Micro Business
Micro businesses are all around us. Often overlooked and rarely given a second thought they are the backbone of our economic system. From the local beauty salon to the Mom and Pop pizza shop; micro businesses are everywhere.
Micro business is defined as the small closely held operation that provides a family a supplemental or primary source of income. They include:
– Kiosks in malls
– Food vendors
– Gas stations
– Beauty shops
– Dental practices
– Carpet cleaners
– Small restaurants
– Local entertainers
– Auto repair shops
The list goes on and on.
The common thread that binds all of them is the relatively low cost of entrance in the market. In addition there is limited upward mobility. Think about it for just a few seconds. What is the likelihood that a sub shop can go national? How much money do you think it costs to create a simple territorial franchise network? It would take at least $250,000 of capital to draft the legal documents and market this new venture.
All of this to compete against the national sub chains? In a limited geographical area?
What are the drawbacks to remaining a micro business? Are there any real benefits?
Let’s find out.
Risks of Micro Business
There are many risks associated with micro business and they include:
1) High Susceptibility to Local Economics – many towns and small cities rely heavily on a large business or trade operating nearby that employs more than 10% of the population. Any change in that industry’s status reduces employment which in turn decreases discretionary dollars spent at the micro business level.
2) Reliance on Others – often the business relies on the activity of their customers or vendors. A small business needs other businesses in the strip mall or local shopping district to stay in business and assist in attracting potential customers. If one tenant fails, often a cascading effect begins.
3) Key Man – imagine if the matriarch or patriarch became physically disabled. Who now leads? What about death and with it the loss of secrets such as recipes or experience?
4) Never Ending Stress to Make a Profit – often this forces the owners to open additional hours taking away a family member from the family obligations shifting responsibilities to another. Without profit the family’s financial status is in jeopardy.
Even with all these drawbacks, there are some benefits making owning a business worthwhile.
Micro Business – Benefits
The rewards for the nontraditional employment generally includes financial gain, independence and a sense of personal pride. Each of these are explained in more detail below.
Financial Gain
In most cases the net profit from a small business doesn’t even cover the value of the time invested by the owner. But every now and then there is a windfall or a great year. When this happens the bottom line soars and the owner sees money deposited into his personal bank account. This is the number one reason most folks go into business for themselves – making more money than working for somebody else.
It is the old Risk-Reward concept of capitalism. Money is wonderful but sometimes another reason to go into business for yourself is appealing.
Independence
The personal freedom and self-reliance associated with owning a business are other primary reasons to operate a micro business. When you own a small business you set the policies and procedures on how you want your business to conduct its operations.
Unfortunately this isn’t always true. Sometimes the small business signs away their rights. An example is in lease negotiations. Most malls require the respective stores and kiosks to remain open during normal business hours seven days a week. For the mall, they can’t have shuttered doors at the discretion of the owners.
Overall it’s the ‘I’m my own boss’ feeling when you own your small business.
Personal Pride
The third benefit relates to personal pride in the hard work and testament to your idea if successful. There is no other feeling like accomplishment.
Only you can determine the value of owning a micro business.
Summary – Micro Business
Micro businesses are all around us. They are your small businesses ranking from your local dry cleaner to small retail outlets. Most of your independent restaurants are micro businesses. A closely held family operated business has several risks including the local economy, key man issues and a strong reliance on others. Benefits include possible financial gain, independence in operation and personal pride. ACT ON KNOWLEDGE.
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