• Start by 'trimming the fat', so to speak. Begin with a blank budget and add your expenses to it in order of priority. This will allow you to quickly identify items and services that you can do without. Of the items that are a priority, consider ways to lower the cost of each. Outsourcing ancillary services or      negotiating a lower lease payment - even if temporary - may increase your cash flow.
• Review your insurance policies. In most cases, increasing the deductible will lower the premium and, statistically speaking, it's not likely you will file a claim. If you do end up filing a claim, this might cost you more than it saves you.
• If an equipment purchase is in your immediate future, buy used! Many retailers sell on consignment and some businesses are unloading their assets to increase liquidity. You can find great deals and negotiate your way to a significant savings.
• Be proactive in tax planning by finding tax advantages and deductions that benefit your business. The IRS provides publications, forms and other materials to help you and your accountant find ways to save you money. Be sure to log and document everything you do to procure income for your business.
• Increase your knowledge through training seminars and workshops. There are a number of free or low-cost opportunities to improve upon your skills. Programs like the Town of Gilbert's Front Runner entrepreneurial program are largely funded by grants, giving you the opportunity to participate at a reduced rate.
• Get back to the basics by improving customer service. You're probably not the only shop in town, so what makes your customers return? Remind them that you are grateful for their patronage. Consider calling on existing customers or writing a personal note to thank them. Personalizing your service will make your business unforgettable.

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce holds free workshops each month as part of the Small Business Workshop Series to support its mission of proactively serving as the business advocate to strengthen the business climate in Gilbert. For additional information regarding these or other events, contact the Chamber at (480) 892-0056 or visit www.gilbertaz.com. 

Work-related back injuries are among the most common injuries that lead to lost workdays, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of the 1.5 million injuries and illnesses that resulted in lost workdays in 2001, more than four of every ten cases were sprains or strains, most of which involved the back.
 
Consider these tips to avoid lower back injuries while lifting or performing other physical work:

• Keep lifted objects close to the body at waist level. Balance loads evenly with both arms.
• Get help if the load is too bulky or heavy to lift alone, or split it into smaller or lighter loads.
• Take rest breaks to stand up, change position and stretch and break tasks into shorter segments.
• Avoid twisting, bending and reaching while lifting. Instead, rotate the entire body.
• If lifting or moving a load, bend with the knees, not the back.

To decrease the chance of physical injury, make these habits a part of your routine:

• Exercise regularly to keep your back and abdominal muscles strong and flexible, and build activity tolerance.
• Drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated.
• Choose healthy foods and maintain proper weight.
• Avoid smoking as it reduces blood and fluid flow to the spine.
• Get sufficient sleep every day, and sleep on your side or back.