Defenders of massive multinational chains like Wal-Mart and Fortune 500 big business argue that, like it or not, there is no alternative. Their huge scale and international reach, they claim, make them more efficient and profitable, better able to deliver value, and an uncontested boon for the job market. According to the big boys, locally owned small businesses are simply quaint remnants of the past, unable to compete in the global economy. But in The Small-Mart Revolution, Michael Shuman shows that the benefits these mega-stores and huge corporations supposedly deliver to communities are illusory. Crunch the numbers and you'll find that locally owned businesses turn out to be much more reliable generators of good jobs, economic growth, tax dollars, community wealth, charitable contributions, social stability, and political participation. Unlike their global competitors, they do this without massive tax breaks and subsidies that often put local economies in a permanent hole. Plus, contrary to popular belief, local businesses are competitive with the multinationals--and gaining ground every day. Shuman highlights numerous trends that are making the old "bigger is better" economies of scale argument obsolete, and he describes a variety of innovative strategies these businesses are using to successfully compete with their over-sized competitors. He also shows how consumers, investors, and policymakers can support their own communities by "going local." The Small-Mart Revolution offers a robust alternative to "go-go" globalization, one that nurtures the creative capacities of local businesses and enables communities everywhere to thrive.

Teaches large businesses to use word-of-mouth and reputation-building to gain a loyal customer base in the way small businesses do.

With this volume, the Nearby History Series will lead you on a journey to discover how the businesses in your community helped shape its present form. Providing fundamental information on the processes of investigating a business' heritage, Local Businesses acts as a complete guide for local historians and historical societies, business historians, business owners, local citizens, museum workers and librarians interested in examining this aspect of local history. Local Businesses is Volume 5 in The Nearby History Series.

A Book Sense Pick and Annual Highlight With a New Afterword In less than two decades, large retail chains have become the most powerful corporations in America. In this deft and revealing book, Stacy Mitchell illustrates how mega-retailers are fueling many of our most pressing problems, from the shrinking middle class to rising pollution and diminished civic engagement—and she shows how a growing number of communities and independent businesses are effectively fighting back. Mitchell traces the dramatic growth of mega-retailers—from big boxes like Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Costco, and Staples to chains like Starbucks, Olive Garden, Blockbuster, and Old Navy—and the precipitous decline of independent businesses. Drawing on examples from virtually every state in the country, she unearths the extraordinary impact of these companies and the big-box mentality on everything from soaring gasoline consumption to rising poverty rates, failing family farms, and declining voting levels. Along the way, Mitchell exposes the shocking role government policy has played in the expansion of mega-retailers and builds a compelling case that communities composed of many small, locally owned businesses are healthier and more prosperous than those dominated by a few large chains. More than a critique, Big-Box Swindle provides an invigorating account of how some communities have successfully countered the spread of big boxes and rebuilt their local economies. Since 2000, more than two hundred big-box development projects have been halted by groups of ordinary citizens, and scores of towns and cities have adopted laws that favor small-scale, local business development and limit the proliferation of chains. From cutting-edge land-use policies to innovative cooperative small-business initiatives, Mitchell offers communities concrete strategies that can stave off mega-retailers and create a more prosperous and sustainable future.

MASTER LOCAL SEO AND REACH THE RIGHT CUSTOMERS EVERY TIME With Google local services ads returning local businesses as results on more than a billion daily searches, Google Adwords expert Perry Marshall and lead generation expert Talor Zamir introduce you to the basic framework behind a successful local SEO campaign. From defining local search--often confused with paid search and search engine marketing--to local listing and reviews to social outreach and effective content development, this guide delivers the tools to build an entire local marketing campaign. You'll learn how to: Capture high-quality leads from Google AdWords, new competitors and even legacy platforms such as Bing in 48 hours Master the components of a high-converting campaign and get the most bang for your buck Harness mobile search advertising and Facebook ads for maximum results

An all-in-one guide to helping you buy and own your own business. Are you looking for an alternative to a career path at a big firm? Does founding your own start-up seem too risky? There is a radical third path open to you: You can buy a small business and run it as CEO. Purchasing a small company offers significant financial rewards—as well as personal and professional fulfillment. Leading a firm means you can be your own boss, put your executive skills to work, fashion a company environment that meets your own needs, and profit directly from your success. But finding the right business to buy and closing the deal isn't always easy. In the HBR Guide to Buying a Small Business, Harvard Business School professors Richard Ruback and Royce Yudkoff help you: Determine if this path is right for you Raise capital for your acquisition Find and evaluate the right prospects Avoid the pitfalls that could derail your search Understand why a "dull" business might be the best investment Negotiate a potential deal with the seller Avoid deals that fall through at the last minute Arm yourself with the advice you need to succeed on the job, with the most trusted brand in business. Packed with how-to essentials from leading experts, the HBR Guides provide smart answers to your most pressing work challenges.

A timely reference for all public librarians who serve the business community in libraries, regardless of size or location—from small rural outposts to bustling big-city branches. Serving communities today entails serving businesses—in particular, local businesses, entrepreneurs, and those looking to become entrepreneurs. Understandably, many librarians are not prepared for this role, and as a result feel uncomfortable in it. Supporting Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs in the Digital Age: The Public Librarian's Toolkit explains how librarians and libraries can better serve the business community, offering specific guidance on everything from information resources—including books, databases, and free online sites—to programming, special events, marketing, and outreach. Readers will gain insight into key topics ranging from embedded business librarianship, virtual business librarianship, and government documents to seminars, one-on-one appointments, and trade shows. Providing invaluable guidance based on the authors' real-world experience and research as well as interviews with librarians in all sizes of libraries around the country, this book offers practical, actionable advice and proven best practices for serving local business owners and entrepreneurs.

In today's competitive market, local businesses must leverage the power of performance digital marketing to stand out, drive leads, and achieve measurable growth. "Performance Digital Marketing for Local Businesses: A Practical Guide" is the essential handbook for small business owners and marketers looking to build effective, results-driven strategies tailored to their local markets. Authored by Swapnil Kankute, a digital entrepreneur and expert with over 12 years of experience in the field, this book simplifies complex marketing tactics into actionable steps. Whether it's mastering local SEO, optimizing Google Ads, or driving traffic through social media, you’ll learn how to focus on key metrics that matter—such as leads, conversions, and return on investment (ROI). Complete with real-world case studies, practical tips, and proven strategies, this guide empowers local businesses to enhance their digital presence, improve performance, and drive results on a limited budget. Key Takeaways: - Learn performance marketing strategies that deliver measurable results. - Discover how to leverage local SEO, social media, and PPC advertising. - Track and improve campaign performance using analytics and KPIs. - Avoid common digital marketing mistakes. - Implement a step-by-step action plan for digital success. Take control of your local digital marketing efforts and achieve sustainable growth with this easy-to-follow, practical guide.