Setting an arbitrary budget and then going out and finding a way to spend it is decidedly non-strategic.

The better approach is to first develop a sound strategy, and then figure out how to fund and implement it. In the corporate world, good plans find money, whether budget "exists" or not. Likewise, you have more options than you might think...

You may not ever be able to match your competitors' economies of scale. But that's not the only competitive advantage in town. 

As a small business one of the best advantages you have is the ability to be nimble. Here's how to leverage that advantage...