Advantages of Being a Larger Firm
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The Advantages of Being a Larger Firm
Introduction
I’ve always advised firms to view growth (defined as an increased body count) as something largely neutral. It’s not good or bad—just different. That can relieve the inappropriate pressure to grow, grow, grow. So called “developed” cultures place a premium on growth, even to the point of saying “if you aren’t growing, you’re dying.”
Nonsense. That may work for trees, but oceans and rocks don’t really care. So instead of chasing growth as the solution to what ails your firm, consider growth carefully. There are, after all, significant advantages in being a larger firm. That’s true for being a smaller firm, too (see the free position paper on that side of the equation). It just comes down to what’s important to you, what fits your style, and what your particular abilities might be.
One thing I will say, though, before glorifying growth: fix the current issues before you grow. Growing with the current issues unsolved will simply make them more acute. If the merry-go-round is spinning a bit too fast right now, you’re going to fling the weaker kids off when you go faster (i.e., get bigger). You’re not going to grow out of your issues.
Nine Reasons Why Large Can Be Good
Now, here are nine advantages you’ll enjoy as a larger firm:
