Business owners when questioned as to why they wanted to become a business owner, often respond in ways that indicate they wanted to be in charge. They simply didn't like having someone tell them what to do and how to do it and when to do it. They wanted to be in charge of their future. They wanted to have the ultimate responsibility for whether their business succeeded or failed.

Interestingly enough, in many instances, even successful businessmen act in ways that indicate they are not in charge. What I consider is a classic example, involves the manner in which I see many business owners reacting when the economy is down. A very common refrain I hear from business owners is, "The latest economic reports indicate we are in a downturn. That explains why our business is off and I'm concerned if the economy gets worse, we are going to really be hurting."

To my way of thinking, this doesn't sound like someone who is in charge with the ultimate responsibility for whether their business succeeds or fails. If these businessmen were running Ford or General Electric or Procter & Gamble, I would fully understand and in fact agree that with the economy going soft they would feel a direct correlation within their business. However, in the vast majority of small to medium-sized businesses the state of the general economy does not have that much direct influence.

Smaller businesses are far more flexible and adaptable to changes in the markets they serve. The first action of larger businesses, in response to weakness in the economy, is to focus on controlling and cutting costs. The smaller businessman is, or should be, constantly on top of his costs. Because of its flexibility, the smaller business can adjust pricing, develop new or modify existing products or services to meet the changing needs of clients, offer improved terms and conditions, i.e. what ever it takes.

Smaller businesses can take advantage of a weak economy to improve market share. While their larger competitors are focused on their cost-cutting, smaller businesses can make inroads into the larger competitor's customer base while barely creating a blip on a competitor's radar screen. Developing products and services specific to the needs of potential customers and adding lower-price points than the competition may be just what is required to break into new customers and grow market share.

Larger businesses are typically reactive. Smaller businesses, because of their flexibility can be proactive; taking charge. Don't forget why you went into business. You wanted to be in charge of your future with the responsibility for whether your business ultimately succeeded or failed.

So, which are you? Are you following the pack or being the take-charge kind of person you said you always wanted to be? Don't fall back on the excuse the economy is soft. Take charge.

May all your actions be Silver Bullets.