. Many universities and colleges have internship programs where students need to complete work experience as part of their studies. It’s also a great way to test potential future hires.
9. Use Independent Contractors
For tasks that don’t require full-time employees, consider working with independent contractors. This allows you to bring in skilled professionals only when necessary, saving money on employment taxes and benefits. Just ensure you’re legally classifying contractors correctly to avoid compliance issues.
10. Use the Barter System
Not every transaction needs to involve money. Bartering—exchanging your product or service for something of equal value—can be a great way to reduce costs while still getting what you need. For example, if you’re a web designer, you could offer your services in exchange for marketing support or business coaching. Think outside the box and explore opportunities where a trade makes sense.
There are many ways to save money when running a business. It’s important to pay attention to costs as every dollar you spend on your business is one dollar that doesn’t make it into your pocket. Which of these strategies will you start implementing today?
The Time is Now
Your business won’t grow if you keep waiting for the “right time.” The only time you truly have control over is now. Learn how to prioritise your time, overcome distractions, and start building the business you’ve always envisioned.
When you first started your business, the vision was clear. You had ambitious goals—whether it was growing a strong team, achieving financial milestones, or making a real impact in your industry.
But then reality set in.
You navigated the highs and lows, the challenges and the unexpected twists that come with entrepreneurship. You made it through the crucial first year, built some momentum, and found a level of comfort. But as time went on, you caught yourself thinking:
"I’ll push for growth when things feel steadier."
"I’ll take that next step when my team is more reliable."
The excuses pile up, and before you know it, opportunity is passing you by.
Instead of waiting for the “right time,” what if you decided that the right time is now?
Breaking Free from the ‘Not Now’ Mindset
Eckhart Tolle distinguishes between two types of time: clock time and psychological time. Clock time is practical—it helps us organise meetings, schedule deadlines, and measure progress. Psychological time, however, keeps us trapped in an endless loop of “one day, when things are perfect, I’ll…”
The reality? Everything you will ever achieve will happen in the present moment.
The past is done. The future isn’t guaranteed. The only time you truly have control over is now.
How Are You Spending Your Time?
Think about how carefully you manage your money. You set budgets, track expenses, and make strategic investments. But do you give the same attention to how you spend your time?
Unlike money, time doesn’t circulate. Once a day is spent, it’s gone forever. Yet many business owners operate without ever questioning whether their time investments are actually yielding results.
You might have the best intentions—structured plans, goals, and priorities—but then:
A team member makes a mistake, and you have to jump in to fix it.
A last-minute issue arises, and suddenly your day is derailed.
A new hire starts, and you spend hours training instead of moving your business forward.
Unexpected events will always happen. The difference is how you respond. Will you keep letting distractions take over? Or will you commit to prioritising what truly moves the needle?
Make a Change Now
Your business will not grow if you keep operating in survival mode. The only way to break the cycle is to intentionally invest your time in the things that create real progress.
If you’re struggling to manage your time, stay accountable, or take the next step in your business, let’s change that.
📩 Email jaya@jayalesley.com to start making your business everything you envisioned.