Working for a Small Business

When was the last time you talked with your
company's CEO about how the business is really doing? When did you
last have direct input on the company's goals, or spend your
workday doing several different jobs instead of just one?
If you work for a small business, then you might answer 'very
recently' to all three of these questions. If you work for a larger
corporation, however, perhaps you've never been able to do any of
these things.
There's little doubt that the working environment of a small
business can be completely different from that of a large company.
Some people find smaller companies exciting places to work, while
others would much rather have a job with a more stable,
established corporation.
In this article, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of
working for a small business. Of course, each person may see these
factors differently – one person's 'pro' may be another person's
'con.' But, if you've ever considered a move outside the corporate
world, this may help you decide if working for a smaller company
is right for you.
Advantages of Working for a Small Business
You may have heard stories of how fun it can be to work for an
innovative startup company. Bringing your pet to work, dressing
casually, and choosing 'fun' furniture for the office are just
some of the bonuses, right? Actually, yes! Not every small
business will allow your dog to sit by your desk, or encourage you
to sit on multi-colored beanbags, but there are other advantages
to working for a smaller organization. Here are some of the
typical benefits:

You can make a bigger impact – Working in a small business often
means that you really have the power to make changes. The
'management hierarchy' is generally so small (or nonexistent),
which means more people have access to the CEO. If you have a
great idea, you can probably get it heard – and possibly get the
green light to implement it, without having to go through a long,
drawn-out approval process. And, if you like to control your own
destiny, you'll probably have more of an opportunity to shape your
future in a smaller organization.
There is more variety in your work – In a small company, you'll
probably get to play many different roles. You might officially be
in charge of marketing, but you could also have the chance to help
with customer service, research, or even training. The great thing
about doing so many different jobs is that you'll develop a lot of
different skills. If you become bored doing similar tasks every
day, this could be very appealing. And, if you ever decide to
market yourself to a large corporation, you'll be able to apply
for a wider variety of positions.
You can work more efficiently – Smaller businesses tend to be
much more efficient – especially in terms of the time they take to
make decisions. For instance, if you currently work in a large
organization, how long does it take to get permission to attend an
industry conference? First, you have to ask your boss, who then
asks his or her boss, who looks at the budget, and then consults
with HR. It may take weeks to get an answer. In a smaller company,
you would simply ask the owner, who would probably give you an
answer immediately.
Their size means that small companies usually have very little, if
any, bureaucracy. This can be a nice change for many people,
because it means that you can spend your time on value-adding
tasks, rather than doing paperwork.

The atmosphere is more personal and casual – Smaller businesses
often have a more informal environment. The team tends to be
smaller, and everyone is more involved in the company's success,
which can lead to a greater sense of loyalty and pride.
Smaller companies may also offer a better work/life balance . They
might be more flexible when you have to take a day off to care for
a sick child, or they may be more open to ideas like flextime and
telecommuting.


Disadvantages of Working for a Small Business
Although they can be a lot of fun, there are several reasons why small companies might not suit everyone:

Compensation may be lower – Small companies often can't afford
the same pay and benefits as larger corporations. You might
therefore have a lower salary, fewer vacation and sick days, and a
less comprehensive health insurance plan.
A strong infrastructure may not exist – If you work for a small
business, much of the infrastructure you'd normally have in a
large company might not be in place. For example, if potential
clients ask for a list of references in your proposal, what if
your company doesn't have any yet? Or, what if you urgently need
new software, but you don't have a company credit card, or an
account with the supplier? This may slow, or even prohibit, the
work you have to do.
Change may be constant – Small businesses don't always remain
small; many have their sights set on growth. To be happy in this
environment, it helps if you're comfortable with change. Your job
responsibilities, your target market, your colleagues, your office
– and even the company itself – might change, perhaps more than
once. If it's hard for you to readjust your thinking and
expectations, a larger company might be better for you.
Also, if you really enjoy working with just a few people – yet
you've joined a small business with an aggressive growth strategy
– you may soon find yourself in a very different type of
organization. To learn more about the strategic and leadership
changes you'll see as an organization grows, read Using the
Greiner Curve .


Specializing may be difficult – Being able to do a lot of
different jobs in a small business can be both a positive and a
negative. If you'd rather focus your skills on one 'niche' area –
with a view to becoming an expert in your field – a smaller
company might not be a good fit for you.
Access to training and development may be lower – Small
companies may have less access to job-improvement seminars and
workshops. Larger corporations often bring in consultants and
speakers to train and develop their staff, but this might not be
affordable for a smaller business.


Key Points
Working for a small business is an entirely different experience
from working for a large corporation, and each has advantages and
disadvantages. It's important to decide what's most important to
you before making a move in either direction.
Factors like a more personal work environment, more flexibility,
and a real possibility to impact change might be more important to
you than higher pay, training and development, or more health
benefits. Everyone is different, so consider your options and your
situation carefully before deciding what kind of company is best
for you.