While there are several different definitions of SMBs, the Small Business Administration defines them as businesses that have fewer than 500 employees. Using this definition, the SBA has stated that there are 28.8 million SMBs in the US, representing 99.7% of all US businesses.

More and more of those businesses are realizing that technology is a key element in their strategy for success. And while they’re too small for an in-house tech team, they are rapidly growing beyond the brother-in-law's-neighbor-IT-Guy level. Regardless of the product or service they bring to the market, consistent, thoughtful outreach is important not just for winning new customers but for deepening their relationships with those they have.  It doesn’t take many phone system glitches to lose customers; on the other hand, those that embrace the possibilities afforded by innovation find social media can supercharge the exponential effect of positive word-of-mouth.