When Does A Small Business Become A “Not Small Business”

I was at a business event over the weekend as part of my commitment to Register A Company, and really my interest was to meet with new business owners and ask them what additional services we could offer them. After a few glasses of wine, the conversation became more open, and a lot of the people started to say that what they really needed was simple advice – were they doing things correctly, could I spot mistakes in their strategy etc etc.

In this situation, I always make it clear that whilst I have had some success in business, I by no means have the holy grail. I still make mistakes and I only ever give advice if I have had a direct experience of whats being asked. So anyway, this isn’t actually the point I want to make – a few people after a few more wines had passed, as well as numerous business cards exchanged, said – ” Thanks for your help – it’ll be a shame when we become a big business and won’t be able to use you anymore! ”

And this got me thinking – at what point does a “Small Business” become a “Big Business” or even a “Medium Business”. In fact, while we’re on the point, what actually makes and business a “Small Business” in the 1st place?

Its all phraseology that I must admit to using all the time, as does everyone I think – but in reality, the size of your business is down to you. A team of 3, a moderate turnover – whilst not on the scale of Shell or Marks and Spencer for example – could be classed as a big business by it’s owners if it is big in proportion to what they started with.

I am probably going to lose myself in a tangent in a minute, so i’ll leave this one here for the time being, but for all business owners – your business is the size you think it is. I think.