Blog
07.12
How the mighty have fallen
Recently, we posted a story about several North Texas companies calling it quits, or coming very close to putting plywood on their doors and walking away.
This economic downturn has been one of the worst things to ever happen to small businesses and large corporations alike. However, maybe it’s the “glass-half-full” mentality in me, but I think it could be one of the best things as well.
Why? CEOs everywhere are forced to think about doing business differently. Recently, the U.S. Small Business Administration listed the “Top 10 Reasons the U.S. Loves Small Business”. Among those are some staggering numbers:
- 99.7 – The percent of U.S. employers made up by small business
- 22.9 – How many million of small businesses are still standing in every U.S. community
- 500,000 – How many small businesses will start-up this year in the U.S.
- 75 – The percent of jobs created in the U.S. by small businesses
For every mighty corporation that have faced downsizing, there’s a small businesses stressed out over printing flyers for outreach or pay the light bill. Yet, they’re still standing.
Many of those tenacious owners think outside the box to develop brand awareness in their communities? Social media contests, consumer loyalty programs and user-generated development are ways to have their audience invest into their business. Every little nugget of information they send out branded with a corporate image means one more chance to be noticed.
Big budgets are nice, but never underestimate the power of sweat and a good idea. Oh, and partnering with a cost-effective and thought-provoking agency that can help that idea get amplified. Just sayin’.
It’s been said, “The bigger someone is, the harder they fall.” I agree, but I would think the big people could also see a storm coming a lot faster than someone smaller.
To small businesses, I would say just watch the winds and count the stars. Those big people may be blocking your view, but the sound you hear is not a mighty fall, it’s opportunity knocking on your door to do it differently and get there quicker.
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