When Being a Small Note Business is Big
In the 1960’s Volkswagen had an ad campaign themed “Think Small”. It sold a lot of VW Beetles. It brings light to the fact is that big is not always better. More interesting, though, is that being small in the note business can actually make your business bigger
Most entrepreneurs dream of growing their note business, and some have really big dreams. The drive for accomplishment — of seeing a business that you have built from the bottom up expand — is a natural one. Greater revenues are a measurement of accomplishment. It also doesn’t hurt that larger note businesses are usually more trusted by note holders and investors, and hence getting bigger makes it easier to get even bigger.
Being big, though, creates problems. As a note business grows, it becomes less flexible and less note holder-centric. The very aspects of being small — being agile, frugal and responsive — that help note businesses grow are often the first things that disappear when growth is realized. Small helps you get big, which in turn sometimes kills what made growing possible.
Ideally, you would stay small and continue to grow. And you can. The key is being bigger but remaining smaller in your operations and mindset. Inside of every big note business is a small note business screaming to get out. People we work with and associates are easier to work with when the rules, policies and procedures are short and simple. Note holders are happier when they experience true customer service, and the note business works better with the fewest moving parts.
As you grow your note business, keep thinking like a small business. Remain note holder-centric, as well as investor and associate friendly. Retain a culture that stays focused on a mission and finds the smallest, fastest, cheapest ways of accomplishing their goals.
Keep your note business flat. Every layer of management or extra workers (outsourced or in house) causes distortion in how your note business sees the common mission and in the number of decision-makers involved in each move. Flat is small, and small is efficient and beautiful. At some point, adding people causes more problems than it solves. Working with fewer hands creates consistency and keeps everyone involved with your note business agile.
I have done these things since I started my business in 1991 and it has worked extremely well for me. One note holder called Armstrong Capital the biggest little company they knew. All our note holders feel they are treated well at every turn. I work hard, but achieve great things the longer I am in business including an unbroken profitability streak. Enjoy getting big, but love being small.
Remember success demands action, keep on marketing, it’s going to work! TWITA! (That’s What I’m Talkin’ About!)
Jeff Armstrong of Armstrong Capital has been a note broker and investor specializing in the seller financed note industry since 1991. He can be reached by email at jeff@armstrongcapital.com. For more updated and current information on how he can help you with your note business, your note investments or to request a quote on a note you currently have visit www.armstrongcapital.com.