4 Ways Startups can Save Cash

Now that tax season has rolled around, you're probably thinking about all your expenses as a small business owner. At the end of each year when you look at what you've spent, you realize just how quickly it all adds up. If you're self-employed or running a small business, saving every penny is important. Here is how Alex F. Bouri did it when he started Seament.

Sharing an Office

Not everyone has the luxury of being able to have a home office. Sometimes the business is too large for a home office, but too small for an office building. If this is the case for you, consider coworking, or sharing an office with another small (but not small enough) business. You can split rent costs and even find other businesses that would be useful to partner up with. It's refreshing to have another team to bounce ideas around with, plus, you're saving money. Sharedesk is a great resource for finding someone to share office space with.

Social Media Marketing

Having an advertising team is a big cost, but as a startup, it's important to generate some branding. Believe it or not, a lot of today's businesses are having success just with social media. Create a Facebook, a Twitter, and perhaps even a YouTube account, and make sure they're all branded with logos and tones. Host contests to get people to like your page, and have friends, loved ones, and other local businesses spread the word.

Be Loyal

Many vendors are pleased to make relationships with their clients. If you show your vendor that you are a loyal customer, they might just cut you a deal – especially if you show them that you're in it for the long-term. Be sure to discuss your business goals with your vendor and let them know which products do well for you. Order in advance and always pay on time. You might be rewarded in the long run.

Bargain Shop

For small things that are necessary to your company, like paper, labels, and even transportation, be sure to bargain shop. Never buy anything without being certain that you're getting the best deal. As we said before, you don't realize it at the time, but small things add up over the course of the year!

European Group Hopes to Reform the African Cement/Concrete Industry

In the cement industry there's always new advancements that manage to amaze people.  Movers and shakers in the cement business like Alexander Bouri of Seament and Bernd Scheifele of HeidelbergCement are always looking for new ways to improve their products.  Cement is essential in today's world, our largest cities and smallest towns all depend on well-made cement to keep their buildings together.  As the world population continues to grow the demand for cement will rise substantially, and some groups are already thinking of ways to ensure that people have access to the building materials they need.

The Spearhead Network for Innovative, Clean and Safe Cement and Concrete Technologies (SPIN) is n project funded by the European Commission to address the need of establishing a solid cement and concrete industry in Africa.  The cement/concrete market in the eastern, central, and southern regions of Africa in its current state is inefficient.  Producers, suppliers, contractors, builders, unions, government workers, and even educational institutions all try to control the industry in their own ways.  The splintered market has caused a significant decrease in the quality of cement and concrete which has made buildings prone to damage.  Cement prices are much higher in Africa than they are in Europe and North America, but with Africa's wealth of cement making materials and cheap manpower it shouldn't be.

The SPIN organization is trying to stabilize the African cement/concrete industry by sharing efficient and environmentally friendly European cement/concrete manufacturing techniques.  They also hope to get leading industries, research institutions, and government workers from both continents working together so they can benefit from each other's work.   The group will be holding their first international conference in 2012 to discuss the future of cement/concrete and the role it plays in our society.