Enterprise Content Management creates successful SYNERGIES between paper, document, and web content. It focuses your best marketing on best opportunities. It streamlines processes. Cuts costs. Edges your competition. Boosts customer loyalty. Spurs growth. And sustains innovation. But only if you have know-how and tools to set up your BEST ECM Solution.

Would anyone argue those goals and values apply to small business? Without a doubt! Is anyone there interested in that customer? Not a chance! They prefer BIG (enterprise) customers.

I use a now familiar introductory line when speaking with sales representatives on show floor at major conferences. As I approach with my "Press" badge prominently displayed to alert them to potential of that coveted "free promotion" that is so vital to growing companies and say, "I'm covering solutions of interest to small business. Does your company offer anything targeted at that market?"

They usually stare back blankly and respond with confusion saying, "Not really." They look me over quickly noting lack of corporate uniform three piece suit, I wear instead blue jeans and polo shirt. "Who are you with?" Meaning, of course, "Are you BIG enough for me to care?" They inevitably shunt me over to "Marketing Director" because, "She'll be able to answer your questions better."

As Miss Marketing Director approaches, all smiles, I ask again adding, " . . . or do you partner with any resellers or offer hosted applications to microbusiness?"

Inevitably she'll stumble, steady and then with furrowed brow often makes it clear she is thinking, "No, but what a great idea! I'll have to propose that in business development meeting on Monday!" And sometimes she'll even say it directly, "Not currently, but I sure do wonder why we're not persuing that market!"

I recently stumbled across a wonderful application for small business through affiliate tracking firm, Commission Junction. It was promoted via their in-house forum to members of other affiliate programs who use their tracking services. Oddly, it is offered by one of MONSTER's of ebusiness, Oracle.

Just as strangely, it is one of most powerful and yet affordable programs I've ever seen for small business owner online. It's called "Small Business Suite" and it's based on their Enterprise Customer Relationship Management software. (That's ECRM for you corporate geeks.)