Looking at my website this week, I soon came to realise the design was not portraying the image I wanted. Fortunately with the simple website solution I’m using, I’ve been able to change the look, feel and content of the site in literally a couple of hours. I haven’t had to call a web designer, get bogged down in code, or most importantly, spend any money.
It got me to thinking that flexibility truly is a small businesses best friend. Had I chosen a web design solution that was fixed, expensive and complex, I would still be looking at my old image and facing the prospect of emptying my wallet again. But web design is not the only instance where expensive problems can be avoided by looking for flexible solutions. Think about long leases on premises, or broadband contracts that tie you in for 12 months or more, or of course taking on your first full time employee.
As a small business, these can have significant impacts on how you operate and your success both short and long term. My advice, try to bring flexibility into your decision making. Look for flexible office space (try www.lentaspace.co.uk), or flexible broadband (www.virginbroadband.com). Can you take on a contractor in the first instance to test market your product without the extra expense of taking on a full time employee? These are all of course factors to consider in your marketing mix.
