Posted by Eric Remer

I was recently in a meeting with a director of business development for a Fortune 100 company, and as we discussed a potential deal that could provide tremendous value to both organizations, it became clear that size does matter—and in a way that might not be so obvious.

Smaller companies benefit from large organizations’ breadth, infrastructure, brand recognition, and vast distribution. Large companies, however, benefit from the nimble nature of smaller companies. Small companies can often create, execute, and implement with a drastically quicker turnaround by avoiding the bureaucracy that plagues many larger organizations. There are simply less “cooks in the kitchen,” which makes us much quicker on our feet.

During the meeting, the representative from the larger organization eloquently described the value each of our companies was bringing to the table: “We think of ourselves as a big yacht that has the ability to cross the vast ocean. However, when we get close to shore, we are not so great at maneuvering. That is why most yachts tow a few jet skis on back—so they can navigate the shoreline.”

It was a great analogy that perfectly described the symbiotic relationship between big and small companies. Both add tremendous value, as long as each party appreciates what the other brings to the table.

So there is no need for small companies to have an inferiority complex. Simply understand the value you bring to the table, and find the right partner who sees your value as well!

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