Keeping A Small Business Vibe In A Company Going Places

The goal of every small business is to expand into a market leader. What with more sales and revenue, profits are bound to increase. A company with a healthy bottom line is a very successful one. However, it’s easy to miss the downsides of expansion. Of course, there is the risk of growing too big and buckling under the weight as well as borrowing crippling debt. Often, the biggest pitfall is the loss of your small business culture as it helps you relate to customers and go the extra mile.

For the small business owners that don’t want to lose it, here are the things to keep in mind.

The Gentle Touch

SMBs have a reputation for being kind and gentle towards customers. Corporations are seen as the bad boys that just want to turn over as much revenue as possible. It is true that companies lose their empathy as they grow because there are bigger fish to fry. Plus, there just isn’t the same amount of time for employees to deal with queries and complaints. Still, it doesn’t mean you can’t go the extra mile when the occasion arises. Coming up with a solution that isn’t on the table is an excellent way to show the firm still cares.

Open Door Policy

Customers aren’t the only ones that feel slighted; employees suffer too. During the early days, it’s easy for workers to talk to the boss and air their grievances. As the number of people in the office increases, it’s trickier for the management. So, corporations employ HR gurus to help. What you can’t do, though, is close your door to the office. Regardless of the size of the firm, workers must feel as if they can come to you with anything. Then, there will be no trust issues tearing the office apart.

A Long Lease

One way businesses lose their culture is by moving. Think of it like the English soccer teams that are abandoning their old grounds. The new stadium may be bigger and more modern but it lacks the atmosphere. There is a lot to be said for staying put, especially in the early stages of a startup. For one thing, even the best steel building is cheap on a long-term lease. Also, there is the element of informality. Grander offices suggest that employees have to adhere to new rules, ones which may not have applied before. Soon, the business will be too corporate for consumers and employees.

Realistic Perspective

Bosses want to work 24/7 for 52 weeks of the year. Employees are less enthusiastic about the prospect. The great thing about an SMB is that it gets a perfect balance between hard work and play. Corporations lose this ability as they focus solely on making money. That’s why people are expected to work over Christmas and come in on public holidays. Sometimes, a day off can be positive for the entire company as workers come back relaxed and refreshed.

Do you want to grow but stay the same? There is nothing wrong with wanting to keep a small business vibe even as the company turns into a market leader.