Mike Neiss puts it succinctly:

http://www.tompeters.com/entries.php?rss=1&note=http://www.tompeters.com/blogs/main/010852.php

Perhaps I’m looking at things too simply but a small dose of reality and less irrelevant analysis is what is required. Why are businesses dropping like dead flies? Why are so many household brands failing? Why are a lot of us not feeling any sympathy for all those heading down a cul de sac with no turning circle at the end?

Common factors for the problems that, WOW, us small business people learn from:

1. Many businesses have borrowed too much to acquire their competitors or grow…..ego!

2. Many businesses have too much overhead, way too much….simple greed!

3. Too many businesses have failed to move with the times…..poor strategy, bad management and lack of foresight!

4. Too many businesses have not differentiated themselves in the market place and are still following a mass marketing route….plain stupid!

5. Far too many businesses have stunted their development by treating their people like any other resources….dumb!

If you are not different you need to be cheaper and if you are not the cheapest or not the most expensive what are you? You are in the middle, average and vulnerable because I, the customer, don’t see the value you offer. Failing to move with the times is unforgivable and unforgiving. Businesses are quick to try and get rid of ‘dead wood,’ now it’s the marketplace’s turn to naturally filter those with that have stood still for too long.

There is an interesting article on the BBC news website. It’s an overview about how the current economic climate is affecting small businesses on the high street here in the UK. Go to the following link to read more:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7656423.stm