In a world where large corporations often take center stage, it's easy to overlook the unique advantages that small businesses bring to the table. While we may not have the vast resources or global reach of our larger counterparts, small businesses possess distinct qualities that empower us to thrive where giant corporations can't.
We've previously talked about how being a small business lets you provide incredible customer support, and work closely with your local community.
Today, we'll delve into three key advantages of a small business' team size.
Small businesses have fewer employees. Superpower: Everyone knows each other.
The heartbeat of any small business lies in its people. With fewer employees, often working side by side on a daily basis, small businesses create an environment where everyone gets to know each other well. This familiarity and camaraderie foster a sense of unity and collaboration that can be challenging to achieve in larger organizations.
In a small business, it's also not uncommon for every employee to wear multiple hats. This cross-functional approach promotes a deep understanding of the company's operations, and employees become more invested in the organization's success. Everyone's contribution is readily visible, and this transparency fosters a strong sense of ownership and responsibility. When you know your coworkers as both colleagues and friends, it's easier to communicate, share ideas, and collaborate effectively.
💡 At Less Annoying CRM, the entire team meets once a week to discuss customer feedback, and brainstorm ways in which new features can solve existing problems. We brainstorm, critique, and inspire each other in a tight-knit environment. The closeness of our team encourages open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas, which often results in innovative solutions!
Small businesses have small departments. Superpower: Teammates are empowered to be domain experts.
Small businesses are often structured with small, specialized departments. Unlike large corporations, where departments can be vast and multifaceted, smaller teams are empowered to become domain experts in their respective areas. This specialization is a strength that fosters efficiency and expertise.
Each team member in a small business has the opportunity to truly master their craft. Whether it's the marketing specialist who knows the local market intricately or the tech whiz who's well-versed in the company's unique software systems, small business employees develop a deep understanding of their roles. This expertise translates into better problem-solving, increased productivity, and a strong competitive edge.
💡 At Less Annoying CRM, we have a small development team but that gives every teammate an opportunity to become specialists in the niche technologies and platforms they work with (and enjoy!). This specialization often results in shorter development cycles and means that for any given bug that crops up, we know exactly which developer would have the best solution. In contrast, large corporations may struggle to match the expertise that a small team can provide due to the sheer size and complexity of their departments.
Small businesses have smaller offices. Superpower: More opportunities for random, thoughtful encounters.
In the confined spaces of smaller offices, meaningful encounters become the norm rather than the exception. Smaller physical footprints encourage employees to interact with each other regularly, facilitating spontaneous and thoughtful exchanges that can drive innovation and teamwork.
In a small office, bumping into a coworker in the hallway or break room isn't just a random occurrence; it's a daily event. These unplanned interactions spark conversations and discussions that often lead to creative problem-solving and idea generation. The close quarters foster a sense of community and shared purpose, where employees are more likely to lend a helping hand or offer insights when needed.
💡 At Less Annoying CRM, our small layout encourages impromptu discussions about upcoming features, customer insights, or other novel ideas. We have "pods" of desks that every teammate can join, and this allows developers to work alongside CRM Coaches, designers to work with business development etc. This allows us to easily share insights and perspectives that another team might not have and often influences the way our product grows.
Being part of a small team has strengths that big companies can only aspire towards.
So whenever possible, give ample opportunity for your team to cherish the tight-knit bonds between them, become the domain expert, and relish the daily interactions. These are the unique building blocks small businesses like yours can reliably count on, so be intentional about creating an environment that allows these advantages to flourish.
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