Should every small business owner have big ambitions?
Certainly, most people who buy or start their own enterprise, whether based at home, the high street or the web, has dreams of being a success and growing their business. After all, every large high street store, every national or international chain and every top name on the web started out as a small, obscure business.
However, how can any small businesses succeed in a world that seems dominated by big brands, big names and colossal empires?
It can certainly frighten off many people who see the world of business like the ocean, with sharks round every coral reef, and danger lurking in the dark depths. Add to this the current economic climate in which seemingly secure names have crumbled, and even entire nations have found themselves crippled (for example, Iceland), and many would-be business owners might think this is a bad time to get into business.
Quite simply, small business owners have an advantage which large corporates don’t
Taking advantage
However, this is a defeatist attitude that arises from several false assumptions and myths, and those who believe them may never make it into business, whatever the market conditions. Let's look at the truth, why these assertions are untrue and how you can turn the uncertain economic climate to your advantage.
To stretch the marine metaphor just a little longer, many aspirant entrepreneurs believe any enterprise is doomed to failure, because of the great sharks dominating the waters of business. If this were true in the literal sea, then there would be no fish and chips, no marine life, nothing except sharks.
But the ocean is vast, and while sharks may be at the top of the chain, there is room for a plethora of other marine life, so clearly there are ways to survive. Fish survive by staying alert, being mobile and developing defensive responses to threats.
How does this translate to the world of business then? Quite simply, small business owners have an advantage which large corporates don’t.
