It's quite possible for a small business to compete against a behemoth. However, instead of competing, try finding ways to gain the advantages that larger companies have. If you own a small pet shop, form an alliance with other small pet shops in your neighborhood. It's a great way to level the playing field. Larger companies have greater purchasing power. It is cheaper for them to buy the same supplies that you sell in your store because they are buying in bulk. By teaming up with other small pet shops in your neighborhood, you will increase your buying power and save money.

If you are self-employed, you can team up with large corporations by offering them employee discounts. Some doggie daycare centers are teaming up with corporations that have offices in their neighborhoods to provide pet sitting and daycare services for the corporation's employees. It's not that different from corporate packages that offer childcare services, with the corporation paying a portion of the fees.

Kevin O'Brien, co-owner of PetRelocation.com, has linked his business to many leading corporations. “The cost of relocating you and your family to a new job across the country or overseas is often covered by large corporations,” says O'Brien. “Since people consider their pets family members, many corporations are paying to safely relocate the family pet. So, it makes sense for a company like mine to hook up with a large corporation.”