The day I started this post it was raining – I’m not complaining, as we’re suffering from a dought and way below our normal rainfall. As I was watching the rain fall softly, I noticed something moving in our birdfeeder. We have a birdfeeder that is designed to allow small birds to enter and eat seeds while keeping out squirrels and large birds. It uses a wire mesh that surrounds the feed tube and seems to work quite well. The squirrels are able to hang on the wire upside down and scoop seeds out of the overflow tray with their paws, but not empty the feeder completely.

The designer of this particular feeder put up obstacles to the larger animals and birds, but has created opportunities for other enterprising individuals. One person’s (or animal’s) obstacle is another’s opportunity! A certain enterprising chipmunk has learned that if the larger feeders have been emptied by the squirrels, he can climb through the mesh of the small birdfeeder, sit in the tray and eat until he’s full. In fact, he’s also discovered that he can dislodge a loose metal perch and give himself just enough room to wiggle INTO the feeder tube and eat to his little heart’s content. (Personally I’m waiting for him to overindulge and get stuck inside the tube.)

Small businesses are often presented with similar situations. Small business can thrive by recognizing spots where they can out-perform their larger competitors. How can you find your opportunity? Get to know other businesses in your community, talk to your customers – where do you excel? How are you different? Find a focus, find a passion, be the best at something and let others know through networking. Small business is the heartbeat of our economy – we must succeed and we will succeed! Stay positive, stay focused, stay on track and keep being successful!! (BE the chipmunk!)