Ode to Small Business

November 26^th is Small Business Saturday.  (It is also THE GAME – OHIO STATE v. XICHIGAN!)  As many know, small business is near and dear to my heart.  I have dedicated my career to supporting the small business community, and I love that we now dedicate a day during the holiday season to highlight this business sector. 

I love small businesses and here’s why:

1. History – many small businesses have a very interesting back story as to how they got started, when, and who was involved.  Family-owned businesses in particular are fascinating.  The employees get the benefit of learning directly from the founders and the subsequent generations of owners – what was intended at the start and where they are today.  Several of the businesses I worked with had picture galleries in their offices showing the progression of the company over time, which were always fun to look at.  Knowing the history is a source of pride for many tenured employees as well. 

2. Up close and personal – as an HR practitioner, I don’t like to be on the sidelines.  I like to be in the action.  Working with small businesses gives managers, employees, and consultants the opportunity to be deeply involved in the business across many departments and functions.  I was able to understand the business operations at a deeper level, which helped me to shape the counsel I would provide.  I have also seen employees be highly engaged when they know what is happening across the company, not to mention an eagerness to be more involved in the overall success. 

3. Relationships – those of us working in small businesses are able to cultivate deep, meaningful relationships across the organization.  With having less individuals involved, there is more opportunity to really get to know people personally and professionally.  This has enhanced my ability to support business owners and employees at all levels.  When you truly understand someone, you learn to appreciate who they are and where they are coming from.  Their perspective becomes even more valuable.  Over the years, I have laughed and cried with business leaders and employees alike.  I have been included in company and personal events.  These relationships fill my cup and remind me why I got into HR to begin with. 

4. Operating with Heart – I can’t even count the number of times I have witnessed a small business doing the right thing for its people.  Maybe not the easiest or cheapest thing…but the right thing nonetheless.  A business owner giving an employee cash to get their car fixed during a tough time.  Co-workers rallying around an employee going through cancer treatment – everything from grocery shopping and cleaning house to caring for family members and donating funds to ease the financial burden.  I must admit that the recent news of layoffs across the country makes me physically ill, especially when they are done so close to the holidays.  I don’t believe in employee terminations during the 4^th quarter of the year unless it is absolutely necessary (i.e. egregious act).  It is lazy and irresponsible on the part of these leadership teams – get your acts together prior to 10/1 and at least send out the necessarily communications.  Companies cannot claim to be ‘people-first’ and then act in this manner for the sake of padding financial statements.  It’s just not right.  I realize my perspective comes from a small business lens…and I’m grateful for it. 

Many of my fellow HR professionals are burnt out; some are leaving the profession altogether.  If you are feeling stuck, I encourage you to consider working in a smaller organization.  You may find fulfillment that was lacking previously.  It is certainly a challenge working more closely with people and having limited resources.  But supporting a small business allows you to stretch yourself and try new things, to have regular variety in work, and to become a true strategic partner.  Some of the very best HR pros I know grew up in small business and, as a result, they are highly knowledgeable in many areas, nimble, and very engaged in their careers.  I look forward to continuing this conversation at various HR conferences and events next year. 

In recent years, there has been more focus on supporting small local businesses.  Many of the retailers and restaurants near you will be offering special deals on Saturday to encourage patronage.  If you have not yet visited these establishments in your area, I urge you to check them out.  I have found very unique gifts in said places (great for those hard to buy for folks on your list!)  Now I realize the convenience of Amazon cannot be beat, but if you’re able to get out and support your local businesses this year, please do! 

Happy Thanksgiving!  Go Bucks!!!