What I love most about working for BizUnite is that in addition to working with the latest Web 2.0 technologies, we are building a product that will support the Independent Business owner by giving them the tools they need to succeed in a “marketscape” dominated by large extremely efficient and aggressive competitors. As many of us know, our economy is greatly impacted by the “health” of the Independent Business. So for me, there is a personal comfort in knowing that I’m contributing to something that can have such a positive impact in the communities in which we live.

Has anyone noticed how Goliath retailers are trying so hard to seem so small? Starbucks has their Barista picks, Whole Foods has their locally grown stuff, and REI has staff activity photos right as you enter the store. Heck, even the "I could be your grandfather" greeter at Wallmart is an attempt at localization. These chains are looking more and more like the corner store, but the problem for the Davids is, the Goliaths are doing a pretty good job at it. They re out localizing the local "guy", and ultimately eroding a crucial advantage for the local independent businessperson.

How can the Davids respond? They need to out Goliath the Goliaths. This can be done through collaboration; on best practices, on better cost savings (ex. insurance), and on access to marketing tools that only the "well budgeted" Goliath' can get. If they can do this, then their natural localness should allow them to win.

Check out more on Goliath Clout^sm at BizUnite.

Ben

We're an Independent Business Platform, but since we more or less created the phrase - not many people understand what that is. Heck - we're still defining what that is. I usually describe BizUnite as an online tool or social media haven for independent businesses. It depends on who I'm talking to.

Web 2.0 + United Independent Biz Power + Business Tools = BizUnite

We're not just another niche social network. Why? Because most independent businesses don't want to spend their time "social networking," but they do want their businesses to be more successful, to achieve their impossible dream and to collaborate with other entrepreneurs.

With that in mind, we're creating a tool that helps independent businesses (we affectionately call them "indies")  achieve all the above and more. Through saving money, marketing tools and expert advice all in a collaborative environment.

Pass it on and stay tuned. There's more to come.

- Sonciary

I think I've always been an advocate for the independent business. In high school, I supported local theater houses and independent artists at the Sharon Arts Center in Peterborough, New Hampshire. In college, I refused to shop at large record stores, instead opting to buy from independent music stores like Grimey's in Nashville, TN. (I love Grimey's.)

I'm an experience buyer, so the experience I have when searching for a product is just as important as the product itself. Whether I'm walking in or clicking around - I'm taking it all in. Yes, it's true that I've shopped at BIG BOX CO. because cash is tight and I thought "Hey, I can save some 'bones' here." (Bones = Dollar Bills...Well, that's what Gary Vaynerchuk calls them anyways...)

What I found was a miserable experience (and I didn't really save any bones). From the packed parking lots to the trashy aisles to the non-existent customer service, it was awful and everyone knows it. How do I know they know? I haven't see a single person smile in all my shopping experiences at BIG BOX CO. Have you?

Really, I'm not trying to put anyone down here. It's just that I love to smile and see other people smile too. When I decide spend my hard earned money, I want to enjoy the experience of spending it. Plus, it makes me feel good to know I'm supporting my local community - like I'm a part of something bigger than myself. It's that simple.

Where do you shop? Do you have an indie story?

- Sonciary

Ok, a web startup with a blog is nothing unique, but this is our genuine attempt to give you a periscope depth view of our company.

First things first - We're a unique team of individuals all working together to build BizUnite, an online independent business platform right here in the old cotton mills of Manchester, NH.

We like to say we're giving the Davids (independent businesses) Goliath Clout (SM), through collaboration, cost savings, marketing tools, and shared best practices.

Some of the things we plan for this blog are product updates (of course), team videos, pictures, and I'm sure attempts at hilarity.

Are you a David in need of Goliath Clout (SM)? What's your story?

- Ben