Mickey Meese has a very interesting article in the NY Times on the trend towards large corporations and small businesses partnering. One example the article highlights is large corporations providing small businesses free tools, advice and news. Key quote:
"In addition to its rewards program, FedEx has an online center for owners to go for resources and information. Other companies like Intuit, with its Small Business United campaign, and American Express, with its Open Forum, have done the same, according to Anita Campbell, editor of Small Business Trends.
“We’ve seen this explosion in small community sites and small-business help sites these large companies are putting up,” she said, with free tools, advice and news.
“The whole attitude has changed,” Ms. Campbell said, “instead of selling to, marketing to the small business and that being the end of it, now it’s much more ‘we’re standing side-by-side to help you.’ ”
The article also covers big corporations looking to smaller firms for innovative products. It covers P&G's Connect and Develop program, which is designed to source innovative ideas from outside P&G. Key quote on examples:
"...OneCare, which owned the technology used in the Bounce Roller, a scented lint roller. Butler Home Products took the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and developed the Magic Eraser Mop. And Sederma helped in developing an anti-aging technology found in Olay Pro-X skin product."
When it comes to small business challenges, you will quickly find that even the biggest of obstacles can be overcome if you are willing to stick it out. This is something that you are going to need to do from time to time, as small business is something that always seems to be the target for hard times. The economy and the lack of spending, is something that will take its toll on the smaller businesses.
http://www.clickandinc.com/
Posted by: Barkri | May 04, 2009 at 11:55 PM