Entrepreneurs work extremely hard to get their business up and running. As an advisor for several startups, I often recommend the same thing: to take a short break and think about shortcuts instead of jumping on the first obvious solution.

It sounds like a no-brainer but most people act (or react) instead of thinking. Cost-effective shortcuts exist and are easy to find.

Here are two examples:

• Logo & Stationary Design: LogoWorks
  Instead of hiring a graphic designer at 50$/hour for 20 hours (1000$), you can use a service like LogoWorks. Pricing starts at only 299$ per logo. They have a dedicated team of designers who did a great job for us.

• Time Tracking & Billing: FreshBooks
  Instead of buying a desktop software for your timesheets and invoices, you can use an online service like FreshBooks. You’ll be up and running within minutes: no install, no setup fee, no risk.

Bottom line: the first solution is rarely the cost-effective solution. Try to think about shortcuts.