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93
Inspiration
WaterCoolerWisdom:
Be faithful in small things because it is in them
that your strength lies.
– Mother Teresa
Reap small-business rewards
Small businesses. Mom-and-pop stores. Local
merchants. As an ISO or merchant level salesperson
(MLS), what do these signify for you? If
expressions like small potatoes and not worth
the trouble come to mind, think again.
run small shops), you can keep your services within
your community – a place where you live and work,
and, perhaps, where you are raising a family. You can
foster the economy and be an active member of the
area's business district.
According to a recent report from market research group
Packaged Facts, there are nearly 26 million small businesses
in the United States. They account for more than $9 trillion
in revenue and more than $2 trillion in assets. Trillion.
Furthermore, the report indicated small enterprises can
produce up to $350 billion in financial services and product
revenue annually. If you still need an incentive to pursue
the small business market, here are five reasons why
it is worth the effort.
If you are able to support and assist merchants on a local
level, you are contributing to a thriving economy in your
own backyard – you're practically a hometown hero.
4. Word of mouth
Merchants network through local associations and organizations.
They share information, including the names
of vendors and services providers who have given them
exemplary service. This is your opportunity to expand
1. Easy access
Unlike mid-sized and large companies, small businesses
usually do not have gatekeepers. There is no ladder to
climb to find the person in charge. The person you are
dealing with, more often than not, is the decision maker,
owner, president and accountant all in one.
Most small-business owners like to be on the premises
during work hours (and sometimes long after the doors
close) to ensure that their sweat and tears pay off in the
realization of lifelong dreams. Seventy-four percent of
mom-and-pop stores have no employees, while 87 percent
have fewer than five employees.
2. Personal investment
Additionally, owners of small enterprises are dedicated
to their work. In this market, you will be working side
by side with people who hope to establish a committed
business relationship with you.
They are in it for the long haul; this is their livelihood.
They are not faceless cogs, watching the seconds on the
clock tick away. Nor are they looking to change careers.
Most of the time, merchants' personal and business
finances are intertwined. They want to improve their lot,
and they put in the money and sweat equity to do so.
3. Community involvement
When you work with local merchants (most of whom