Is Working In A Small Business Right For You?

I’ve worked in both small and large organizations in the past.  Both are challenging, but the dynamics in a small business are very interesting.  It all starts with the owners, and it’s important for job seekers to understand their perspective. 

Business owners are an interesting breed.  We wouldn’t have an economy without them!  They are bursting with ideas and energy.  Their internal clocks are different.  They see things from a different perspective, and ask questions about a subject or situation that many of us wouldn’t think of.  Some encourage their employees to grow and make decisions, while others micromanage everything going on in their company.

Business owners are passionate about what they do.  They’ve probably invested every available dime they have in making their business succeed.  They eat, sleep, and drink their business.  Working all night on a proposal is something that you just “do”.   An employee sees a candy wrapper in the company parking lot, and walks right by it.  The owner sees the wrapper and picks it up because it’s a reflection on the business. 

Working in a small business can present you with a unique opportunity.  I got more chances to be involved in important projects and functions in a small business than I did in a larger one.  The business size also allowed me to be involved with multiple functional areas instead of being focused on a narrower piece.  I also got a chance to have in-depth discussions with the owner where I learned a lot about the business and industry I was involved in.

Be ready to play your “A” Game if you work in a small company.  There’s no place to hide, and you will hear about it very quickly if you’re not performing.  Do your best to understand where the owner is coming from, and the pressure he or she may be under.  Be prepared to go a little further to get the job done than you may be accustomed to doing.

Finally, get to know yourself and how you’re wired.  Are you comfortable working in a small company with the owner’s office right next door to yours?  Do you want to be right in the middle of things, or insulated from ground zero by a couple of management levels?  These are questions that you need to have answers for before you start your job search.