Small Business

Working in the Small Business space I attened Visa Canada's Small
Business conference in Toronto today. Its amazing how varied and
interesting the business's are that people run. The key insight I took
away is the focus on the basics. What do people want? How can I meet
that need, resolve that stress. How can I differentiate myself. How
can I find more customers. How can I really understand the
fundamentals of Business financial management. The problem with being
an entrepreneur is everyone starts from a different place but to
optimize their chances for success they need all of the pieces. You
can either grow and hire the knowledge or you need to learn. It's
pretty exciting dialogue and I enjoy the discussion. I attened the
Warrillow conference in Chicago last week which was Big Business
selling to Small and the same holds true. Those who are successful
either have a "can't do without offering" or understand the basics.
What does the customer want/need and how can I deliver it at a profit,
in both the near and longer terms. Their are no real "revolutionary"
ideas just repackaging of the fundamentals. Very much like weight
loss, you can go for the diet of the month or work the fundamentas of
balanced excercise and diet. The latter is harder, its always easier
to write a cheque. The same holds true for Big Business, it easier to
advertise relationship and "we value you" than it is to put together a
"feet on the street" strategy that proves you value staff and
customers.