I really am nauseated by the indefensible practices of some of our corporate giants. It is always the same old story–anything to lower costs and increase profits. Absolutely anything. The stories are many and varied and we all know them. We watched the auto industry give it up to Japan because they refused to deliver a quality product that America wanted. They pollute our water, pollute our air, employ child labor and generally do anything they can to raise profits and reduce costs without care or concern for their consumers, their customers. That is the way it is for them.

Alternatively, we see small business owners who truly get it and who deliver excellent products, environmentally safe and socially redeeming. Fair trade coffee, free-range chicken and grass-fed beef, organic produce, products made from recycled materials, etc. Small businesses are taking the high road.

One would think the corporate giants would eventually understand that they can not continue to do this and remain in business. The small business owner is leading the way and making huge strides in demonstrating that the consumer will pay more for quality and pureness. It is not just about how cheap it can be made and how much profit can be earned, it is about sustainability and commitment to our long-term goals. Safe, clean and fair goods and services.

The latest insult is in farmed salmon. We have disrespected the oceans and have fished salmon to near extinction, and thus corporate America has figured out how to farm fish and raise them commercially, seemingly a great idea but of course they are up to their old tricks and have used adulterated food to increase growth and adding color to make the flesh of the fish more appealing. They are essentially selling us poisoned fish, full of chemicals of all sorts and adulterated food sources, rendering it inedible for those who are concerned about what they eat. A nice idea, undone by the greed of the industry. How sad.

So I say to you small business owners, entrepreneurs, risk-takers, visionaries, explorers, adventurers… hold the course, full steam ahead and damn the torpedoes. We will win in the end. We will lead and show them the way. It is not just about price, costs and profits. This is our advantage, we know this and we can capitalize on this truth. Quality is the supreme factor, honesty is its foundation, integrity its source of power. Onward through the fog. We can not only survive, we can win. Take heed and make this part of your business plan: deliver a safe, quality, fair product or service and your marketplace will embrace you.