This week the nation honored the entrepreneurs and small business owners of America by celebrating National Small Business Week 2014. This year marks the 50th National Small Business Week since 1963.
Approximately half of all Americans work for or own a small business. Additionally, these small businesses create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. annually and that’s no small potatoes.
So what are some benefits of working for a small business? I asked my colleagues here at ServerMonkey what they thought and they shared their personal experiences.
1. “Everyone knows everyone. There’s a great family atmosphere.” – Emily Segura, Operations Supervisor
In an atmosphere with less than 50 people, it’s not hard to remember everyone’s name. Unlike most big businesses, new faces don’t go unnoticed at a small business. When you’re working 40 hours or more in the same close knit group, coworkers quickly start to feel like family.
2. “My ideas are heard, so I feel like I’m an asset.” – Melissa Haydel, Purchasing & Supply Chain Supervisor
Having face time with your CEO doesn’t require you to book a meeting weeks in advance at a small business. It’s very easy to speak your mind and volunteer great ideas to your superiors, just by popping your head in their office. Your impact is immediately felt and your contributions don’t go unnoticed.
3. “You get to do a lot of different things and gain tons of experience.” – Charlotte Boman, Marketing Supervisor
You become a Jack or Jill of All Trades. Most small businesses carry a limited staff of less than 100. That means most employees wear several different hats and gain experience in things they never thought about. Maybe you didn’t get your degree in international trade, but somebody’s gotta do it.
4. “There’s room for growth.” -- Melissa Haydel
Small business doesn’t always stay small. Many startups experience exponential growth in the first few years. Those that come aboard a small business in its early stages often see a fast track to promotions as the business evolves. And, there’s often not a lot of hoops to jump through to gain advancement.
5. “Strong camaraderie.” – Emily Segura
The strength of a small business relies heavily on the shoulders of its employees. Employees of a small business have a strong desire to want the company to succeed. Their presence is integral to the business, whereas in a larger company a person can tend to get lost in the shuffle.
Small businesses like ServerMonkey across America get started with just a spark of an idea. Hats off to all the entrepreneurs who had the courage to make a dream a realization. And as a thank you to those who support small businesses, ServerMonkey would like to extend a savings offer to you!
