Automator services run with 0.5 second delay

There is a 0.5 second delay between triggering a service (via the Services menu or a shortcut) and the service actually performing the actions. For some workflows that I run via a shortcut, this delay is pretty annoying.

Is there a way to get my AppleScript and shell scripts executed (almost) instantly via a shortcut?

This question has been asked before but it has no answers: Running services with keyboard shortcuts has a 0.5 second delay

Update: My solution.

Well, I decided to give FastScripts a shot, since I've heard positive things about it in the past. Guess what? Scripts run instantly now. It's a wonderful app all-around. If you're even slightly bothered by the delays I'd highly recommend it. Keyboard Maestro is probably great as well but FastScripts seemed more like the light-weight app that I was looking for.