What big businesses can learn from SMBs

Bureaucracy tends to function like a machine with many cogs and gears. This mechanized business approach functions well in predictable environments. However, in today's rapidly changing business world, bureaucracy may prevent big companies from seizing the moment. Several management layers and slow procedures prevents big companies from quickly adapting to volatile situations, combating sudden competitive threats and capitalizing on new opportunities that arise. 

Big companies therefore can benefit from the small – medium sized business approach. 

A small – medium sized business is, by nature, lean and agile. Having fewer layers of management makes decision times much quicker. The pace of a small company is often very fast. Flexibility, adaptability and speed is frequently advantageous in getting new products or services to market. 

Big business would be far more effective if it were to maximise the entrepreneurial spirit of its staff and design a corporate structure to provide the greatest number of employees direct contact with their marketplace, whilst minimizing system-wide bureaucratic procedures.

Channeling that New Year's spirit every day

This year we’ve decided to put a special emphasis on recreating that terrific New Year’s spirit and aiming to channel it every single day. 

Most of us have an altogether positive vibe of optimism, excitement and anticipation when approaching a hopeful New Year. However, at about this time in January, along with New Year’s resolutions, this positive vibe can sadly start to wane. 

So why not recreate and distribute the New Year’s spirit every day, and try with all our might to keep it alive? January 1 isn’t the only day for new beginnings. Every day is a fresh start. By taking the small step of leaning into what feels great, we can give ourselves new opportunities around every bend. We can reflect, reset and be excited each morning, no matter the challenges we’re facing - beginning with reminding ourselves about what the prospect of a New Year felt like and applying it to the brand new day ahead. As we are human we will inevitably slip up, but as long as we realize that we don’t have to wait until December to have a new resolve, a new strength and a new happiness, it’s a step in the right direction … for life and business. 

Easier said than done, but we’re giving it a real go in 2017 and beyond. It's early days but so far, so good. Will you join us?