In these tough economic times it’s important to consider ways we can cut back on expenses. Businesses and tribal organizations are feeling the economic crunch. Using creative ways to be resourceful will not only improve the bottom line, but could mean the difference in your business or organization’s survival.
As Native Americans, traditionally we have lived modestly and used our resources sparingly. This helped to keep our lives “uncomplicated.” We had more respect for the environment. We appreciated and valued what we had. Now might be a good time to return to some of those traditional concepts, while we explore ways to stretch our budgets and extend our precious resources. In today’s environment we must do what we can to improve the financial state of our businesses and organizations
A good place to start is to rethink business processes. Conduct an analysis of how your business or organization is operating. Take a close look at how you and your staff are expediting daily tasks and your overall business functions. Carefully evaluate the use of labor, time and money. A step-by-step review could reveal processes that are wasting resources.
Are things being done as efficiently as possible? It might be helpful to approach it from a list of questions such as; how many employees does it really take to complete a work task? Can we cut back on shipping costs by looking at a new service provider? Do we need all this office space? Is our marketing budget realistic, or is it based on what someone else has suggested to us? How can we get some of the same (or better) results by using different tactics?
You might also need to learn to be more efficient with resources. Be creative about getting the most use out of what you have. Consider dual assignments for employees, or cross-training them on different job duties. Maybe even switch to a paperless office. Keep records on electronic file, this can help with printing and copy costs, as well as filing time and space (be sure to back-up files). Plan work trips strategically to save time and reduce fuel costs, and encourage car pooling. Recycle work products. Take into account electrical and water usage as well. Helping to protect the environment should also be an important consideration.
Seek help from other agencies or individuals. Consider using student interns or volunteers to help with work tasks. Job experience is an important opportunity for many prospective workers; they may be willing to volunteer their time in order to enhance their resume. You might also seek advice from others outside your business or organization. Sometimes it helps to get a different perspective. For nonprofit agencies you might engage in-kind services from each other. Propose sharing agency or department resources such as office space, vehicles, equipment or even employees. The collaboration of agency efforts can also be a plus for grant-seeking programs.
Work with your vendors and subcontractors. Negotiate changes that will help your financial position. Perhaps they are willing to reduce rates (to show appreciation for being a loyal customer); trade or exchange products or services (trade and barter is a traditional economic practice for most Native societies). Remember to keep in mind what is fair and realistic. Explain your financial condition and ask them to suggest ways to cut costs. In most cases they will be willing to work with you, as they cannot afford to lose your business.
For some organizations, surviving in these economically challenging times will require considerable changes in operational processes and business practices. More and more organization administrators must consider ways to maximize budgets while continuing to provide important services. However, for most entrepreneurs or small business owners, efficiency has always been a necessity when it comes to growing a business.
There are always great risks involved in starting a new business venture. Overspending and carelessness is not an option. As Natives we should rethink our wasteful use of resources and return to a more traditional way of life. We need to place a greater value on what we have. We should preserve today what our children will need for tomorrow.
Lucinda Hughes-Juan has many years of teaching and training in the fields of business and management, with a focus on the cultural dynamics in Native businesses and organizations. She is an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation. She holds an MBA in global management, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in business and organizational management. E-mail her at MLS8090@aol.com.
