Raise a Toast to the Year you have had!

Many smaller businesses labour under a fundamental flaw in thinking.  They believe that they are merely small versions of big corporate firms and they should employ the same methods and strategies as their much larger counterparts.  In the last year I have gained some insight into the fact that being a small setup, affords so many more opportunities to run effectively and without unnecessary red tape and people issues.  A powerful calling and the persistence of a superhero, are more of the qualities needed to reach a goal, than huge profits and pre-existing customer bases.  The small business affords one the freedom to explore and be flexible to change.  It allows for quick decisions and exploring new visions without having to sell the idea to several departments, committees and shareholders. Yes it may be true that the road to success is not always as visible as in a big firm, but once a set of core values is established, the path to get there is potentially so much fun.  Checks and balances are still possible, to ensure continuity and to give clients and customers the peace of mind that you are no fly by night and their work is in capable hands, but once the work is available, the way to process it and deliver the end product to a happy customer should be a truly rewarding experience.  Mistakes will be made, so getting feedback is essential and to gather information of your service, what is happening in the market and adapting to set backs, is meaningful even or especially in a small firm.  Give the client what they really need and have fun doing it and the results will surely follow even if it takes a few more years to get there.  Celebrate the victories and every year of staying in business and never loose sight of exploring bigger opportunities when they come your way.