What is it about big things – a big car, a big house, a big salary, a big business – that appeals to our sense of well being? I believe it is because our minds link “big” with status, respect, and prosperity. However, the modern world is not about “bigger”. It’s about “better” and “leaner”. Look at the sleek cell phones that slide cozily into tight pockets or the thin ipads that can be carried around ina thin sleeve. Even IT storage devices are getting smaller and better. Flash drives that can hold gigabytes of data fit into the palm of your hand.

My neighbor started selling products to people who walked into his home. Word of mouth was his only form of advertising. As word spread, customers grew and he expanded his office to two rooms in the house. He acquired a credit card processing solution to attract more customers and encourage multiple orders. With the help of a professional website design, he launched a website that allowed online visitors to browse and place orders via phone. Now, the website supports credit card payments and he is selling products to consumers all over the world. He left his regular job and is now totally focused on procuring and distributing products online.

Many small businesses have revanped their business models to streamline their business operations and reduce overhead costs. Fulfillment, HR outsourcing,  payroll and call center services are just some of the business functions that companies have offloaded to third parties, allowing them to focus on business growth and development. Business Process Outsourcing companies manage non-core functions effectively helping small and mid sized business to improve business productivity.

A small business can increase its customer outreach through the Internet. With an e-commerce website to sell products, small and mid sized businesses can increase their profit margins without incurring the overhead costs of  leasing or owning office or retail space and employing sales staff. If you are more ambitious, social media marketing and internet marketing companies make sure your brand gets the right attention in the right places.

Technology has made it possible for enterprises to stay small but serve big clients needs. Large enterprises and big box retailers are always looking for ways to cut costs to stay lean and competitive in this global marketplace. If a small or mid sized business offers consumers quality products at competitive prices, it will win customers’ patronage and goodwill nine out of ten times. Yes, we believe bigger isn’t always better in todays economic environment.