The Great Equalizer: Helping Small Businesses Compete
Sunday, December 18th, 2011GoHuman is an ardent champion of “the little guy.” We believe that the strength of a nation comes from the strength of its communities, and the strength of those communities comes from its relationships — including the many small businesses providing local services and local employment. But how can small businesses compete with huge corporations?
When we eat, shop and work in establishments who don’t invest locally, it creates a downward spiral in local economies. We enable those large corporations to wring success and profit out of our communities until they become identical strip-malls of interchangeable shops and restaurants. The problem of competing with the “big boys” is nothing new. Back in the Wild West (as opposed to the Wild Web), many felt powerless to stand up for themselves, which is why “The Great Equalizer,” aka the Colt 45 handgun, was so successful. To quote the manufacturer, Samuel Colt, “God made them all, Colt made them equal.” Fast forward to today, where debates still rage on as to the handgun’s place in American society. Wisconsin governor Scott Walker recently signed into law the right of Wisconsin residents to carry concealed firearms, leaving Illinois as the only U.S. State which does not allow this. We are not extolling the virtues of violence; remember that the Colt .45 was also called “The Peacemaker.” In the right hands, it was a defense against violence, greed and murder. What set this trusty six-shooter apart from other guns wasn’t actually the gun – it was the bullets. Or better said, cartridges. With a .45 in reach anyone could load and shoot quickly, in all kinds of weather. A man on his own could be armed and defending himself in seconds, giving rise to the slogan: “Fear no man regardless of his size . . . pull me, and I will equalize.” So, what can be your Great Equalizer, helping you to compete against your big competitors with even bigger marketing budgets? One answer is staring you in the face right now (hint, it’s not the gun). David can have the edge on Goliath. The small local business can offer something people are hungering for – a reliable service, from someone they can trust, because other local customers recommend them and use them again and again. A service from someone who cares about reputation in the local community, and who doesn’t have to charge more just to throw untold amounts of money at huge advertising costs. GoHuman provides you with a showcase to post the abilities of your business, and the recommendations of your customers. That lets you get on with doing what you do best. Looking after your business, looking after your customers, looking after your community. Even just the free subscription level offered by GoHuman goes a long way towards levelling the playing field. You can post 5 free postings, each one targeted at a specific zip code, or perhaps focusing on a specific area of your offerings. Which brings me to one more piece of trivia about the Colt 45. Most users never loaded it with its full complement of 6 bullets. Just 5, and for safety sake, one empty chamber to rest the hammer on. 5 shots. Get your free 5 shots now – and get your friends and neighbours to recommend your services. Get the new Great Equalizer — and help GoHuman to build your local community, and your business.
