Strategies in small business are as important as they are in the Corporate Board Rooms of Americas greatest companies. Believe me when I tell you that you need to strategize to win you market and if you wish to increase your market share you need a plan of attack and you need to execute that plan and win. Small businesses in local communities are often an extension of the personalities of the business owner or owners and employees.

Many times small businesses do things because they think it is cool or the right thing to do and do not consider their profit margins and what will make the most money. I am not attempting to tell you to by-pass the community and scrape the cream only off the top, screw the community and get filthy rich without giving back. What I wish to say is much deeper than the pettiness of either side of such a debate.

You see, it is not an either or but rather a both. When strategizing for your small business you need to get away from work. A BBQ might be a good idea to distance your self. Include your top employees, as it also builds teamwork, perhaps a junior up and coming employee or two also.

Brain storm and always tell your participants that you can only listen to ideas or concepts which are both short and long-term viable. Ideas, which are both profitable and good for the customer and community. Make a mission statement for your company, which promotes this type of thinking and consider all this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

Currently Lance is retired at age 40 and is running an Online Think Tank Forum while traveling North America. Perhaps considering something extremely challenging to do that will exercise his mind and utilize all his experiences, observations and skills. Any ideas?