I own a small business and I root for the underdog in most events. I guess that's just part of my nature. As a small business owner, I believe in relationships.

They are the main reason customers keep coming back, right? Isn't it all about the people? It's what I have and the big boys don't have. I personally feel that it's me against the Goliaths at times.

Please remember for years I used to get my paychecks from a giant.It was wonderful to have a resource-rich environment with more information and tools than an astronaut for NASA.

Even today, after two-and-a-half years of self-imposed miniaturizing (yes, I do feel like the incredible shrinking man), I envy the stuff that the big companies have. But I'll probably never go back. You see, at a small company you live or die by the relationships.

My professional and sometimes my personal reputation can be affected by my company's interaction with cutomers. How people see my company is a direct refection of me.

I've built an organization that has a direct line of sight in how I want to be seen. I have customers who are my friends. Some of these friendships started 25 years ago.

And I have friends who are now customers. To me, it is a complete circle. I am who I am, at work and at home. Relationships are everything to a small business.But let me be very clear, a relation-ship should never, ever be the deciding factor if a company wins the business.

We chatted briefly and then I explained the reason for the call: "I now own a small business and wanted a shot at becoming one of their vendors!"

 

Root Beer was invented in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1898 by Edward Adolf Barq, Sr.

"Quite the moniquer on that guy, huh?" - Sonny