10/ 01/ 2004
by Harvey King
Along my rather circuitous route to small-business ownership, I’ve had the opportunity to work in and for both large and small businesses. While commercial endeavors of all sizes serve together to power the free-enterprise system, I have observed a few subtle differences between the big and small companies I’ve been around.
Here are a few of the differences I’ve noticed:
In a big business, the corporate headquarters is called “the home office.” In a small business, the office at your home is called “the home office.”
In a big business, your banker is a CRM -- customer relationship manager. In a small business, your banker is an ATM.
In a big business, when seeking the cause of a computer problem, you call IT. In a small business, when seeking the cause of a computer problem, you’re it.
In a big business, you feel lucky when included with those who fly on the corporate jet. In a small business, you feel lucky when included in the first boarding group on a Southwest flight.
In a big business, sports marketing means getting naming rights on the top of a Major Leauge baseball stadium. In a small business, sports marketing means getting naming rights on the back of a Little League baseball uniform.
In a big business, you must always answer to the shareholders. In a small business, you must always answer your own phone.
In a big business, you have policies and procedures. In a small business, someone shows you how to do it and then you show the next guy.
In a big business, there are purchase orders and procurement departments. In a small business, there is Miranda, the bookkeeper/office manager/receptionist.
In a big business, there are COOs, CFOs, EVPs, SVPs and VPs. In a small business, there is Miranda, the bookkeeper/office manager/receptionist.
Oh yes, and there’s one more thing: In a big business when they talk about numbers, they use more commas than in a small business.
