Why I love small business
I have, over the past 30 years worked for businesses both large and small. I have been part of the large corporate machine, which had it's advantages such as bigger salary, bigger benefits package and the "stable" environment in rough economic times. I have also been part of small and medium sized businesses, that might not be able to compete with some of the compensation of the large corporation, however the ability to grow and try new ideas are one of the benefits of the small business. A large corporation can get caught in the swamp of policy and procedures that can prevent or at the very least slow down the implementation of a new idea. A small business has the ability to turn on a dime and adjust quickly to changes in market conditions or consumer demands. Many times I have seen small businesses in an attempt to seem big, add layers of unnecessary bureaucracy to their business. This hinders one of the great and beautiful advantages of the small business; the ability to quickly and easily implement change. The small business can easily adapt, change directions, try new ideas and add or drop a new service or product with ease. This is the true advantage of the small business, this flexibility and fluid method of operation. Most large companies have the layers of management and bureaucracy that make these changes slower and difficult. It is the comparison of turning around a small speed boat to a large ocean liner. Each one has it's advantages and specific niche. You would rather cross the ocean or go on a lengthy cruise on the ocean liner but it is not practical for a day out in the lake of water skiing or pleasure boating. Likewise the maneuverability of each is very different and is so for a good reason. But like the speedboat the small business owner should embrace the size and function of their business and feel good about the ability to make those fast turns as business changes and feel just as good about turning back if the business proves that the other direction was the way to go in the first place. A well navigated course is always best with a clear plan, but when the weather changes or the waters dictate a change in course, that beautiful speedboat known as the small business can maneuver those changes with ease to sail again another day!
