Ignoring or delaying a decision to ‘cut’ the fat from your business will significantly impact your business’ performance, cash flow and future survival.
Examining and restructuring your costs will ensure your business not only survives but thrives when sales slowdown.
However, making your business more productive does not have to wait until the down times. The most successful businesses look at improving their productivity before they need to. And this is particularly relevant at the time of growth too.
Growth has to be sustainable, otherwise it can damage your business in the long run.
Income > expenses Do you know your business’ breakeven point?
Break Even Analysis identifies the minimum sales you require to cover your “necessary” business expenses. It requires you to calculate your total fixed costs (ie. rent, interest etc), gross profit margin and then you ‘sensitise’ your sales to produce a break even result ($0 profit). Once you have determined your breakeven point, be realistic in assessing your likely sales and recalculate your result as your gross profit margin fluctuates.
Reduce your fixed costs
Successful businesses have their cost structure weighted to variable costs (ie. low fixed costs). Activity Based Costing is a process that enables you to analyse and change your cost structure. For example, using contractors to provide non-core services to your business or outsourcing the distribution of your products (ie. freight) are examples of variable cost strategies.
Identifying your business’ strengths and weaknesses through benchmarking is a process that allows you to compare your business performance to ‘like’ businesses.
Changing your sales mix by focusing on high margin product or service lines and offering incentive rewards to staff are examples of benchmarking strategies to increase gross profit and reduce wages costs as a % of sales. Benchmarking data can be collected from your Industry Association, Accountant or Financial Adviser. Independent and objective advice implementing cost savings measures can be a difficult and emotional process. Your Accountant or Financial Adviser is best positioned to provide you with professional advice. Seek their advice and ask their assistance to implement these strategies.
