Our lawn is an embarrassment.
Ever since it was first seeded, it’s steadily been getting worse. At the moment, we have a patchwork quilt of moss, clover, bare earth and, in places, we’ve even got some grass!
The trouble is, we don’t really understand lawns – we just blindly hope we can solve the issues ourselves. Every spring, we think ‘This is the year!’ We scarify, fertilise, throw seed around and pray. Some bits take, others don’t. This year’s hot weather has left us with a barren wasteland.
So far we’ve taken a DIY approach, but now we probably need to give in and seek professional help. But what’s it going to cost?
With any purchasing decision that’s often the question … but a more interesting one would be: what’s the cost of not doing the work properly?
With our lawn, it’s probably more time and money wasted on a disappointing result, and the shame of having the ugliest lawn in the village! In business, the cost of doing what you’ve always done is often hidden, but can soon add up.
How it’s always been done
There will always be something that feels more urgent: a production issue, a staffing problem or a looming deadline. So branding and marketing projects get pushed back because they don’t feel critical. But while you’re busy firefighting, inefficiencies swiftly become part of everyday life.
The person in the office who’s ‘good with computers’ is soon responsible for updating the website, creating presentations, managing email campaigns and producing marketing materials. That’s ok … but it’s rarely what they were employed to do.
On the surface, it costs nothing. In reality, it costs time, productivity and effectiveness. Tasks take longer, mistakes creep in and opportunities are missed. Nobody notices, because that’s simply how things have always been done. Sometimes those habits become so ingrained that businesses never stop to ask if they’re delivering results. In those situations, the hidden cost isn’t the activity itself, it’s in paying for something that isn’t doing its job.
One of our clients had been printing product labels the same way for decades. Nobody had ever questioned the process, but after looking at their requirements with fresh eyes, we identified a more efficient approach that saved them tens of thousands of pounds overnight. More importantly, those savings continued, year after year.
That’s the thing about the hidden cost of ‘making do’. It isn’t usually one big expense. It’s the accumulation of small inefficiencies, missed opportunities and decisions that never get challenged. The cost isn’t always financial – for many business owners, especially those running family businesses, the greatest cost is personal. It’s your evenings, weekends and peace of mind.
So if you’ve been putting something off because now doesn’t feel like the right time, ask yourself a different question: ‘What’s it already costing me?’
Whether it’s a lawn or a business, making do is rarely as cheap as it first appears.
Wondering what ‘making do’ has been quietly costing your business? Our free Brand Health Check gives you a clear picture in 3 minutes. beesonandbeeson.com
We’re Gareth & Mel Beeson, founders of Dorset-based branding agency Beeson & Beeson. We’re always happy to chat about brands, businesses and big ideas. Over the phone is fine, but we much prefer a cup of tea (with cake, of course!).
