Small Biz Watch: Small business gains from big business blues
Given all the anxiety out there about outsourcing, offshoring, and employment instability—just check out recent news about the Big Three automakers or the mega-media companies—the idea of working for a large company may not have the lure it once did. And that's good news for small-business owners who may now have access to the sort of management talent that was unavailable in the past. As a recent analysis by the Herman Group put it:
Smaller employers are also forced into layoff situations from time to time, often caused by sudden drops in business from large company customers. They tend to avoid laying off people, however; each team member is more important to the smaller employer. That attitude, and the opportunity to play a more significant role, appeals to people who want to be involved, who seek meaningful work, who want to make a difference. Mix in today's emerging values centered on life-work balance, personal engagement with work, and being able to choose where you work, and smaller employers become very attractive. Result: Those companies will be able to employ high-caliber talent that was not as available in the past. Superstars who sought glamorous jobs in major corporations will show a preference for smaller companies instead. Managing them will be almost overwhelming—like having wild stallions pulling a wagon designed for farm-bred horses. Expect smaller employers to retain search firms and other outside consultants to help select and manage strong new employees coming out of an eager talent pool.