New York Times says: Stay Small

What are your goals for your small business?  Do you have any?  I know that when I think about starting my own business I have visions of sitting in a giant leather chair at the head of a long table full of men in suits waiting to do what I tell them too.  Of course the office would be somewhere in New York on the highest floor possible.  Granted, this may not be the most realistic vision, but it is a goal of sorts.

Lots of small business owners have opened their doors with the idea of becoming a national chain or a huge corporation.  It’s the American dream right?  It’s not selling out really, just becoming successful in the world of business.  However, with the economy in the state that it’s in, it’s time for small business owners to take a good hard look at what they want their business to turn into in the future and focus on staying in the black until we consumer spending come back up a little.

I read an article today on the New York Times website by Paul Brown that talked about the idea that small businesses that stay small, will ultimately be the businesses that thrive (you can read the whole article here).  It might seem a little counter intuitive to you, but if you stop and think about it, it does make a lot of sense.  Here are a few of thre reasons Paul listed as benefits of keeping your operation on the small side:

• Less bureaucracy
• Greater involvement for each employee.  With a smaller number of people involved, they can all have a piece of the action.
• It’s easier to understand what is going on within the company.
• The employees feel more like it’s their company.

Not to mention that when you have a smaller company with fewer employees, it’s easier to keep your costs low which means that you will be able to keep your doors open and your employees employed even during tough times.  A smaller company also means that you can stay on top of things without losing your mind.  And if you don’t have your heath (mental or otherwise), how can you be expected to run a business?

I was quite impressed with the article and I highly recommend that you read it for yourself.  Then, let me know what you think.  Would you keep your business small?