SMALL BUSINESSES IN A MODERN WORLD

Executive Summary

Historically, small and medium sized businesses (SMB’s) have had quite a battle when competing with big box stores and larger established businesses.  This is a result of limited capital and bandwidth (Time/Resources) necessary to build a brand and gain enough exposure to connect to consumers in a trusted way, consequently SMB’s have struggled with growth and sustainability.   However, in today’s connected world, this is no longer true.  Many businesess are offering services quality that far surpass larger competition, and SMB’s can leverage smart technology and consumer channels (i.e. Social Media) to reach a wide audience with a loud and powerful voice.  This article describes the challenges and possible solution for SMB’s to thrive in the modern economy.

The Problem

With so much amazing technology, why have so few small businesses been able to stand out and thrive?  The reality is that business owners have a tough choice: focus on quality of service or learn how to take advantage of technology.   This is a complex problem, each will affect the other and a good business owner will never sacrifice the quality of their service .  Therefore, many SMB’s offering highly sought after services are not able to expand.

Further, for those who are able to focus on innovation and growth where should they begin?  Social Media? Blogging? Expensive Website? Operations? Cloud Technology? Unfortunately the answer is “All of the above”.  Businesses have to work from the ground up to thrive in the modern economy; consumers are seeking seamless information and interaction through the entire commerce cycle.  Small businesses require a solution that allows internal operations to be more efficient than ever before, plus the connection and marketing tools to have their voice heard and reach today’s digital consumer (96% of all consumer research begins online).

The Solution

92% of the businesses in this country are “Small or <10 Employees”, making them a vital part of our economy.  A solution to the above mentioned is essential for SMB’s compete, grow, and prosper.  

At Ocoos we believe SMB focus should begin from the ground up starting with internal operations and moving toward consumer facing mediums, driving more efficient and modern customer interaction.   Ocoos has built a powerful and simplified platform with technology previously only available to fortune 500’s,  allowing businesses to better connect with today’s consumer, build a modern web presence, and access to cloud tools to run a smarter and more efficient business.  Hence increasing bandwidth while eliminating the costs and complexities of today’s fast moving world/economy.

What does this all mean?  Upon joining Ocoos, a business is presented with a modern and powerful web presence, which includes built-in online scheduling and eCommerce capabilities.  This presence is integrated with a suite of simplified tools:

All of this is included in integrated manner allowing business operations to function automatically.  Thus answering the two big questions in every SMB’s mind: “How does it save me money? How does it make me money?”

Call to action

The time is now for SMB’s to catch up to consumers.  This is just the beginning, those who adapt will thrive, and those who don’t will fail.  Technology is maturing and helping close the gap, platforms are allowing anyone to have a trusted and powerful web presence, and efficient business that can compete with the best.  

The Outcome

The outcome will be a business climate where success is based on quality and not on resources, think of Youtube celebrities in the business world.  Commerce will be seamless, efficient, and full of data.  Consumers will benefit greatly in every aspect with more information and options.  Small businesses will be smarter, better, and drive growth in the masses.

Daniel Sosa

Co-Founder @ Ocoos.com

Daniel.Sosa@Ocoos.com