Today, most companies are leaner than ever before. Managers are held accountable for the results of their projects, and smaller budgets need to go much further. Business decisions are made differently than they were just a few years ago. It's no longer considered a wise choice to simply hire the biggest because “They're the safest bet.” One has to justify any decision with reason and objectivity.

Among the people who hire design firms, conversations inevitably arise about assigning a project to a small firm. Their questions address service, quality, creativity and budget. Several factors make small firms the logical alternative to large ones.

More Personal and Immediate Service -- The people you talk to at small firms own the businesses they represent. Because of this, it is in their interest to address your issues as well as, if not better than, a large firm. Owners provide exceptional service to customers because their livelihood and future depend on it. And with frequent and personal attention, your project isn't lost among the crowd. In large firms, it's much harder to inspire that kind of motivation.

Quality and Creativity -- Powerful, affordable technology has enabled creativity in even the smallest design firms to flourish. This is achieved by significantly reducing the time needed to execute ideas, leaving a lot more time devoted to the most important part of your job...the development of ideas. Years ago at least 30% of a project's time was reserved for producing presentation materials. Now maybe only 10% is needed. Secondly, although the creative aspect of a project is the most visible, the refinement and production of the chosen concept is always the make-or-break part. Technology makes huge savings available through fast and easy changes which previously took weeks to do.

Budget -- Although cost should not be the sole reason for your choice of firms, it is an influencing factor. You need to feel confident that the firm you choose understands your needs and has the skills to do the job. But if a small firm has the right experience and offers the service you want; if the work is thoughtful and imaginative, then why pay more for it? Small firms are simply not burdened with unnecessary overhead, and you are not burdened with the price.