‘Small is the new big’, this is something I saw referred to last year on many blog sites, and it got me thinking, what does it really mean?
Well firstly, computers are now small but with big power, the ipod shuffle is so small yet will hold so many songs, I wonder will future DJ’s be turning up with a little ipod shuffle and bose speakers?
Well small is the new big, you only need to look at how many big businesses don’t make much, or any money (except Tesco I am reminded).
What does this mean for small business, well it’s not so much what it means for small business but what small business means.
Small business owners are far more interactive with their customers, they can make decisions on the spot whether to discount for a customer or spend more on marketing, this speed of reaction is one of their best weapons against the slow larger business.
These small businesses also through their size can react to change far faster than their larger counterparts, which means if they want to change their business model inline with, or ahead of their competition, they can.
Small business means every customer/client is important to them, and we know all their names, we greet them as either old friends or new friends to be made.
The small restaurant owner who knows all his customers by name and greets them all personally with a warm handshake or friendly kiss.
I personally prefer to deal with small business whenever I can, I have received the service many larger businesses think is acceptable, well it’s not, and I know the government in the UK doesn’t get small business, but what the hell, small is the new big and lets hope 2008 is the year for small business.
Here is a tip, just because you are a small business don’t fall into the same trap as many of your counterparts, make this your mantra ‘be small, think big’!
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alastair (Who am I?)
1 year ago
I have seen this argument before - and it always sounds persuasive, but I have never been convinced. I think it is based on the premise that big organisations tend to hide behind procedure and protocol more, because apparently they can afford it, or perhaps from one of those flawed “business school” lifecycle models. Whatever, it fails because organisations are not real, but people are, and you deal with people; and it fails because business is just business and size does not matter! OK it does if size is a barrier to entry or a source of competitive advantage - nothing wrong with a good exception or two! It fails because yes you are correct that personal service often is a clincher, but size does not preclude that - you can get exemplary personal service from “Tesco” and a cold shoulder from the local 7-11, just as much as the other way around.
Personally I like to deal with businesses that will provide what they promise without ripping me off!