09 Jul 2009, Posted by Matthew Reinbold in Events,New Work Ways, 3 Comments

Small and Special Business Conference Recap

Last week I had the distinct pleasure of attending the Small and Special Conference, an event about people that had turned their passions into businesses. It was put on by Jackson Fish Market, a quirky software development firm made up of ex-Microsoftees (full recap is now available on their site). There were a number of takeaways – the inspiring stories of overcoming adversity, the eye opening diversity of how people are able to make money, etc. However, for me and my Vox Pops, what was most valuable was the reinforcement that there are alternatives to going big and selling out.

There has been a lot of discussion lately among similarly size conscious firms about labeling. What do you call an organization intent on staying small, nimble, and cash-flow positive? Till now, “Lifestyle Businesses” is about the only thing that has stuck. The problem with that term is manifold, as the 37 Signals blog rightfully points out:

The question was put to many: “Do you want to build a nice lifestyle business or do you want to build a real business.” How condescending is that? I’m not positive I understand the subtleties and nuances of these labels, but I think I have a good idea of what’s meant by them: A lifestyle business is for the hacks and amateurs while a real business is for the big guns and grown-ups.

The Redeye VC blog is currently calling upon its readers for new name ideas. My favorite so far? Freestanding Business. There’s no reference or implication of diminutive size, sounds strong, and reinforces the notion that the doors will stay open without wheelbarrow of investment.

I’ll finish with a great video featuring David Heinemeier Hansson. Sure, he’s a pretty boy. But in a world enraptured with quick wealth and completely automated income its refreshing to hear there are other measures of success.