Small business hosting as the nomenclature suggest, business on small scale, it be a grocery shop, bakery shop, meat shop, clothing shop. One can also term it as convenience business shops, as these can be set up in a very small space and in place where actual user is located. It applies in the case of manufacturing too, where it can also be termed as household industry. No requirement of heavy machinery or large force of labor. Small tools and equipments and mainly work force from the family members. Just one or two specialized labor from outside.

The Small business hosting caters to the daily needs of the common man. These are not specialized shops catering to one product, but multiple products of daily use, ranging from raw eatables, Drinks, Snacks, spices, stationery, toiletries, cosmetics, chemist etc. The convenience of being in the vicinity of the consumers, it is an excellent business. Though, the big stores too, looking at the competition from these stores, tend to give home delivery option, costs more because in any business, overheads are to be met from the sales. And moreover, these shops enjoy personal relationship with the consumer, and serve the purpose of a community relationship. They also extend credit, charge less than the MRP because of their low overheads. Any consumer would prefer that. Moreover in situations, when one does not have time to go to a store far off, it is so convenient. In some cases, the shop-owners live in the same complex and hence in an urgent and emergency requirement, one can get the facility of 24x7 services. The customer saves the time, fuel and energy to run across at distance for requirement of petty things at times.

It is very easy to set up a Small business hosting. Less space means less investment. Big showrooms require expensive and fancy interiors, uniformed sales boys/girls etc. leading to increased overheads. Whereas the pattern of sale is same in both the case. Purchase by credit and sales in cash. The margins of profit as calculated on percentage basis would be more in case of small business. Considering the cost of investment from the profits, small business is certainly on advantage. The percentage of return on investment would be much higher.

These businesses in residential complexes as suggested above do give a feel of convenience, but are advisable only if these are non-pollutant and do not in any way disturb the ecology, environment and ambience of the area. For this, many state Governments form laws and enact rules and regulations on the use of commercial activities in residential areas. It is very important as commercial activity, even though it be for small business does affect the basic infrastructure and public utilities. Disturbance of vehicles giving supplies to the store, scrap generated from the unpacking of material, keeps heavy transport moving in the area occasionally, which is unsafe for the inhabitants of the area, especially children.

In the under-developed and developing economies of the world, small business concept is very common. Persons with higher qualifications too tend to set up small business, because of high rate of unemployment. The jobs available do not give much return/pay as is expected off. This leads to people looking for overseas job, but the less privileged people, because of constraint of sources, look in for small business. And they are more successful. At times people have put in their ideas gathered from their education in promoting the small business to greater heights. I can say this because of a personal experience. A friend of mine, working as a cashier with a large business group, has 3 sons and a daughter, his aged mother and of course his house maker wife, to support. His salary was not enough to properly support his family. As such, his elder son could not have proper schooling and as soon as he turned 15, my friend thought of running a Small business hosting, by installing his elder son to look after the shop full time. Some family friend helped him in getting agency of branded wheat, rice and sugar, for a particular area. He started this by renting a shop cum godown and with a small investment paid as security for supplies from the manufacturer. The supplies thus came on credit. Slowly he builds up customer strength of about 300 retailers and wholesalers. By giving 1% extra cash discount, he was able to pay off the credit of the supplier punctually and thus had goodwill with enhanced credit from the suppliers. As the number of counters increase, other manufacturers of various consumer products offer agency for their product as well. Over a period of 3 years, he could manage to convert his small business into a Departmental store. He does not have to serve to an employer, since he has turned into an employer now.

The example set above is not a story. One should have the confidence to achieve, coupled with ability, can lead to unlimited heights. Lack of confidence in a person, will never be able to take a decision or risk. He will always be planning without implementation. Another friend has capability to market anything all over the country. Over the last 2 years, he has selected 3 different products to market. He developed a brand name to market, sampled the products successfully. The products were liked by market. His lack of confidence to implement never made him launch the products. In such circumstances, partnerships can work, where one person has the ability, and other the confidence to implement. Partnerships require proper co-ordination, synchronization and trust among the partners. If partnership shares the cost and investment, it also shares the profits. A well described partnership can enhance the quality and quantity of the business.

In developed countries, small business is not a common concept. But at the development stage, they too had these small scale units which turned into large business houses by merging, and even turning international and global business. At the growing stage of an economy, huge investments are not possible without state participation. And the state in its budget has to first look into the basic infrastructures and social welfare of the citizens. Small business is an essential part of a growing economy and the prosperity of the small business units is certainly an indication of the economy turning into a developed economy. This can be termed as a yardstick.

Are you impressed by my views Doesnt matter. The fact is that I too run a Small business hosting on my own and am looking forward to become an industrial tycoon. Then probably I will not have time to share my views. Please keep these ideas in a safe place and I shall send my picture too, when I grow and fulfill my dream.