Living the dream: small wonders: small businesses make big impacts when they keep innovation in mind

Entrepreneur, May, 2005 by Geoff Williams

Competitors ensure that entrepreneurs remain innovative, says MacDonald, who observes that today's entrepreneurs have numerous ways of starting businesses, from incubators to entrepreneurial grants. And what should be refreshing to those who are in situations similar to Domek's in his early days is that he built his business by following two basic rules that are as old as the business world: Find a niche, and listen to your customers.

"Innovation comes naturally when you're listening to your customers," concedes Domek, who in 2004 had a $55 million company and looks poised to be running a $100 million business before the year is over. "They tell you what you want, and you [find a way to] build it."

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

Ready to make a difference? The SBA has numerous programs and resources for well-established and new entrepreneurs seeking advice and assistance. Just log on to www.sba. gov, and click on "All SBA Programs" on the upper left-hand corner of your screen. There you'll find an abundance of assistance, including these organizations:

[] OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE www. sba.gov/oit

[] OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS www.sba.gov/sbdc

[] OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY www.sba. gov/sbir

[] SCORE www.score.com

[] THE SMALL BUSINESS TRAINING NETWORK www.sba.gov/training

Geoff Williams is a writer in Loveland, Ohio Contact him at gwilliams1@cinci.rr.com.