Every now and then it is imperative to step back, look at your current surroundings and make a conscious effort to “trim the fat”. Many people are preconditioned to think trimming the fat is in relation to weight only, but the kind of fat I am talking about revolves around your business. The term can eventually transition into your personal life, but right now we are focusing on trimming your business fat.
Here at the Academy we have taken an initiative to see where we can do just that: trim that fat (that’s a catchy phrase for a t-shirt. Who’s with me?). We started taking a closer look at the programs we are subscribed to, seeing if we are still using them and closing accounts we are no longer using. Simply closing down one phone conference line will save us $10/mo and over the course of a year that is $120! That may not seem like a lot of money initially, but it adds up over time. We have even turned it into a small competition at the office to see who can save the company the most!
The wonderful thing about technology is, there is a HEAP of it around every corner. The downside to it is, there is a heap of it around every corner. When something new and shiny comes out, we subscribe, and then a few months later something new and shiny comes out! New technology is inevitable and we like—that’s an understatement—we love new technology. This is great, but if you aren’t actively closing things as you replace them, then you are wasting money by paying for something you aren’t using any longer. Who likes paying for nothing? Any hands?
Technology is only one small piece of the pie, though (Yes, everything relates to food in my life)! So, you’ve taken a look at your financials, overhauled all of the programs you are no longer using and you’re done, right? Not quite.
It is equally important to update your materials, social media, business logos, website photos—because let’s be honest, that photo from 10 years ago, doesn’t look like you today. Additionally, materials such as your website, brochures, etc. all reflect your company and your brand. If they are outdated or falling behind the times, no matter how great your service is, prospective clients may overlook you.
Some things will need to be updated more frequently than others, but the main take away is awareness. Being fully aware of what programs you are using to eliminate wasting money and updating materials as your company’s “Why” evolves and as things become outdated, will positively impact your business. It’s best to update things to reflect the brand image you want to portray.
Kimberlee Kenyon
Member Services Coordinator
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (800) 846-1555
www.aaepa.com
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