Faced with competitors with greater scale and more clout, smaller firms often have had to choose between trying to buy up other firms, in order to increase market share and compete, or be bought out themselves, the Conference Board says. Rising numbers of firms are also forming strategic partnerships with larger companies in order to get cheap capital, it says. Almost a quarter of the responding companies said alliances will be the principal way they will finance their growth. Surprisingly, very few of the surveyed companies say the Internet will play a major role in their future growth, according to the study. Only 10 percent expect Internet sales to be a key source of their revenue growth during the next five years.
Many smaller firms feel they have been thriving by exploiting traditional growth strategies.
Manufacturers are hesitant to risk alienating trusted distributors by offering direct sales on the Net. Others are accustomed to serving local and regional markets and aren't ready to deliver products to wider geographic areas. But it's clear that the leaders of many of these companies are concerned about the costs and complexities of the technology itself. Earliest info on new businesses, homeowners Sales Prospecting Center Real info, real opportunities. HireSanJose Fill an opening, find a job Internet Directory Local businesses on the web Legal Center Hundreds of business legal tools Office Products Special deals on equipment, supplies.