In today's corporate world it may seem like big business has taken over. In many cases it has, however there's still a a part of the market that belongs to the little man.

Because many small businesses have withstood the test of time, many of them being handed down through generations, they have built a reputation based on their family name and service. Chances are, if you go into an established business, you may see two or three generations of family members at work on the premises. Their commitment to serving the community stands tall when it comes to customer service.

Although their prices might not be as low as some of the larger stores, the customer service is most times a higher quality. Many times small business owners bend over backwards to maintain their level of quality. They know many of their customers on a first name basis, because most of them are either repeat customers or the customer's family has been shopping at their store for generations. Because they know their customers so well, they can on occasion throw in a free gift, give an extra discount, or even special order items for them.

Small businesses usually have a relaxed friendly atmosphere, generally at a slower pace than bigger businesses but at a higher level of integrity. When you walk up to the counter to ask a question or make a purchase more often than not, you're talking to one of the owners or a longstanding employee. They know how to service you, they know how to answer questions, and if they aren't sure of an answer all it takes is a quick phone call to the boss to make sure.

Many small business owners know their products and have their contacts listed in a tattered notebook behind the counter. These contacts are also their tried and true friends. If they do not have something you're looking for, they'll send you to one of their friends who has it. Most likely when you go to that other store to get the item, they'll have it sitting behind the counter waiting for you.

The small businessman has to work harder to get your approval. It is all too easy for you to go to the mall or some big name department store to make your purchase. With this in mind small businesses have to go with the flow, they have to provide parking, quality merchandise comparable to or higher than the other stores, excellent service, and accept credit cards as well as cash. They have to be in sync with the times, the styles, and sometimes be one step ahead of the game.

Store workers have two artistically decorate the store and come up with window displays to entice you to go into the store, browse, and make a purchase. They also have to be aware of the specific needs of their community.

They may have a section of the store devoted to local school uniforms and gym wear as well as stylish items adorned with school and college logos. There's a possibility they could also supply apparel endorsed by local organizations and sports teams.

Many times during the year they may run contests giving gift certificates, merchandise or complete outfits as a prize.

They advertise in local newspapers, community bulletin boards, in school yearbooks, at sidewalk sales, community days, on parade floats, leaving business cards on their fellow businessmen's counters, on local radio and TV shows, and even handing out fliers on the sidewalk. Sometimes they help sponsor local sports teams, organizations, scholarships, charity auctions and beauty pageants. They are an active member of their community.

Many times they hand out pencils, pens, calendars and rulers with their name, location, and telephone number on them. It is important to continually maintain a healthy relationship with their customers and strive to be in the public eye. Most importantly if you call that telephone number, you'll be put into direct contact with the owner or a knowledgeable employee.
Even though the size of the business may be small, the attention they give and the service they provide is mighty.
These are just some of the ways that small businesses can continue to be just as effective or more so than the large corporations.