Facebook is just one of the tools available

For all the hype the Facebook stock offering is getting I find it a bit of a non-event. Sure it will be a way for early investors and insiders to get rich, but for the rest of us? Does anyone think Facebook is the end all when it comes to social media? Another, better one will come along in short order. Frankly the bigger it becomes the less enamored I am with it. Small is cool!

Small business should have a Facebook page, and stay involved. Don't however, put all you eggs in that one basket. Keep your e-mail list safe, and don't forget about reaching people directly with e-news. Facebook is just one of many tools available for small business. It's over-hyped right now, and that usually doesn't play out well. People will soon enough "get used to it" and the novelty will wear off. Look how quickly Pinterest got the attention and eyeballs.

I think the initial stock offering for Facebook may be the companies high point. It will now have to show constant growth for the investors, and that may eventually be it's undoing. It can happen. Remember MySpace?

Mastery, and staying small

My friends in the horticultural businesses have two choices. One is to align yourselves with the increasingly boring world of mass merchants, plant trademark companies, and mega growers. The second option can seem lonely at first, but  in my opinion is the way forward.  That market is smaller, but is willing to pay for craftsmanship, and quality. Just as in the restaurant business, there are places like Long John Silvers and Red Lobster, and then there is a place like the one featured in this movie trailer. It's about the world’s grea­test sushi chef, 85-year-old Jiro Ono. Whether you are into sushi or not, the story is about "mastery" of your craft, and staying small. The restaurant owned and operated by Jiro Ono is located in a subway station, and serves only sushi. No appetizers or side dishes, TV shows, or endorsements. Just a tiny ten seat restaurant, that you have to make reservations for a year in advance! If you have read this blog for any length of time you know I am found of saying, "small is cool". I believe it's the way forward for my small business, and perhaps yours. Jiro Ono and his restaurant are an example of what can be accomplished. Easy? No. Worthwhile? Yes.