5 Trends: Big for Small Business

The range of Opportunities allowing small businesses to compete in the marketplace is about as vast as the variety of modern Entrepreneurs from so many cultures.

FutureofBusinessandTech.com 11/15 enhance by Peter/CXO Wiz4biz

Going Global. For small businesses attempting to reach a multitude of global customers, compete on cost, attain & sustain brand recognition, the opportunities are now there. In the past, they often lacked the advantage of available resources & appropriate budget that their larger competitors used, in order to gain a competitive advantage. That is all changing.

Trends: The convergence of industries with IT, has enabled cost effective solutions that generate accessibility to small businesses – enabling them to compete on a level not previously available. Work habits via connected home & work, the cost effective availability of big data that enable complex analytics, ease of reaching the global community through social media channels is leveling the playing field.

Here then is an overview of some of the most prominent advancements and trends:

1. Cloud technology has enabled the streamlining of many service-related processes, resulting in a number of efficiency gains. Open applications programming has made it easier for companies to develop programs without the need of hiring developers.

2. Big data Analytics is enabling small businesses to run sophisticated analysis on internal & external intelligence + do financials resulting in current state + the predicted outlook metrics. CRM with win-loss, close-loop lead generation tied to other internal measurement systems, creates market intelligence that small businesses can use to build viable strategies.

3. Accessible global Brand-building, once reserved for those with large marketing budgets, is now a reality for small businesses where dedicated marketing staff to pursue brand awareness & sustainment programs would have been a luxury. Online referral systems, video sites like YouTube & other Social Media have all created awareness & marketing channels for businesses of any size. Additionally, SEO (search engine optimization) places small companies square in front of their globally targeted customers. Big company global “image” on a small company budget is now a reality.

4. Entrepreneurship & the ability to better build Global Teams is one of the biggest areas of change. Virtual teams and a desire for entrepreneurial work conditions is the mantra. Online market places have enabled freelance web designers, developers, videographers & others to build viable businesses through contract & incentive-based design sales. Small businesses now have, at their disposal, advertising capabilities that would never have been cost effectively available in the past.

5. Alternative flows of Funding create relatively cost effective ways to raise Startup Cash Flow. Crowd funding, donation sites & peer-to-peer lending are a few examples of how small businesses can leverage capital to build their businesses, without the need to create elaborate business plans for the Venture Capital community. Of course, many are restricted by government standards & guidelines, but these sites help to ensure that the guidelines are met.

Comments: Are there any other Trends that you recognize as important?