By John W. Hannon, President, Maynard Research Council Inc.
As we all know, S.A.M. membership is a learning experience an opportunity to grow in a structured but informal learning environment.
Although a substantial number of our members are employed by large firms, we may be overlooking an opportunity in our search for growth when we do not enjoy a dialog with those in small business. Comprising 97.6 percent of all business, small businesses employ about 55 percent of the American workforce and produce 43 percent of the Gross National Product.
There has been, in the past, a kind of “fear-sneer” relationship between those employed in large firms and those in small companies. The latter may believe that the former are too sophisticated and therefore may fear exposure to them, feeling that what employees in large firms know and practice does not apply to small business.
On the other hand, those connected with large companies may think that small company employees are not well informed about business matters and that these smaller firms belong in the category of the “mom and pop” store.
Obviously, neither attitude is correct. This nation’s continuing economic vitality requires an understanding of each group’s approach to and methods of handling problems.
In its annual membership drive, each S.A.M. chapter should assign a task force to make the small business person welcome at its meetings and workshops and encourage him to join S.A.M. A chapter can enhance its contribution to the community by providing a forum for discussion of different business backgrounds and priorities and varied methods of approach to problem solving.
The S.A.M. environment is the ideal place to erase the “fear-sneer” attitude. Promote S.A.M. membership to the small business person; everyone will benefit. SAM-NI
This SAM News International article is from our historical archive, information provided is for reference and archival research about the activities and developments of the Society.