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As an entrepreneur, it’s no secret that managing expenses is an art. But when the whispers of “cost-saving” echo, most people immediately think of layoffs. In business, I’ve built a philosophy around real, impactful cost-saving strategies that don’t involve cutting people. Instead, they involve smarter, often hidden adjustments that leave the teams intact and free up resources.
So, let’s dig into eight unconventional ways to save costs that most won’t talk about.
Related: What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know About Cost-Cutting
1. Specialized tasks can be outsourced at a fraction of the cost
Outsourcing isn’t just about saving money — it’s about leveraging specialized expertise without having to commit to a full-time hire. Tasks like graphic design, content writing, IT support or even digital marketing can be outsourced to a skilled professional or agency for a fraction of the cost of bringing on in-house staff. The trick is to concentrate on tasks that don’t need daily oversight but are critical for business growth. For example, I outsourced the social media management of my business and saved a lot of money while getting access to the latest marketing insights and trends.
Tip: Find out non-core tasks that can be done by specialists. If you can’t find talent that fits your budget and specific needs, try getting help from specialized VA agencies. This enables you to have your core team work on high-impact work and leverage outside expertise without the overhead.
2. Learn how to embrace vendor negotiation — beyond pricing
When I started out, I realized vendor contracts can sometimes be the biggest drain. But here’s the secret: It’s not always about getting a cheaper price. Get deeper with your vendors. Can they add value? Or just adjust costs? Maybe they can do something else, like add a consultant or give early access to updates. Once, I negotiated a deal where a vendor included free training sessions for my team on new software — something they typically charge thousands for.
Tip: Step away from the dollar amount. Reach out to your vendors and ask them what they can provide that could potentially release time, training or resources within your company.
3. Lean tools for automating low-impact processes
That’s not just for tech giants. From invoicing to customer feedback to basic HR processes, there are countless low-cost tools that can handle repetitive tasks that your team might be spending hours on. Instead of using a high-end solution, explore the many micro automation tools out there that are lean, cheap and effective. I’m referring to things like Zapier, which can automate little workflows that save hours a week without needing an IT overhaul.
Tip: Review your team’s daily tasks and pinpoint three repetitive processes that can be taken care of by low-cost automation tools. The biggest differences over time are often made by the smallest automations.
4. Implement shadow budgeting for projected expenses
A strategy I’ve used to foresee and avoid unnecessary costs is shadow budgeting. It involves creating a secondary “what-if” budget for every major project, where you anticipate unplanned expenses. Once you’ve compared this to your actual expenses, you’ll see patterns in unexpected spending and ways to eliminate them. Preemptively tackling hidden costs like extra software fees or unplanned resource needs has saved me thousands with this approach.
Tip: Every time you set a budget, create a shadow budget that projects potential “extra” costs. Use this over time to adapt project scopes, contract terms or resource allocation.
Related: Layoffs in This Economy Don’t Have To Be Inevitable If You Reevaluate Your Spending in These Areas
5. Create a cross-training culture
Here’s a little-known fact: Silos create cost leaks. If only one team member knows how to perform a particular task, any absence or delay means that the work is outsourced or there is downtime. Cross-training your team doesn’t just improve collaboration; it also cuts costs on external hires or consultants. In one of my businesses, we cross-trained team members on some things that saved us thousands in emergency freelancer fees when unforeseen absences came along.
Tip: Create a simple cross-training program. Ask employees to learn at least one task from another team member’s job role. While this may require upfront time investment, the costs of knowledge gaps will be saved.
6. You can negotiate flexible payment terms
It’s not just about revenue; it’s about timing. Flexible payment terms with vendors and service providers can be negotiated to boost cash flow without affecting operations. Instead of paying on standard payment schedules, I have often negotiated terms where we pay in installments or defer certain payments until certain revenue goals are met. It offers breathing room without giving up services.
Tip: Contact your top five vendors and ask to speak about flexible payment terms. A small change can make a big difference to your monthly cash flow when you’re lean.
7. Promote a data-driven approach to energy usage
Most businesses overlook a cost called utilities. I’ve also seen businesses cut their energy costs by 15-20% by installing smart meters and analyzing energy usage data. It’s not just about turning down the thermostat; it’s about finding out when the peak usage times are, turning equipment off at the end of the day and using timers wherever possible.
Tip: Smart meters can be installed, or your local utility provider can provide detailed energy reports. Set up protocols for energy usage using this data. Encourage team members to power down equipment when not in use, and consider implementing a “green team” to maintain energy-saving practices.
8. Rethink your software stack and licensing agreements
Most companies end up paying for software features that they don’t need or use. Auditing your software stack can save you a lot of money. Once, I cut software expenses by 30% by merely downgrading licenses, consolidating tools and removing unused features. Focus on software that truly supports your key operations rather than investing in “nice-to-have” features.
Tip: Ask your team what features they use and what features they don’t. If you can’t reach out to providers for lower-tier options, consider switching to tools that consolidate multiple functions into one.
Related: 9 Business Expenses You Can Reduce or Eliminate to Save Thousands
These eight strategies aren’t about cutting people; they’re about optimizing processes, rethinking your vendor relationships and taking a smarter approach to the daily work of your business. True cost savings involve foresight, creativity and a willingness to challenge the status quo. When you embrace these unique tactics, you can build a more resilient, more efficient and more cost-effective business that can grow without sacrificing morale.
In today’s landscape, every dollar saved is one that can be reinvested into innovation, growth and the vision that makes your business tick. Act strategically, start small, and don’t forget — real savings begin only when you value time and resources as much as revenue.