If you have a family owned and operated business, you probably already know that the bigger companies have plenty of advantages over you. However, what about the advantages you possess over them? There are lots of ways that you as a small, family owned business can get the edge over your competition every day. One way you can do this is through your sales and marketing. You have a great deal to offer versus your competitors when it comes to sales and marketing. How so?

For example, with sales and marketing, it might surprise you to know that you can take advantage of perks other companies can't. For one thing, your setup alone gives you some advantages over bigger companies in this area. In fact, a larger company wouldn't even want to attempt some of these steps, because they would be ineffectual at best. Here are some techniques to get you started and to give you a good place to begin.

Tell Everyone Where You Are From.

If you come from a family operated business, you'll find that you have a story. Just because you might be tired of hearing about it doesn't mean that other people are. Write down in a few pages about how your family got started in this field and some of the problems that you have conquered along the way. You'll find that people love hearing stories, especially if you can provide them on CD or DVD, so get creative.

Why Are You Special?

Today, it is as common to hop jobs every few years as it used to be to stay in one place for your entire working life. Let's face it, for the most part, "job security" has no meaning to anyone anymore. People today are very insecure about their jobs and doubt that the company has any loyalty them. So, take a moment to let people know how you take care of things. Do you usually promote from within, or always? Do you look out for your employees? Show everyone how different you are from those big, monolithic corporations that simply hire nameless, faceless bodies to get the job done (and just as easily replace them), and you'll go a long way toward cementing both employee and customer loyalty.

Show off Your True Nature

Although you might be concerned that its a potential disadvantage, make sure that everyone knows that youre a family business. Put it into your corporate slogan or put it into your advertising, along with how long you have been in business. You'll find that this is an important way to let your company get to know you and to create an identity that they can be familiar with.

Give and Take Credit When Deserved

This is another area where today's corporate world falls short. If someone has done especially amazing things to help you get where you are, say so. Make a point of recognising the people who have made your company so successful. Of course, you can put the spotlight on upper management, but be aware that the people that get the bulk of your work done are likely the lower level employees. Make sure those folks get noticed too. This will help your customers know that you care about the people that work for you, top to bottom.

For many people, a family oriented business is something to be proud of. So if this is who you are, what are you waiting for? Get the word out: take advantage of the advertising that is possible for you and no one else.