Big VS Small Companies

It is interesting to think of people’s perceptions of big vs small companies. I think most of the time people get worried about working with smaller companies that may not have the best or most advanced websites. What will the service be like? Can I rely on them? What if they do not meet my expectations, is their any liability?
Many people often stick with larger companies whose brand they recognize, whose website is advanced, and whose policies are set in place.

What I’ve learned over the last year is that often times I end up receiving better customer service, a better product or service, and relability with small companies then I have with larger companies.

This year at Topaz we’ve taken some time to search out a few suppliers whom we had never done business with and who only had a few employees each. Some we found through their websites, and some through referrals.
Here are a few examples of small companies we’ve worked with over the last year who have really impressed us:

Nils Myers-152 West Productions: We hired Nils from across the country on a website search, without a referral. Yes, most people would call us crazy, but after looking through his website and speaking with him on the phone I just had a good feeling. Our CEO Brad was going to be giving a presentation in California and we needed a videographer in that area. We hired Nils to film Brad and then edit the videos so we could use them on our Youtube channel and for other marketing purposes. Nils was professional from the beginning of the transaction until the end. He was timely throughout the entire project and presented us with great video footage.

Kim-Seven Thirty Three Custom Blog Design: I needed an up-grade to my blog design and I needed it bad and quick. Kim to the rescue! I heard of Kim through a friend’s blog who had her blog re-designed by Kim. I quickly browsed through Kim’s website and portfolio and knew she was the designer for me. Within 48 hours Kim had my blog re-designed exactly the way I wanted it. Her operationally efficency from deposit, to design, to final payment was flawless. She is talented and knows how to run a business, a deadly combination for success.

Jim Meegan-Jim Meegan Video Productions: So full disclosure here: Jim is my brother-In-law. However, that is not why I chose to have him do our videos. I would never suggest someone to my boss who I didn’t think would do a phenominal job. Jim is a videographer in the Boston area who does a variety of videogprahy work from weddings, businesses, events, education, etc. He is also a videographer for every Boston Red Sox home game. I knew from seeing Jim’s work that he would produce something amazing at a great price. He rented a studio and filmed segment videos of Brad and I to use as marketing pieces on our website. He even showed up with a teleprompter. Jim comes highly recommended, not from a family member, but from a satisfied client. Check out his work for yourself on his blog.

Amber Singleton Riviere-Give Back Project Amber is in charge of a really neat project that offers marketing, website analysis and design services to small businesses and entrepreneurs at a low cost. Her goal is for the entrepreneur to eventually be able to be self reliant and up-date the site themselves. She has a great portfolio and great testimonials. We had her analyze our website to get her professional opinions on possible revisions. She responded promptly and with insightful ideas. Amber has a great mission and continually succeeds at fulfilling it.


To all of the small businesses above, thank you for all of your great work. You are the true definition of how sometimes small companies do better work than big companies and are just as, if not more reliable.