Most of us have been conditioned to think that bigger is better in business. Bigger companies mean more resources, employees, and money to bring in clients and dominate a given market. However, that doesn’t mean small businesses can’t make a massive impact in their given field. In fact, the most progressive companies recognize their position relative to their competition and work to use it to their advantage. To that end, here are three ways small companies can outthink and outperform their larger counterparts:
- Attract Top Talent
Big companies have an allure about them that will naturally generate plenty of interest from talented professionals in their field. Still though, this doesn’t mean large corporations enjoy a monopoly on top-notch employees. Rather, small companies hold a level of appeal as well; plenty of modern workers dislike the uniformity and the strict corporate atmosphere that typically pervades big business. As such, you should look to recruit talented individuals who want to be more than just a cog in a machine. Give them autonomy and let them flourish. Few massive companies can offer capable individuals the freedom they need to produce their best work –– and bright pros realize this!
- Precise Marketing
Small companies need to focus more on digital marketing and advertising than their larger rivals for several reasons: first, a smaller business has less exposure than a bigger one, and thus, needs to produce compelling marketing content to promote their brand. Second, smaller businesses run on tight margins and can’t really afford to waste marketing spend on ineffective efforts. And lastly, since small businesses can’t (comparatively) cast a wide net, they need to have laser-focused ads and blogs. By that we mean, small businesses are often best served targeting niche sub-markets and long-tail keywords in their online marketing tactics. So rather than trying to optimize blogs or ads for keywords like “lab equipment,” or “kitchen appliances,” it’s a wiser play to pursue more specific terminology like “yellow pipette tips,” or “glass-jar blenders.” You may not be able to elicit as many clicks or likes with this sort of strategy –– but the leads you do create will likely be more qualified as a result.
- Use Your Flexibility
It takes forever for change to occur at a big corporation. Intricate levels of bureaucratic procedure ensure that large companies will always struggle to react to trends and patterns, when compared to smaller, more agile businesses. Let your clients know that your size isn’t a detriment; instead, highlight the fact that you can roll with the punches in a way that the “major players” in your industry simply can’t. It’s no surprise that small businesses and small business owners live on the cutting edge of innovation. Embrace that identity and run with it!
