In most of the countries I have travelled, including those in Southeast Asia and the Americas, I have noticed a diminishing population of small mom and pop businesses in residential and city areas where companies such Walmart, 7-11 and other mass marketing companies have been built. As a small business owner of a family mom and pop shop you have watched other small shops go out of business and your volume of business is dropping as well. Your running scared. But, you think, how can I compete?

First, begin to consider changing the way you approach business. And remember this as you read. It has often been said that it is not the smartest or the strongest that survive, but those who have adapted to change.

Walmart is able to offer low prices for a variety of reasons. One reason is because of the huge volume of goods they import from China. But, you say, I can't import huge volumes of goods, I do not have the storage space or the up-front capital. That assumption is not necessarily true. Start networking with other small businesses, such as yourself, on a local and regional basis. Introduce your idea to them about purchasing goods (in large lots) that are in common need to all of your businesses. For example, do you and the other businesses sell soups, candles, dried goods, cosmetics, dishware, silverware, pots, pans, small to medium sized electrical appliances, clothing, canned goods, CDs, DVDS, over-the-counter pharmaceutical products, personal care items? If you can organize a group of 25 or 100 small mom and pop shops together you can begin purchasing in volume lots (and from China like Walmart does) and save money at the bottom line.

The other tip is to take a walk into any Walmart and 7-11. What do both of these businesses have in common? Their shelves are always fully STOCKED! The friendly staff aren't glued to the television or radio listening to the FIFA football match or soap opera. The interiors of these stores are well lit, plenty of lighting. All products have a price reference. All products are dust free. Customers always get a RECEIPT for their purchases. Customers can bring back defective items and receive a refund or exchange. The cashiers are not gabbing to customers, or their boyfriends or girlfriends on the telephone. And, the floors, walls, and ceilings of these businesses are kept very, very clean.

Walmart also uses a price-point strategy of marketing. The first thing you see when you walk into any Walmart, anywhere in the world, are presentations of low cost high quality goods. Also, every single possible square inch of floor and wall space is used for marketing some type of product. Any unused floor or wall space is considered a loss of sales revenue. How well used is all of your potential marketing space?

HubPage writer Cindyvine wrote to me here on the posting board on this page about the importance of small businesses having an online presence to help market and sell their goods.  That is great advice.  Walmart has developed an online marketing presence which is responsible for a great volume of their sales.  Cindyvine has a great business background.  I suggested visiting her HubPages, click on her icon below, for more business information.

Also, keep as much as possible the same open and working hours as those who you are competing against. The first time you are not open when a potential customer needs a product from your store may be the last time he or she considers you as a shopping option. If there is a Walmart or a 7-11 open nearby when you are not, you can kiss that customer good-bye.

To sum up, I have presented a few tips for small family mom and pop stores on how to compete and survive in what is now a very competitive business market. I hope that you act on some of my ideas and not let your business wither and die. I have seen too much of that already, and it is sad. Because of my international travel, I am providing you with marketing observations from a global perspective.