Streamlining Without Sacrificing: How to Find Efficiencies Without Losing Your Core Values

By Jenny Holly Hansen | WBN News | May 13, 2025

When a recession hits, one of the first instincts — and often, a necessary one — is to tighten up operations. Cut costs. Find efficiencies. Run leaner.

But one lesson I’ve learned through experience is this: there’s a right way and a wrong way to find efficiencies.

If I’m not careful, chasing efficiency too aggressively can erode the very core values my business promises to deliver — and that’s a cost far greater than any line item savings.

The challenge, especially during a recession, is to identify and fix inefficiencies without compromising the experience, trust, and integrity that define the brand.

Here’s how I approach it.

Focus First on Purpose, Then on Process

Before making any cuts or changes, I start by revisiting a fundamental question:
What is the core value we promise to our customers and team — and what must never be compromised? For example:

• If my business is built on exceptional customer service, slashing support hours or automating every interaction would be a mistake.
• If our value is high-quality craftsmanship, cheapening materials to save money would do long-term harm.

I find that grounding every decision in our purpose keeps me from "saving pennies while losing dollars" — that is, making short-term savings that destroy long-term value.

Where I Look for Inefficiencies (Safely)

1. Internal Processes, Not Customer Touchpoints
Behind-the-scenes inefficiencies are often the safest places to start.

• Are there manual processes that could be automated without affecting the customer experience?
• Are there meetings that could be replaced with a streamlined reporting system?
• Are there overlapping responsibilities that create bottlenecks?

I’ve learned that most organizations have layers of administrative or operational "bloat" that can be trimmed without touching the customer experience at all.

2. Supplier and Vendor Costs
Renegotiating contracts, sourcing more competitive suppliers, or consolidating purchasing across departments often yields savings without touching what the end customer sees or feels.

3. Unused Subscriptions and Overlapping Tools
Especially in busy periods, businesses accumulate tools and subscriptions they barely use. A quick audit of software, marketing platforms, and third-party services can uncover thousands in savings — with no impact on service or quality.

4. Projects That No Longer Align with Strategy
Sometimes, businesses keep investing in projects simply because they’ve already started. A recession forces a sharper look:

• Is this initiative still aligned with our core goals?
• Is it delivering clear, measurable value? If not, it may be time to pause or pivot — without affecting the core of what customers expect.

How I Make Changes Without Breaking Trust

1. Communicate the "Why" Clearly
If changes will be visible to customers or employees, I explain why. Framing adjustments around protecting the mission — rather than just cutting costs — maintains trust.

2. Pilot Changes Before Full Rollouts
Whenever possible, I test changes in small ways first. That way, I can catch unintended consequences early and make adjustments without major disruption.

3. Monitor Impact Closely
Post-change, I track key metrics tied to customer satisfaction, product quality, employee engagement — whatever measures whether our core values are still being delivered.

If I see slippage, I course-correct quickly.

4. Reinforce What’s Non-Negotiable
Even as we find efficiencies, I make sure everyone — from frontline employees to leadership — knows what parts of the experience or mission are sacred and cannot be compromised.

Final Thoughts

Efficiency matters, especially in a recession. But it has to be smart efficiency — the kind that sharpens the business without dulling its soul.

When I approach cuts and changes thoughtfully, guided by purpose rather than panic, I don’t just survive tough times. I come out stronger — with my reputation, my customer loyalty, and my core identity fully intact.

The goal isn’t just to get leaner. It’s to get better — without losing who we are.

Let’s Keep Talking:

Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance. With 19 years experience, she will well versed in the technical aspects of business coverages.

She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jholly-hansen@wbnn.news. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/.  Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social

Let’s Meet Up:

Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4

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