Why do we still need to have Small Business Week? Is it not time to skip the somewhat patronizing 'good job' pat on the head followed by 'now let the big boys get back to the real work'.

When the US celebrated Small Business Week in May of 2009, President Obama used these words;

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of cities and towns across the country. Over the last decade, small businesses created 70 percent of new jobs, and they are responsible for half of all jobs in the private sector. They also help enhance the lives of our citizens by improving our quality of life and creating personal wealth. Small businesses will lead the way to prosperity, particularly in today's challenging economic environment."

In Canada we recognize Small Business Week in October and the endorsement that President Obama used is just as relevant. Across North America whether you call us entrepreneurs or small business owners we know that we are the face of the new economy.

So how can small business take its rightful place in the new economic landscape?

A good start would be the realization that hiring is no longer about taking on full or part time employees as it is about micro-hiring. Small businesses such as my own (a coaching company) often create a support team of part time, virtual and (or) contracted help. In the same way that it takes an accrued number of clients to make my income; the work that I pay these 'employees' for means that I am in turn a percentage of their revenue. Monies that they will use to buy groceries, pay their bills and sustain their own companies.