That may seem trivial, but I live in a small town near the Windsor-Detroit Border. I was driving my kids home from school, and we noticed the sign on the new construction site in town. It read Staples Opening Soon! I was ecstatic! So were my kids. Finally, a staples, right here in town. The nearest Staples is in the city, about 50 km from here.  I love Staples. It's one of my favorite stores.

Even though I was happy to see a Staples opening in town I couldn't help wondering what would happen to the other businesses in town. We have two department stores, Wal-Mart and Zellers (it's like target). They both have a stationary department, but nothing like Staples. I'm sure their departments will do less business. But because they are department stores, they have other means of revenue to fall back on. And if someone finds an item while shopping, convenience plays a role in the purchase.

There is one specialty store in town called Bateman Stationery. They have been around for a long time in our town. But I can't help thinking, how will they survive now? I'm sure they must have a customer base, but will that be enough? As far as I know, they don't specialise in anything that Staples can't match. So how will they survive? I see the chances being slim.

If you have a small business and you don't have a specialty, when will the big fish sallow the small fish? The way I see it, your small business must have a specialty that the larger corporations can't or won't cater to. 

This story demonstrates the need to have a specialty, something that makes your business desirable.  What can you do today to ensure your business has its own specialty?

That's The Way I See It!
Acey Gaspard
A Touch of Business.com

For more on this topic have a look at this business article
How You Can Beat the Giants in Your Industry with Your Price