Business

For Business Owners, Time is Money

Published

4 years ago

January 15, 2022

There’s plenty of truth to the old saying ‘time is money’. The adage is especially applicable for business owners who often have to ration the minutes of each working day in order to accomplish a specific set of tasks. But the idea of time as having specific monetary worth goes further than that. When it comes to a company’s investments, for example, interest-bearing accounts yield more the longer they’re held.

Likewise, owners who use efficient fleet management systems can make deliveries on strict time schedules. Every corporate accountant knows that paying vendors early can save money, and getting tax payments to the government before due dates helps avoid costly late fees. Why does each passing minute on the clock represent monetary value to entrepreneurs, owners, and managers of so many types of companies? Here are some concrete examples that demonstrate the age-old principle and offer food for thought to anyone who operates a business in an ownership or managerial capacity.

Investing

Every business that maintains a savings or investment account has an inherent understanding of the time value of money. For instance, very large corporations typically hold investment portfolios for decades to maximize interest accumulation. The principle is the same one individuals use for retirement savings but on a grander scale.

Vehicle Fleet Management

Fleet management systems deliver efficient results in multiple areas of endeavor. In addition to helping create ideal routes, advising drivers about dangerous road conditions, and keeping track of driving hours, fleet programs use advanced telematics to track location, fuel use, mileage, and other essential parameters. Transport supervisors know that late shipments mean unhappy customers, which is why they rely on fleet programs to maintain on time schedules and keep tabs on dozens of statistical data points.

Paying Bills

In nearly every industry, vendors offer one or two percent discounts to companies that pay bills within ten days or the invoice date. For busy organizations, these relatively small amounts can add up to major savings on an annual basis. The same principle applies to tax payment but in a different way. There’s no discount for paying early or on time, but there can be significant penalties for late tax remittance. That’s why so many corporate accountants advise management to take advantage of early vendor settlement and timely tax payments. Even medium-sized businesses stand to save thousands of dollars yearly through diligent accounting practices.

Training

It’s costs plenty to train a new worker. Typical estimates range from a few hundred to many thousands of dollars for standard onboarding procedures. However, investing in the development of your team and creating a culture of responsiveness, productivity, and inclusion is worth it. Because the expense related to training is so high, businesses work hard to design efficient, fast teaching materials and systems. The most common method in current use is the hybrid technique, in which new hires independently work through several volumes of text material and watch a few hours of video tutorials on their own time.

Alongside that component of the program, they receive in-person instruction from a member of the staff with whom they’ll soon be working. Keep in mind that once the new person is fully trained, there’s always the risk that they’ll quit within a short period of time. For owners, this risk is nearly impossible to avoid and one that often takes its toll on smaller organizations.

Business

The Key Components of a Successful Digital Marketing Strategy

Published

1 hour ago

November 16, 2025

Matthew Wiles

In today’s hyper-connected world, a well-defined digital marketing strategy is essential for any business that wants to grow, build brand trust, and stay competitive. Whether you’re a local retailer, an eCommerce business, or a professional service provider, your online presence plays a major role in shaping how your audience perceives you. For example, industries like legal services are increasingly recognising the benefits of specialised digital marketing for law firms to attract and engage clients in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Below, we explore the key components that make up a successful digital marketing strategy—and how to align them with your business goals.

Clear Objectives and Measurable Goals

Every effective strategy begins with a clear understanding of what success looks like. Your goals might include increasing website traffic, generating leads, improving search engine visibility, or enhancing customer retention. Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) objectives helps ensure that each marketing activity contributes to tangible outcomes.

A Strong Brand Identity

Your digital marketing efforts should reflect a cohesive brand identity that resonates across every channel—your website, social media, email campaigns, and online ads. Consistent visual design, tone of voice, and messaging establish credibility and make your business instantly recognisable.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

SEO remains the backbone of digital visibility. From on-page content optimisation and keyword targeting to technical site health and link-building, SEO ensures your business appears where customers are actively searching. Local SEO, in particular, helps businesses connect with audiences in specific geographic areas—an essential tactic for professionals and service-based businesses.

Engaging Content Marketing

High-quality, relevant content builds authority and nurtures relationships. Blogs, videos, infographics, podcasts, and whitepapers provide opportunities to educate, entertain, and inspire your audience. Great content not only boosts SEO performance but also establishes your brand as a trusted industry leader.

Social Media Engagement

Social platforms allow you to interact directly with your audience, showcase brand personality, and promote your services. The key is to use the right platform for your audience—LinkedIn for B2B engagement, Instagram for visual storytelling, or Facebook for community connection. Regular posting, active engagement, and data analysis are crucial for success.

Paid Advertising (PPC and Social Ads)

Paid campaigns can provide immediate visibility and lead generation, especially when combined with strong targeting and data insights. Tools like Google Ads and Meta Ads Manager allow you to reach specific demographics, remarket to previous visitors, and maximise ROI through ongoing optimisation.

Email Marketing and Automation

Email remains one of the most effective tools for nurturing relationships. Automated workflows can deliver personalised experiences, keeping leads engaged throughout the buyer journey. From newsletters to drip campaigns, consistent and value-driven communication is key.

Data Analytics and Continuous Optimisation

No digital marketing strategy is complete without performance tracking. Tools like Google Analytics, social insights, and CRM data reveal what’s working—and what’s not. Regularly reviewing metrics enables businesses to refine their strategy and continually improve results.

Final Thoughts

A successful digital marketing strategy is more than a checklist—it’s an evolving framework built on research, creativity, and constant learning. When each component works together seamlessly, your business can attract, engage, and convert customers more effectively, while maintaining a powerful and professional online presence.