Change…Happens!  Many ’scapers report a stream of lost contracts in this crazy economy.  Vendors as well.  So, this week, even though it is a short, Holiday week, I suggest you take some time to reevaluate. 

A loss of contracted work means that some of you have already cut staff hours.  This is the obvious first step.  Now, it may be time for the second one.  What can you outsource to save much needed cash?  Bookeeping, Answering services, are the obvious ones.  Reevaluate your phone service.  Check all insurance coverage and get comparative quotes from other vendors.  Talk to your Bank.  If you have a line of credit, can this interest rate be lowered?  Do you really need that drinking water service?  What else can you do?

Look at janitorial.  Go in-house if you are paying an outside service.  Talk to your facility leasing agent.  Can you lower your rent?  Downsize, downsize.  I’ll just bet there are ways to cut your overhead if you put your mind to it ’cause it doesn’t look like this will go away anytime soon.  A $10/month expense is really $120/year.  Conferences are still important for so many reasons, still, how can you cut costs?  Use those frequent flyer miles you’ve been saving.  I hear they are going to raise levels for awards so you might as well use them now when you get more bang for the buck.  Think like the hibernating Bear.  Prepare and adjust and Spring will happen.

Lastly, prepare for the Future.  Check out ways to cut ongoing labor and travel costs.  Joeys or some other method of subirrigation/hydroponics will position your company for years to come.

Now go out there and get ‘em, Tigers.