"Leverage trumps size." Know Your Niche: I focus on what makes my business unique-such as personalized service or local expertise and double down on that. Build Relationships: I directly connect with customers, creating loyalty that big companies can't replicate. be Agile: I quickly adapt to market trends or customer needs, offering solutions before larger competitors can react. Ramp up on Free Tools: From social media to community events, I use low-cost ways to stay visible and relevant. By playing to my strengths and staying resourceful, I can outmaneuver the competition without breaking the bank.

For me, I refuse to visit the competition more than once a year. I don’t need to feel down about what I am up against. My store is a store of niches. I have picked sub classes that my big competition don’t handle well or is not sexy enough for them. I take those niches and I explode the spacing to them with multiple facings of the best sellers; to become dominant in those niches. I spend all my time executing MY program, MY. Strategy MY merchandising planograms. I focus on being the very best I can be with what I have to work with. Been doing it for 33 years and I am still standing!

The biggest advantage I see a small business has over a large corporation is the ability to directly interact with the customer on a daily basis to always maintain their pulse. I am of the opinion small businesses have built-in consultants (customers) who evaluate all aspects of the operation and willingly give feedback. Whereas consumers of a large corporation will simply make statements with how they spend their money and they won’t return. As a small business owner, I have made numerous decisions by quickly implementing suggestions of our top fans and I will continue to use this strategy.

The number one advantage a small business has over larger companies is the ability to change quickly. They are able to adapt to changing buying habits, industry trends and new developments. By studying other industries and seeing how they can mimic ideas and bring them across to their industry they can stay ahead of the game.

Deliver more effective services for less costs to the organization/donor. Don’t get fat. Trained staff, good supervision, give them the resources they need to do a good job. As a CEO you must set the standard and the tempo.

Uma das grandes vantagens de uma pequena empresa vs. uma grande empresa é que conseguimos ajustar as velas muito mais rapidamente. As pequenas e médias empresas têm uma facilidade em reagir muito mais depressa ao mercado, fazendo alterações ou mudando estratégias. Conseguem também prestar um serviço de muito mais proximidade e aportar verdadeiramente valor às relações com clientes. Conhecer as realidades dos seus clientes e das suas empresas é um enorme passo em direção ao sucesso. Cada vez mais numa era onde nós querem “cegar” com IA é importante não prescindir do fator humano. Devemos ter uma componente analógica mente digital se queremos cativar e impressionar os clientes.

Recognize early that you don’t want to become another small company doing what everyone else in big business is already doing. Entering a saturated market of giants by blending in isn't a wise move. Competing on sameness is a losing game, and you definitely don’t want to compete on price against giants … since you can’t. Next, focus on creating something truly remarkable—a compelling narrative, a memorable effort. Make it something worth discussing. Then, communicate the right story to the right niche audience. “In a crowded marketplace, fitting in is failure. In a busy marketplace, not standing out is the same as being invisible.” – Seth Godin

The biggest way a smaller business can take marketshare over a larger competitor is personalized service, the ability to out serve your larger counter parts, rarely does cutting prices and discounting have long lasting effects as concierge service. Learn to get feedback as to what they are not doing, and learn to do it better.

Competing with larger companies on a small business budget requires focusing on areas where you can excel. For me, dedicated customer service and tailored value-adds were game-changers. While big companies may offer volume, I offered personalized solutions that made clients feel heard and valued — something they couldn’t get elsewhere. I also became a trusted advisor, blending business, legal, and strategic guidance to create long-term partnerships. And all of this was done with minimal marketing budget, relying instead on referrals and reputation. Stay agile, listen to your customers, and focus on building relationships that make you indispensable.

I'm going to agree with Eric Culpepper and share that personalized service will be the greatest differentiator. If you are answering the phone when clients call or at least getting back to them the same day and keeping notes from previous calls, you will win people over. It has to be authentic. You can measure your impact by how many "fans" are sending you referrals.