Davids vs Goliaths: Advantages Small Businesses Have Over Larger Companies
At times, you may find it discouraging to look at the capacity of your small business compared to the resources of a much larger company. However, as the “David” in this uphill battle, you have several key advantages that can help you not just survive but thrive in the face of the “Goliaths.” Let’s look at four of the advantages you can use to compete more effectively.
Advantage 1: Superior customer service
One significant advantage is your ability to provide superior, personalized customer service. For example, our local hardware store has knowledgeable salespeople who will not only find the products and materials I need for a DIY project, they will also give me tips on how to do the project. To leverage this advantage, look for ways you can build strong relationships and create personalized interactions with your customers.
Advantage 2: Faster decision-making
As a small business owner, you can make decisions in every area of your operations faster than the leadership team of large companies. Look at the hiring process at some major corporations as one example. It can take several months for a company to make an offer. At that pace, they risk losing qualified candidates to other jobs.
Advantage 3: Greater agility and flexibility
An advantage related to faster decision-making is your ability to rapidly respond to change. In general, a small business can conduct a cycle of developing, testing, and refining new services, new products, and new processes much faster than larger businesses. That means when the needs of customers change suddenly, as they did during the pandemic, you respond faster than the Goliaths. To take advantage of this competitive edge, keep informed of market trends and local news. Read the comments on your business’s social media feed — your customers may be telling you what they like and want!
Advantage 4: Deeper connections with the local community
Lastly, you can build stronger and more authentic connections with your local community and your large competitors, especially if you live in the same community that your business serves. Form relationships in the community outside your business by volunteering to serve on civic groups and supporting local charitable events, community celebrations, and youth sports teams. Also, actively participate in the local business community through the chamber of commerce and cultivate partnerships with other businesses.
In conclusion, don’t underestimate your power to beat the giants. By recognizing and leveraging these and other competitive advantages, you can compete effectively against bigger businesses and carve out a niche for your business.
If you would like to learn more about how this might apply to your business, let’s talk: