Singapore
Singapore
Many things in life require a great deal of sacrifice-love, dreams, and the whole kit and caboodle of noble endeavours. But when it gets down to business, some would rather wash the feet of Hades and brush his dog’s fur than sacrifice their profits. If you have valiant plans for a startup and believe yourself to be one of these hardline cost savers, perhaps you want to consider business options that impinge less on your future profits:
With advancements in project management software and today’s ubiquity of communication, it is possible to work entirely from home or on the move if you can command the respect deserving of a boss via text or video. Hone a domineering Skype countenance or a terse writing style that instills terror in your employees, and you will be the master of the virtual office concept. More likely than not (as we all hope to believe), employees who agree to such “cloudy” conditions are teeming with self-discipline, so you might not have to invest so much time into that area.
Employees can be true masters of deception. Until you form your fellowship of roses among the thorns, there’s no real rush to make any long-term commitments to your employees. Contracting only interns and freelancers at your terms can give you the flexibility to expand and shrink without having to pull your hair over salary issues when your clients are on vacation. While some are adamant that “if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys”, there always are talented monkeys to be found. Take your time to find the people who truly are committed, and stay flexible in the meantime.
We can get so caught up in wanting the perfect office: a nice wireless printer that is both fast and quiet, top-of-the-line laptops that expedite service, a plethora of stationery that inspire, a fully-stocked Starbucks of a pantry occasionally hosting motivated workers on their tea breaks, and a fairy godmother that takes care of every concern. Truth be told,
skimping on these conveniences can greatly simplify things for all parties. Employees can bring their own devices and tools, you can personally do the housework, and once in awhile, maybe treat your guys to a small feast.
Maybe you’re the kind overflowing with creative, revolutionary ideas and have a knack for presentation. Maybe some folks on Kickstarter or IndieGogo are going to love your idea. Maybe the 52nd investor you meet will be your life’s turning point. Maybe this is how you should lead your future business-letting a veteran figure the accounts out while you run the show.
Like energy, cost cannot be destroyed, but can be converted. Who or what is to bear this cost will ultimately be your decision. As long as you have a plan, it’s going to work out. Believe it.