Five cost cutting strategies
for companies

Have you ever heard of "Remnant Advertising"? When it comes to buying advertising space, you have a lot of options. Media outlets are pretty good about filling up their ad space, but sometimes they have a few available holes to fill at the last minute. Typically, these remnant slots are filled with public service or house ads, but your business can take advantage of the shortfall, usually at a heavily discounted rate. (That discount can sometimes be up to 90 percent off the regular price!)

Cost cutting strategy:
Because remnant ad space deals are typically a last-minute type of deal, make sure your ads are approved and ready to go in a wide variety of formats and sizes so you don't lose out on a great bargain.

Great customer service can result in free advertising! Don't underestimate the value of word-of-mouth advertising. If you offer amazing customer service, your happy customers will undoubtedly spread the word. The best part: It doesn't cost you a dime. A courtesy follow-up call, being on time for your services, a friendly thank you note on your invoices, repeat customer discounts, being on time for appointments, finishing projects under budget aren't marketing gimmicks. They're just good business practices that will earn you more customers in the long run. Don't be afraid to ask a happy customer to share their experience!

Cost cutting strategy:
Smiles are free - and infectious. When greeting a customer (in person or on the phone), a smile is always an appropriate icebreaker. Even when dealing with a complaint, a friendly demeanor leaves a lasting impression that money can't buy.

Even if you run a one-person shop, you probably know that there is always value in building solid partnerships within your community. Don't ignore a potential networking opportunity. Spend a few minutes online and scour LinkedIn to network with likeminded or complementary businesses in your area. Want to get out of the office for an hour? Find your local Better Business Bureau or Rotary International chapter and attend a meeting or luncheon. Remember -- lunch is cheap and it only costs a few pennies to hand out a business card, but the return on a potential partnership could be limitless.

Cost cutting strategy:
Before you sign up for every networking luncheon you can find, start your networking mission by first reconnecting with old connections (in your industry or not). Bonus: You already know their names and breaking the ice shouldn't be a problem. Those interactions will be good practice, too!

Clipping coupons is a great way for consumers to get through the lean years and survive, but discount programs are an equally great tool that your small business can use every day to save on expenses. For example, if you are a Verizon Small Business customer, you already have access to the Verizon Discount Program, which offers money-saving opportunities from services like FedEx and AMEX.

Cost cutting strategy:
Cash is still king. When choosing a new vendor (or when negotiating prices with a current vendor), ask if they offer a discount for cash transactions.

Look for easy wins, like customer appreciation programs. Check with the service vendors you currently use to see if they have a reward program you can join for free. With some programs, like Verizon Small Biz Rewards, you can redeem your rewards for gift cards, which you can use for your small business' expenses instead of cash. You could even pass on those rewards to an exceptional employee as a Thank You.

Cost cutting strategy:
When shopping for a corporate credit card for your small business, look for one that can help track your company's expenses as well as reward you in the form of easily redeemable cash back or airline miles.