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Finance tip: Utilities 
Keeping warm as energy-efficiently as possible. With it being the coldest part of the year here in the southern hemisphere, one is constantly reminded of the many appliances that people use to warm their homes and offices. The primary way that people warm a room or space is the use of heaters. Being appliances that generates heat, heaters are some of the biggest energy-guzzlers that you will have, so using them efficiently will have a substantial effect on your pocket.
Firstly, it’s generally accepted that gas heaters are more efficient than electric or oil ones. Secondly, one should ensure that the model you are using is big enough to have an effect on the area you’re trying to warm – if you find yourself having to keep it on full-blast all the time, it’s probably not up to the job. One of the simplest ways to cut down your energy usage with heaters is to ensure that insulation of the room or space is as effective as possible. This means that windows should be kept closed, curtains drawn at night, and doors should not be left open unnecessarily. To be truly efficient, one should have the heater on for a while, until the room is at a comfortable temperature. It should then be turned off, and the room kept closed up as well as possible to keep the warmth in. It’s much more efficient to maintain a comfortable temperature this way – with the odd burst to re-warm the space when needed - than it is to keep the heater burning all day and night. It’s also much healthier, as keeping heaters on permanently dries out the air to a large degree, which then dries out and weakens the sensitive membranes in your nose and mouth – making you more susceptible to picking up colds and flu. So not only is it a smart financial choice to manage your heater usage, it’s also a smart health one!
Business tip: Cost control/Finances
Everything is negotiable. It’s very rare that a business becomes a successful one if it lets its costs spiral out of control, and the leanest ones out there watch their expenses like a hawk. What many business owners don’t do often enough is to question where there expenses are going, and the reasons behind increases (specifically the once a year ‘default’ ones from suppliers). Take the time to look at each of your input costs, and find out where there is room for negotiation on each one. You’d be surprised how many you can bring down just by asking the question. Say to those supplying you that you value their service immensely, but you have realised a need to run your business that much leaner. Mention that you’d still like to continue the relationship with them, but you need to ask for something in return. This could be the deferment of a stated price increase, a request for extension of payment terms, or a discount for prompter payment. This obviously carries more weight if you have identified suitable alternatives to them, and can supply proof of this if they press you on it (eg. competitor quotes). Many suppliers will do whatever it takes to keep you happy and to keep your business. If you have been loyal to them for an extended period, and have kept them going through the worst of the recession, make sure that they know this, and ask them to meet you somewhere in the middle. Ultimately, the short time it takes you to make a handful of phone-calls and send a few emails could save you a small fortune…
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