I just posted my Small Business Checklist: Size Matters and was thinking about all the reasons why small business and start-up business, like SOHO-, SME, SMB-, Micro-, Lifestyle-, Home-, DIY-, Hobby-, Boomer-, Professional-, Personal business, can be at an competitive advantage over big business.
So if you need reassurance that it’s good to be a small start-up business – here are some of my thoughts – and I’m sure you could add to these:
Low overheads – especially if you use bootstrapping techniques your value proposition to your customers is unbeatable for big business, who have to factor in a much higher cost infrastructure.
People – contracting a big company is not easy, one person will make the deal with you as the client and other will come and do the work. With small business you often talk to the person who also does the work – you can see how he or she works before you spend any money.
Flexibility and mobility – small business is not hampered by infrastructure and paper pushing, short decision processes combined with more mobility is key to keep customers happy.
Talk to the boss – with a small business you can always talk to the boss – try to talk to the Chairman of BT! Customer service with bigger companies can be very frustrating.
Please add to the list, I would love to do a Small Business Checklist: Competitive Edge – leave a comment.
